Lil Nas X on Confidence: “I Had to Build It from Nothing”

For years, Lil Nas X has been more than just a chart-topping artist—he has been a cultural force, a provocateur, and an icon of self-expression. From his explosive breakout with Old Town Road to his bold performances that challenge norms, he has continually redefined what it means to be a modern superstar.

Yet, beneath the flashy outfits, the viral social media posts, and the fearless performances, there lies a truth that many might not expect: Lil Nas X was not always confident.

In a rare and revealing moment, he admitted: “I had to build it from nothing.” But what did that journey look like? How did he transform from a quiet internet kid into one of the most daring and self-assured artists of this generation?

The story of Lil Nas X’s confidence is not just about fame—it’s about struggle, reinvention, and an unshakable belief in oneself. But was it real confidence, or was it all a mask?

The Rise: From Anonymity to Global Stardom

The Internet Kid Who Dreamed Big

Before the Grammys, before the controversies, before the music videos that shook the world, Montero Hill—the real name behind Lil Nas X—was just a kid trying to figure out his place. Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, he spent much of his teenage years online, crafting memes, tweeting into the void, and dreaming of something bigger.

In interviews, he has admitted that, at the time, he wasn’t the outspoken, confident artist the world sees today. Instead, he was just a quiet kid with an internet connection and a relentless drive to escape his circumstances.

Then came Old Town Road.

The Overnight Success That Changed Everything

When Old Town Road blew up in 2019, it was more than just a hit—it was a cultural earthquake. A genre-blending, meme-fueled track that refused to die, it shattered records, staying at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 weeks, the longest in history.

Suddenly, the internet kid was a global sensation. But with that success came an unexpected challenge: Could he handle the fame?

Confidence wasn’t something he was born with—it was something he had to construct, piece by piece, under the blinding spotlight of fame.

The Struggle: The Hidden Battle Behind the Persona

The Pressure of Proving Himself

With success comes scrutiny. Almost overnight, Lil Nas X went from an anonymous Twitter user to one of the most talked-about artists in the world.

Many critics dismissed him as a one-hit wonder, someone who had stumbled into fame but wouldn’t last. The pressure was immense. Could he prove them wrong? Could he be more than just “that cowboy rapper” from a viral meme?

For Lil Nas X, this was the moment that would define him—either he let the doubts consume him, or he fought back.

He chose the latter.

His response? Reinvention. Boldness. A new version of himself that was unapologetically fearless.

Coming Out: The Ultimate Test of Confidence

In June 2019, at the height of Old Town Road’s success, Lil Nas X made a move that shocked the industry—he publicly came out as gay.

For many artists, coming out is a deeply personal decision, often made in private. But Lil Nas X did it under the harshest spotlight imaginable, in a genre that had historically struggled with LGBTQ+ representation.

The reactions were mixed. While many fans celebrated his honesty, others—particularly in the hip-hop and country music communities—were less accepting.

Yet, instead of backing down, Lil Nas X doubled down on his identity, incorporating it into his music, visuals, and performances.

But behind the confidence, there was still uncertainty.

He later admitted: “I was scared, to be honest. But I knew if I didn’t do it, I’d never forgive myself.”

This was the moment when confidence stopped being just an image—it became his survival mechanism.

The Transformation: How Lil Nas X Built Unshakable Confidence

The Art of Fearlessness

With the release of Montero (Call Me By Your Name) in 2021, Lil Nas X proved that he was not just an artist—he was a statement.

The music video, which featured him descending into hell and giving Satan a lap dance, was one of the most controversial moments in modern music history.

It was also a test.

Would he buckle under the backlash? Would he soften his artistic vision to appease critics?

No. Instead, he leaned in harder.

• He launched the infamous “Satan Shoes” marketing campaign.

• He embraced every controversy, turning hate into fuel.

• He became a master of owning the narrative instead of letting the industry control him.

But here’s the real question: Was this real confidence, or was it just defiance?

The Truth About His Confidence

In multiple interviews, Lil Nas X has admitted that, despite his fearless public persona, he still struggles with self-doubt, anxiety, and imposter syndrome.

“There are days I wake up and feel like I don’t belong here,” he once said. “But confidence isn’t about never feeling insecure—it’s about pushing through anyway.”

His confidence wasn’t something that magically appeared—it was something he actively built.

• He forced himself into situations that terrified him.

• He learned to see rejection as just another part of the game.

• He turned vulnerability into power.

The key lesson? Confidence isn’t about never feeling afraid—it’s about acting like you aren’t.

Is Lil Nas X’s Confidence Real?

So, when Lil Nas X says, “I had to build it from nothing,” what does he really mean?

It means that the fearless icon we see today—the one who shakes up the industry, laughs in the face of controversy, and redefines masculinity in music—wasn’t always there.

He created that version of himself.

And that’s what makes his confidence so real.

It’s not just an image. It’s a choice, a mindset, a survival tactic.

And if there’s one thing his journey proves, it’s this: Confidence isn’t given. It’s made.

Now, the question is—how far will he take it next?