Lil Nas X, the Grammy-winning rapper known for his chart-topping hits and unapologetic self-expression, has candidly discussed his strained relationship with Black Entertainment Television (BET) and feelings of exclusion from segments of the Black community.
Despite the commercial and critical success of his debut album Montero, which featured multiple hit singles and received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year, Lil Nas X was notably absent from the 2022 BET Awards nominations.
This omission marked the second consecutive year he was overlooked by the network. In response, the artist expressed his frustration on social media, highlighting what he perceives as a broader issue of homophobia within the Black community.
In a subsequent interview, Lil Nas X elaborated on his "painful and strained" history with BET, revealing that prior to his 2021 performance at the BET Awards, he was asked to provide assurances that he was not a "satanist or devil worshiper" and that his performance would be appropriate for their audience.
This request came after controversy surrounding his "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" music video, which featured bold religious imagery.
The artist's 2021 BET Awards performance, which concluded with him kissing a male dancer on stage, was both celebrated and criticized.
Reflecting on the experience, Lil Nas X likened it to "jumping in a lake full of sharks and piranhas," acknowledging the fear and apprehension he felt performing in a space he perceived as unwelcoming.
In protest of his continued exclusion, Lil Nas X released the single "Late to da Party," featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again, which includes the provocative lyric "F--- BET."
The song's cover art depicts a BET Award trophy being discarded in a toilet, symbolizing his discontent.
BET responded to the controversy by stating that nominations are determined by a voting academy composed of industry professionals and that no BET employees are members of this academy.
The network emphasized its commitment to diversity and inclusion within the Black community.
Lil Nas X's experiences have sparked broader conversations about representation and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals within the Black community and the music industry at large.
His advocacy continues to challenge norms and push for greater inclusivity.
Despite the commercial and critical success of his debut album Montero, which featured multiple hit singles and received a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year, Lil Nas X was notably absent from the 2022 BET Awards nominations.
This omission marked the second consecutive year he was overlooked by the network. In response, the artist expressed his frustration on social media, highlighting what he perceives as a broader issue of homophobia within the Black community.
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| Credit: Lil Nas X/Facebook |
In a subsequent interview, Lil Nas X elaborated on his "painful and strained" history with BET, revealing that prior to his 2021 performance at the BET Awards, he was asked to provide assurances that he was not a "satanist or devil worshiper" and that his performance would be appropriate for their audience.
This request came after controversy surrounding his "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" music video, which featured bold religious imagery.
The artist's 2021 BET Awards performance, which concluded with him kissing a male dancer on stage, was both celebrated and criticized.
Reflecting on the experience, Lil Nas X likened it to "jumping in a lake full of sharks and piranhas," acknowledging the fear and apprehension he felt performing in a space he perceived as unwelcoming.
In protest of his continued exclusion, Lil Nas X released the single "Late to da Party," featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again, which includes the provocative lyric "F--- BET."
The song's cover art depicts a BET Award trophy being discarded in a toilet, symbolizing his discontent.
BET responded to the controversy by stating that nominations are determined by a voting academy composed of industry professionals and that no BET employees are members of this academy.
The network emphasized its commitment to diversity and inclusion within the Black community.
Lil Nas X's experiences have sparked broader conversations about representation and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals within the Black community and the music industry at large.
His advocacy continues to challenge norms and push for greater inclusivity.
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