Lil Nas X responds to controversy over his ‘Industry Baby’ music video

Lil Nas X’s new video for “Industry Baby” portrays the rapper three months into a five-year stint in Montero State Prison, where he dances naked in the shower before escaping with the help of featured artist Jack Harlow. Nas also posted a teaser ahead of the music video that shows him in court over a fictitious Nike case regarding his infamous “Satan Shoes” (which were actually recalled as part of a settlement with the label).

The “Industry Baby” video has obviously sparked controversy. Harlow said that he was “honored to be a part” of the video, writing; “Nas wrote the whole treatment for this video and I followed his lead every step of the way. If he had asked me to be in that shower scene I woulda been in that shower scene. I just let the mastermind cook.”

Nas also responded to a tweet that took aim at his sexuality, comparing him to artists “who happen to be gay” (Freddie Mercury, Elton John, and more) and claiming he’s an “industry plant created for pure shock value”. Said Nas: “Many, if not all, of these artists had to hide their sexuality for majority of their career. You seem to only respect gay artists when the gay part is tucked away. you don’t like me because i embrace my sexuality instead of hiding it and never speaking on it for your comfort.”