Lil Nas X released his highly anticipated debut album “MONTERO” on Sept. 17. Self-titled after the rapper’s birth name, the album sold over 129,000 units in its first week and details a journey of self-discovery, isolation, depression and unabashed queerness. With features from Jack Harlow, Doja Cat and Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Nas X shows that he is firmly staying in the game.

Lil Nas X’s claim to fame came about when he independently released his debut hit single “Old Town Road” in 2018. This song would later come out with a remix featuring Billy Ray Cyrus in April of 2019.

“Old Town Road” brought Lil Nas X massive popularity and held its peak at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a record-breaking streak of 19 consecutive weeks. By October, the song had sold over 10 million units in the US alone, becoming the fastest certified diamond song in US music history.

“MONTERO” includes not only some of the most successful contemporary rappers but also features Elton John and Miley Cyrus for some of the more emotional tracks on the album to celebrate his queerness as well as overcoming his own struggles.

Despite debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 chart, “MONTERO” is arguably the greatest musical achievement of 2021.

In the three years since breaking onto the scene, the now 22-year-old rapper has faced immense homophobia and disrespect from not only the general public but also his peers. Still, Lil Nas X has not let it deter him. The success of “MONTERO” on the charts has proved that one does not have to shrink themself and fold their identity into something easily digestible to achieve success.

The album is creative, sonically cohesive and lyrically wonderful. With his album’s success, Lil Nas X proves that his music will only keep getting better and better as he fine-tunes his craft.