Lil Nas X’s Golden Armor at Met Gala 2021 Was a Hidden Montero Easter Egg

When it comes to bold fashion statements and creative artistry, Lil Nas X knows how to command attention. At the 2021 Met Gala, the Grammy-winning artist captivated the crowd with a series of three jaw-dropping looks that combined royal opulence with futuristic flair. But what fans didn’t realize at first glance was that his golden armor wasn’t just about high fashion—it was actually a sly Easter egg for his Montero album, specifically tying into the visuals for his song “Dolla Sign Slime” featuring Megan Thee Stallion.

Lil Nas X at the Met Gala 2021: Three Transformations in One

The Met Gala 2021 was a showcase of creativity, but Lil Nas X stood out with a dramatic three-part entrance. His fashion journey on the Met Gala stairs unfolded like a cinematic reveal:

1. The Royal Cloak – He began in a regal, oversized velvet cape embroidered with gold detailing, giving off powerful monarch vibes. The cloak concealed the transformation that was about to unfold.

2. The Golden Armor – Once the cloak dropped, Lil Nas X revealed a striking suit of golden armor, reminiscent of a medieval knight preparing for battle. The intricate design shimmered under the lights, symbolizing strength, protection, and grandeur.

3. The Glittery Bodysuit – Finally, he shed the armor to reveal a sparkling form-fitting gold bodysuit, futuristic and playful, embodying freedom and individuality.

While all three looks turned heads, it was the golden armor that carried a hidden connection to his album Montero, which dropped the same week.

The Hidden Meaning Behind the Golden Armor

Fans quickly connected the dots: the golden armor was more than just a bold fashion choice. In the visual album released alongside Montero, the video for “Dolla Sign Slime” features Lil Nas X as a powerful king in shining golden armor, seated in a medieval-inspired kingdom.

Directed by Richard Selvi, the video begins with sweeping shots of a massive castle guarded by royal soldiers. Trumpets announce the arrival of the king—Lil Nas X himself—decked out in the same dazzling armor that he revealed at the Met Gala.

This crossover between his fashion and his music was no accident. Lil Nas X is well-known for planting Easter eggs in his work, from cryptic details in his album art to subtle hints in his videos. His Met Gala appearance was yet another way to build anticipation and deepen the narrative around Montero.

Lil Nas X: The King of Easter Eggs

Lil Nas X has built a reputation as one of the most creative and meticulous artists when it comes to weaving Easter eggs into his projects. His Montero album artwork alone was loaded with symbols, references, and visual nods to songs on the record.

Fans who study his visuals closely often discover connections between his music videos, stage performances, and promotional appearances. The Met Gala look was one of his boldest examples—turning a high-fashion red carpet moment into a marketing tool for his album.

The golden armor served both as a symbol of empowerment and a teaser for his fans, blending fashion and storytelling in a way only Lil Nas X can.

“Dolla Sign Slime” Featuring Megan Thee Stallion

Among the highlights of Montero was the energetic track “Dolla Sign Slime,” which features a fiery verse from Megan Thee Stallion. The medieval visuals matched the song’s commanding lyrics, where Lil Nas X raps about wealth, success, and self-confidence.

In the video, he embodies a king who is untouchable, ruling his empire with flair and confidence. The connection between the armor at the Met Gala and the armor in the video created a unified theme across his art.

Some of the standout lyrics include lines where Lil Nas X asserts dominance and shrugs off rumors, reflecting the same confidence and power symbolized by his knight-like fashion.

The Broader Context of the Montero Album

Released in September 2021, Montero marked a significant milestone in Lil Nas X’s career. The album showcased his versatility across genres and featured collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, including:

• “Scoop” featuring Doja Cat – A playful, high-energy track that showcased chemistry between two of pop’s most charismatic stars.

• “Am I Dreaming” featuring Miley Cyrus – An emotional, haunting ballad closing the album with a reflective tone.

• “That’s What I Want” – Accompanied by a cinematic music video, this track became one of the album’s standout singles.

Each release from the album came with visual storytelling, and the Met Gala armor only amplified the immersive universe he was creating around his music.

Fashion Meets Storytelling

The Met Gala 2021 theme was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” encouraging stars to reflect American culture through their looks. Lil Nas X went beyond mere interpretation, blending fashion with his personal narrative as an artist.

By tying his look to the Montero album visuals, he blurred the line between red carpet glamor and musical promotion. His golden armor became a symbol of artistry, resilience, and theatricality—all qualities that define him as a performer.

Why Lil Nas X’s Met Gala Look Still Resonates

Years later, fans still discuss Lil Nas X’s golden armor moment as one of the best Met Gala looks of the decade. It wasn’t just the boldness of the outfit—it was the layered storytelling that made it unforgettable.

The look embodied:

• Strength and protection – Armor as a shield against criticism.

• Royalty and power – Positioning himself as a king in both fashion and music.

• Connection to Montero – A clever teaser that rewarded fans who pay attention to detail.

This strategy highlights why Lil Nas X remains not just a musician but a cultural icon who understands the value of narrative in every aspect of his public life.

Final Thoughts

Lil Nas X has proven time and time again that he is more than just a hitmaker—he is a master storyteller who uses every platform, from music videos to red carpet events, to build a larger narrative around his artistry. His Met Gala 2021 golden armor was a perfect example of this, doubling as a fashion statement and a Montero Easter egg that tied seamlessly into his “Dolla Sign Slime” visuals with Megan Thee Stallion.

By blending fashion, symbolism, and music promotion, Lil Nas X reinforced his place as one of the most innovative stars of his generation. The Met Gala wasn’t just about clothes—it was about storytelling through style.

For fans who followed the hints, the message was clear: Lil Nas X wasn’t just attending the Met Gala—he was announcing his reign.