Lil Nas X Is Not Trying To Comfort Anyone

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Every generation has its musical "boogeyman." The Rolling Stones, N.W.A., Madonna. And the latest musician to be inducted into this notorious list is Lil Nas X. Not only has he broken Billboard records, he's breaking barriers.

The rap-pop star uses his provocative music, videos and comedic clapbacks to critics to generate conversations about what it means to be Black and queer in the music industry. It's a position the 22-year-old does not take lightly, but he's not trying to limit his own artistic narrative either.

Lil Nas X spoke with NPR Music's Sidney Madden about his debut album "Montero."

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This episode was produced by Brianna Scott, Jonaki Mehta, Mallory Yu and Sidney Madden. It was edited by Lee Hale and Fatma Tanis. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.