You know by now that Lil Nas X is better than 99 percent of the population at creating the kind of viral hit that’s catnip for children (so good in fact, you’d think he was also behind the monsters who created “Baby Shark.”)
Well, just know that Lil Nas X is (way) better than you at the internet, too.
The 20-year-old “Old Town Road” rapper, who officially came out last Sunday, had the perfect message for all the internet trolls who had derogatory things to say about his sexuality:
Earlier that day, Lil Nas X also quipped, “just got news that i’m gay and i will no longer be streaming my music. i’m sorry that shit is just not ok.”
As TMZ reports, the genre-bending artist was very deliberate in hinting at his sexuality—which he “deadass thought [was] obvious”—instructing the illustrator who did the album art for his EP 7 to add a rainbow motif after being shown a first draft.
Many were thrilled that the rapper came out last week—on World Pride day, nevertheless—particularly given the general lack of visibility for gay black men in hip-hop.
South Bend, Ind., mayor and presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg joined in congratulating Lil Nas X on his coming out. Buttigieg, the first openly gay candidate to run for president, tweeted on Tuesday, “As a fan, I’m thrilled and inspired to see him standing in his truth as a member of the LGBTQ community. Welcome to the family! #pride.”
Lil Nas X is in France right now promoting 7, and yes, those tweets are just as good as his troll clapbacks.