2021 has seen some very peculiar series of events for the release of albums. Kanye West’s highly-anticipated 10th studio album Donda got delayed time and again and finally dropped after three listening events.

During the time, several ridiculous reports surfaced, including one where they said West was paying $1 million a day to stay at the Mercedes Benz Stadium. And while not as crazy as the journey leading up to Donda’s release, Lil Nas X’s album Montero has its own interesting story.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by MONTERO (@lilnasx)

To celebrate Montero’s, which he calls his baby, impending release date of September 17, 2021, the rapper and singer-songwriter did a pregnancy shoot complete with a baby bump and flower crown.

When talking to People, Lil Nas X opened up about how he got the idea to be pregnant after listening to Megan Thee Stallion’s verse on his new song ‘Dolla Sign Slime’ for the first time.

I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is amazing,’ so I immediately called my stylist. She was like, ‘Wow, this all comes together. Your album. Your Baby.’ I was like, ‘Yeah, this is my baby, huh?’ As a joke, she was like, ‘Yeah, you should do a pregnancy shoot.’ I was like, ‘You know what? That’s actually brilliant.’

‘Montero’

Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, collaborated with several artists on his new album Montero. He partnered with Elton John for a track titled ‘One of Me,’ Miley Cyrus for ‘Am I Dreaming,’ Jack Harlow for ‘Industry Baby,’ and Doja Cat for ‘Scoop.’ Megan Thee Stallion is also a part of the album.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by MONTERO (@lilnasx)

The album has 15 tracks in total and represents the rapper’s journey to where he stands and wants to be in the future.

You’re getting a lot of stories about me. You’re getting a lot of stories about my past and where I want to be in my love life. But they’re also a bop. I feel like I finally found a great balance between being as real as possible within my music and making a hit song.

Lil Nas X also added that he learned to have faith in himself through the creation of Montero. He has grown a lot in the past years, and the last two have been especially meaningful to him, as they have primarily been about self-affirmation and growth.

Named 2021 Suicide Prevention Advocate For The Trevor Project

The artist first revealed the cover art of his upcoming album on August 31, 2021, via Twitter. Just a day later, the tracklist for his album arrived as well. He was also honored with The Trevor Project’s Inaugural Suicide Prevention Advocate of the Year Award.

The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for young people of the LGBTQ community.

While accepting his award, Lil Nas X said he got messages from fans about their struggles and depression, and if his music helped even one person, then it would have all been worth it.