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Is Lil Nas X Married? What You Need to Know
Lil Nas X, the American rapper who broke the internet with hits like “Old Town Road” and “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”, has always lived his life unapologetically. But when it comes to his love life, fans often ask: Is Lil Nas X married? Spoiler alert:
Lil Nas X is not married.
But his journey through relationships and fame has revealed so much about love, connection, and identity. Let’s dive into everything we know about Lil Nas X’s dating history, his thoughts on marriage, and the lessons we can learn from his story.
The Rise of Lil Nas X
Growing up in Atlanta, Lil Nas X lived with his father after his parents divorced. His dad, a gospel singer, introduced him to the world of church music, leaving an early impression. However, life wasn’t all about hymns and choirs. It was a mix of challenges and self-discovery that shaped the artist we know today.
As a teenager, he began posting tracks online and experimenting with his sound and adopted the name “Lil Nas X” as a tribute to the rapper Nas. Everything changed in 2019 when “Old Town Road” went viral. Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, the release was a cultural phenomenon, launching Lil Nas X into the spotlight and reshaping his career forever.
Who Has Lil Nas X Dated?
From private relationships to headline-grabbing romances, Lil Nas X’s love life has been as intriguing as his music. As a songwriter, Lil Nas X draws inspiration from personal experiences, including relationships with past boyfriends. While he keeps much of his personal life private, some connections have come to light, offering fans a glimpse into his journey of love and self-expression.
Early Love: A Discreet College Romance
Before his rise to fame, Lil Nas X had a discreet boyfriend in college. Reflecting on the relationship, he described it as “very much a ‘nobody knows about it, down-low’ situation.” This early chapter of his love life coincided with a time when he was still coming to terms with his identity, navigating fear and self-discovery in an environment that wasn’t always supportive.
Related reading: Billie Eilish and Her Most Notable Relationships
Yai Ariza: A Public Love Story
Lil Nas X’s relationship with backup dancer Yai Ariza became public in 2021. Their kiss during his iconic BET Awards performance sparked widespread conversation, bringing their romance into the spotlight. Later that year, Lil Nas X confirmed their relationship, describing Ariza as “the best person I have ever dated.” However, the rapper explained that the pair had already split as he needed to focus on his music.
“I am still very much in love, but I’m trying to manage… If it’s meant [to be], it will happen in the future. Life is long.”
Lil Nas X about Yai Ariza
Their connection was further showcased in the “That’s What I Want” music video, where Ariza played his love interest. The video’s emotional depth reflected the intensity of their real-life bond.
Cody Jon: Sparking Rumours
In November 2024, Lil Nas X was photographed with Australian singer Cody Jon, fuelling speculation about a potential new boyfriend on the scene. One image, where Lil Nas X was planting a kiss on Cody’s cheek, quickly went viral, sparking a frenzy among fans.
While neither has confirmed their relationship, the sighting suggested that Lil Nas X’s love life remains as captivating as ever.
Related reading: How to Choose Between Two Guys (or Not)
Music Career Highlights
Lil Nas X’s music career has been a rollercoaster of milestones. His debut album Montero was officially released in September 2021, featuring hits like “Industry Baby” and “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” His bold creative choices—including a controversial scene in the music video where he gives Satan a lap dance—cemented his place as a groundbreaking artist.
Songs like “Old Town Road” and collaborations with artists like Nicki Minaj, Madonna, and Drake highlight his versatility. Each track is a mix of genres, blending rap, pop, and country influences to create unique vibes that dominate the charts.
Family Dynamics
Lil Nas X has spoken openly about his family, particularly the challenges he faced growing up. After his parents separated, he lived with his father, whom he credits with keeping him grounded. Despite initial tension around him coming out as gay, Lil Nas X says his dad has shown him nothing but love and support since.
Criticism and Advocacy
Lil Nas X has used his platform to challenge societal norms, spark conversations about representation, and embrace his identity unapologetically. From addressing industry bias to staging bold performances, his actions continue to inspire dialogue and push boundaries.
Calling Out the BET Awards
As a Black queer rapper, Lil Nas X highlighted industry bias in 2022 when he called out the BET Awards for excluding him from nominations.
“How can I get acknowledged by the most acclaimed award show in the world and then not even just one nomination from my own people?”
His statement shed light on the systemic barriers faced by queer Black artists in mainstream entertainment.
Lil Nas X’s Playful Side: Baby Shower and Pregnancy Stunt
Always one for theatrics, the singer announced the “birth” of his debut album, Montero, with a hilarious pregnancy photoshoot. Lil Nas X shared that working on Montero made him truly happy, as it allowed him to express his authentic self. In response to the haters, he said, “Let me get offline; all this negativity isn’t good for the baby.”
The staged baby shower and fake pregnancy test were pure Lil Nas X—turning the unconventional into entertainment.
A Bold Moment in Queer Visibility
In 2021, Lil Nas X created a cultural moment during his BET Awards performance of “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”. He kissed his backup dancer Yai Ariza on stage, igniting widespread debate, particularly within the Black community.
“The Black community… you know the views. You know the views. We can’t pretend. It’s not gonna be that way all the time, but right now we’re there.”
Despite the backlash, he seems to remain optimistic.
Lil Nas X’s Real Name: What Does Montero Mean?
Fans often wonder about the meaning behind his real name, Montero Lamar Hill. In interviews, he’s revealed he was named after the Mitsubishi Montero SUV, a car his mother liked. His stage name, “Lil Nas X,” pays homage to the late 90s and early 2000s trend of adopting “Lil” as a prefix.
Is Lil Nas X Inspired by Katy Perry and Madonna?
Lil Nas X has often cited bold entertainers like Perry and Madonna as influences. Their fearlessness and ability to blend music with entertainment helped shape his approach to his own music. Tracks like “Montero” and “Industry Baby” reflect this, combining catchy beats with visuals that spark conversation.
Lil Nas X on Marriage
“There’s an unspoken societal pressure to follow a specific life path—marriage, kids, and settling down—but it’s important to question whether that path is genuinely what you want.”
Dr. Bella DePaulo, social psychologist and author
Marriage? It’s complicated. Lil Nas X has joked about it, tweeting: “Can’t believe I’m turning 25 soon, meaning I have to get married and settle down before my biological clock ticks out.”
In a more serious X (Twitter) post, he added, “I feel like weddings are dope but not marriage. It’s time we normalize weddings without the bondage of being with someone for the rest of your life.”
Related reading: Real Talk: 11 Things You Should Know Before Dating a Married Man
What’s Next for Lil Nas X?
From dropping surprise tracks to keeping fans guessing with his social media posts, Lil Nas X always has a focus on breaking new boundaries. Whether it’s more music, another unforgettable performance, or redefining norms, one thing’s for sure—Lil Nas X will keep making waves, on his own terms.
Shelly Standford
