Lil Nas X wanted to be liked by “everybody” at the beginning of his career. The artist has gained significant popularity on streaming platforms since his breakthrough in 2019.
The 25-year-old music star released his debut album, MONTERO, in 2021, but Nas feels he’s now entered a new chapter in his life and he’s got a completely new outlook, too. His debut album received critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide.
“I wanna be myself more than ever this era,” Nas told PEOPLE. “I want to be completely free out there, only doing the things that I wanna do. If I do not want to do it, I’m not doing it. If I don’t want be there, I’m not gonna be there. I think it’s more important than ever to really stand in myself and my power and recognize where I’m taking my energy and where I don’t want to take it.” This perspective shift comes after years of navigating the music industry and public spotlight.
By contrast, Nas craved public acceptance earlier in his career. The rapper’s journey from viral sensation to established artist has involved navigating both critical acclaim and public scrutiny.
The rap star — who plans to release his new album, Dreamboy, later this year — added: “When I started to let go of it more, I would still hold onto to it. And now I’m here and I’m just … I’m showing up as me. I’m existing.” His upcoming album is one of the most anticipated releases of the year according to music industry observers.
Last year, Nas admitted that he “felt like an imposter” when he began touring. This confession resonated with many artists who struggle with sudden fame, a phenomenon commonly referred to as “imposter syndrome” in psychological circles.
The rapper first found fame online and he’s had to adjust to a new lifestyle since he began touring in 2022. His transition from internet personality to live performer marked a significant evolution in his career.
“In rehearsal, it didn’t feel like the real thing yet. I felt like I was going out there and putting on my best impression of a person [on tour],” Nas — whose real name is Montero Hill — told the BBC. His tour covered multiple cities across North America and Europe.
The “Old Town Road” hitmaker initially struggled to cope with touring, admitting that he found performing on-stage to be a “weird” experience. Performance anxiety is a common challenge for many professional musicians transitioning to live performances.
“I’d [ask myself], ‘What am I doing up here? This doesn’t feel right’. It wasn’t like talking to people online. There were actual human beings in front of me. It was weird,” he shared. Despite these challenges, he continued to develop his stage presence throughout his touring schedule.
And despite his chart success, the music star is still eager to remain popular on social media apps like TikTok. His social media presence remains an important aspect of his connection with fans worldwide.
“As far as pressure goes, you want to make sure [you have hits] because in the public eye, it gives a person value,” he said. This statement reflects the modern music industry’s emphasis on metrics and virality, where artists often feel pressure to maintain relevance.
The artist’s evolution represents a broader trend among young celebrities who are increasingly prioritizing authenticity over mass appeal. This shift mirrors changing audience expectations, with fans valuing genuine expression over carefully crafted public images.
Mental health advocates have noted the importance of artists speaking openly about their struggles, as it helps normalize conversations about performance anxiety and identity issues in the entertainment industry. His willingness to discuss personal challenges has resonated with many fans facing similar pressures.
As he prepares for his sophomore album release, music critics anticipate this new era may showcase his artistic growth and confidence. The upcoming project is expected to reflect his journey toward self-acceptance and artistic freedom, themes that have increasingly defined his public persona.
