Lil Nas X in his ‘Industry baby’ video (Photo: YouTube)
Is there anyone pushing more queer imagery into mainstream audiences right now than Lil Nas X? As one of the commentators put it in his new YouTube video: “I love the fact that every time Christians say he goes to hell because he’s gay, he becomes more gay. It’s like an evolving Pokémon and it’s beautiful.
After a week of hype, Lil Nas X released their latest release last night, “Industry Baby”. On Tuesday, the singer tweeted, “I’m saying this in advance so you don’t blame me. INDUSTRY BABY VIDEO IS NOT FOR YOUR KIDS! “
Now we know what he meant. In the video, directed by Christian Breslauer, Lil Nas X is sentenced to prison.
He is seen there exploring all the homoerotic stereotypes of prison, dancing naked in the showers with a bunch of other inmates (their pixelated crotches), walking around with his favorite boyfriends holding onto his pockets (fans of Prison Break will have that reference), and pump iron around the yard alongside someone who looks like Jason Momoa (we’re pretty sure he’s a doppelganger – he’s not mentioned in the end credits).
Lil Nas X pumps iron in the prison yard
A confirmed celebrity appearance comes from Colton Haynes, who plays a prison guard knocked out by Lil Nas X.
Related: Lil Nas X Shares Inspirational Letter To Her Locked Up Young Man
And of course, there has to be a Shawshank Redemption style escape.
The song is a collaboration with fellow rapper Jack Harlow, who is seen slipping a hammer at Lil Nas X to dig himself up.
Jack Harlow and Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X fans have responded with appreciation to his latest work, which comes shortly before the release of his debut album, titled MONTERO.
“There hasn’t been such an iconic prison music video since Telephone,” Thesaltpacket said on Reddit, referring to the classic Gaga / Beyonce.
“The only woman in the video being in this scene with Jack Harlow just to remind people he’s straight, it’s very funny to me,” another Bakaka2 said on Reddit.
“Lil Nas X ticks all the boxes America doesn’t want him to tick, and then some. Keep your foot on the gas ⛽️, Jzon Azari said on YouTube.
“People at the start: it will be a wonder,” Leonardo Montoya said on YouTube. “Everyone now: all his songs are banging, he doesn’t miss. His music videos are awesome.
“I missed this season of Prison Break,” Gerard said on YouTube.
On Twitter, a tweet asking for the uncensored version turned out to be very popular.
Do you have the uncensored version?
– DANIEL 💎 (@papidaniiel) July 23, 2021
I’m old enough to remember when MTV started, so glad to see you do your thing !! My generation has prepared the ground for this !!! And yes, you got it !! So proud, keep going, push those limits, make people uncomfortable while making great music / art!
– Laurie Goff (@ lloki08) July 23, 2021
Time to replay this shit for next month pic.twitter.com/QDkCBGfcfy
– Ryan💕😈😗 (@ alias__ryan16) July 23, 2021
Related: Lil Nas X Just Perfectly Trolled Straight Guys… Again
