Lil Nas X is back again with a new release after the disaster that was his last single at the beginning of the year.
Thankfully, it seems the rapping pop star learned his lesson after the backlash he received in January following the release of J.Christ, opting to pivot away from the use of religious imagery and back to the party scene.
His latest single, LIGHT AGAIN!, was released on November 15. Produced by Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter, Take a Daytrip, Omer Fedi, and Jasper Harris. Ligh Again came with a Project X-inspired music video directed by Andrew Donoho. The song serves as the introduction to his new Dreamboy era, which was first released in March on Soundcloud.
Going by the lyrics of the song, Lil Nas X is determined to not only recapture but also surpass the phenomenal success of his debut album and breakout single Old Town Road featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. Old Town Road currently holds the title for longest-run in the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100—however, that title is currently being challenged by Shaboozey’s Bar Song.
Lines like: You know I gotta catch my flight, You know I gotta reach new heights again show his unrelenting drive to soar beyond the expectations set by his record-breaking early success.
In the first verse, he goes into themes of liberation, speaking candidly about breaking free from societal pressures: I’m flyin’, yeah, I’m free now, see now, society’s tie on me released now.
These lyrics underscore Lil Nas X’s celebration of individuality and rejection of conformity, themes that remain central to his music and persona. With unapologetic confidence, he uses his platform to assert his achievements, embrace his success, and showcase his bold self-expression with pride.
In the second verse, he refutes the words of rap legend J.Cole, who says people could either “make millions” or “make memes” in his song, a lot. (Warning: the linked lyrics contain offensive language).
Nas X, however, sees things differently. In LIGHT AGAIN!, he crowns himself both King and Jester, raking in millions from music and endorsements while effortlessly maintaining his status as the internet’s reigning troll, out quipping and memeing us all from his golden throne.
Before the release, Montero took to X to share insights into his creative process, offering fans supporting context for his bold new era.
“For so long I’ve tried to make every song get as much attention as possible. Due to my fear of everyone saying I’m a flop or feeling like less,” he wrote. “But this time around I’m choosing my vision. Do I hope my songs do well? YESS but they are coming regardless, and I’m standing behind them.”
To promote the Dreamboy album and the single, he dropped a series of promotional photos, hoping to drum up support and awareness.
However, the reception of the single’s cover art did not sit well with everyone. Hours after he released it, dance artist Sega Bodega took to X to call out the rapper, stating that it was very similar to the art of his 2021 single Angel on my Shoulder.
“Not even trying to put a spin on it is where I’m like yeesh” Sega tweeted, before capitalizing on the moment in a comment on his own post. “Anyway, stream Angel on my shoulder.”
In response, Lil Nas X took to his Instagram story, acknowledging Sega’s work by labeling it a ‘ref.’
However, this gesture failed to placate the Irish artist, who expressed frustration over what he perceived as blatant copying of his cover art with minimal to no alterations.
Adding to the offense was Nas X’s decision to address the matter through an Instagram story—a medium that automatically disappears after 24 hours—suggesting, in the artist’s view, a lack of genuine accountability or sufficient recognition for the original creation.
Lil Nas X’s LIGHT AGAIN! signals an ambitious new chapter in his career, showcasing his creative evolution while navigating controversies like the dispute over his cover art.
Whether celebrated or critiqued, he remains a master of capturing attention and sparking conversation.
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