Lil Nas X and his music videos have shook the world. With his clips, he's brought impressive visual effects and technology to the forefront. He's brought a whole lot of controversy along the way as well. His videos provoke discussion and will hopefully pave the way for a new wave of artists.
Here's our ranking of every Lil Nas X video released so far.
8. "Old Town Road" (feat. Billy Ray Cyrus)
With his first video, Lil Nas X teamed up with Billy Ray Cyrus for an unexpected collaboration. The video also featured a ton of celebrity cameos, including Chris Rock and Diplo. This song holds the record for most weeks at number one of the Billboard Hot 100. Still, it's hard not to feel like this incarnation of Nas is underdeveloped, given how he would improve in the years to come.
7. "Rodeo" (feat. Nas)
This video could be seen as inspired by Michael Jackson's "Thriller." With the horror themes, this is a perfect video to watch on Halloween. It's also nice seeing big Nas showing respect to Lil Nas.
6. "Panini"
This was Nas' second video and it definitely gave people an idea of where he would go in the future. The futuristic video stars Skai Jackson and includes some stellar special effects. This kind of entertaining spectacle is what we have since come to expect from Nas.
5. "SUN GOES DOWN"
This video offered a more personal view of Nas' world, while maintaining a surreal element. The video recounts his days working at Taco Bell and attending high school. There's even a cameo from his father. The future Nas watching over past Nas should give people hope that things actually do get better.
4. "HOLIDAY"
Lil Nas X shows us that anything Santa Claus can do, he can do better! This Christmas-themed video puts a new spin on the holiday. There's also tons of hidden Easter eggs that fans are still discovering. We even have a tribute to Michael Jackson in the song's lyrics.
3. "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)"
The biblical story of Adam and Eve gets a new twist thanks to Lil Nas X. We also see Nas going down to Hell and giving Satan a lap dance. All this before killing him and taking his powers. According to Nas, this was meant to reclaim the narrative that gay people are going to Hell. The release of the video coincided with Nas' limited line of Satan Shoes. Not since Madonna has an artist mastered the art of controversy and timing. The result was a global hit.
2. "INDUSTRY BABY" (feat. Jack Harlow)
If Lil Nas X is going to prison for being gay, you better believe he'll make it the gayest place imaginable! There's a nude shower scene, which got a lot people riled up. There's also Jack Harlow, a straight man who somehow fits in without losing an ounce of heterosexuality. Colton Haynes even plays a role of a prison guard. If you want more context, be sure to watch the prelude on Nas' YouTube channel.
1. "THAT'S WHAT I WANT"
Lil Nas X's latest video is by far the best he's done (so far). He takes the shower scene from his last video a step further by actually having sex in the locker room. Complete with a Durex sponsorship, his promoting safe sex is very admirable. There's a Brokeback Mountain reference and a cameo from Billy Porter.