Fact Check: Lil Nas X used to be famous but his newer songs are not.

The Claim: "Lil Nas X used to be famous but his newer songs are not."

Introduction

The claim suggests that Lil Nas X, who gained significant fame with his breakout hit "Old Town Road," has seen a decline in popularity with his newer music. This assertion raises questions about the artist's current standing in the music industry and the metrics used to evaluate his success.

What We Know

1. Breakthrough Success: Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road," released in 2019, became a cultural phenomenon, breaking records by spending 19 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it the longest-running number one in the chart's history 3. The song's viral nature and cross-genre appeal contributed to its massive success.

2. Subsequent Releases: Following "Old Town Road," Lil Nas X released several singles, including "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)" and "Industry Baby," both of which also achieved significant chart success. "Montero" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Industry Baby" reached number two 15. His album "Montero," released in September 2021, received critical acclaim and commercial success.

3. Current Popularity: As of 2023, Lil Nas X's song "Star Walkin'" was featured in the League of Legends Worlds Anthem and ranked 44th on the Mediabase Top 40 year-end chart 4. This suggests that while he may not be dominating the charts as he did with "Old Town Road," he remains a relevant figure in the music scene.

4. Streaming Data: Lil Nas X continues to have a substantial presence on streaming platforms. For instance, data from Kworb.net indicates that he maintains a significant number of monthly listeners on Spotify, reflecting ongoing engagement with his music 67.

Analysis

The claim that Lil Nas X is no longer famous or that his newer songs are not successful requires careful examination of various metrics of popularity, including chart performance, streaming numbers, and cultural impact.

1. Chart Performance: While "Old Town Road" set unprecedented records, subsequent singles like "Montero" and "Industry Baby" also achieved high chart positions. The decline in chart performance for newer songs could be interpreted as a natural progression in an artist's career, especially following a breakout hit. The music industry often sees artists experience fluctuating levels of success over time.

2. Streaming and Engagement: The continued presence of Lil Nas X on platforms like Spotify indicates that he retains a dedicated fanbase. The number of monthly listeners and streams is a crucial metric for assessing an artist's current relevance. However, the claim lacks specificity regarding what constitutes "fame" and how it should be measured.

3. Source Reliability: The sources used to gather this information include reputable outlets like Billboard and BBC, which are known for their music industry coverage. Wikipedia entries provide a general overview but should be cross-referenced with primary sources for accuracy. The data from Kworb.net is useful for streaming statistics, but the methodology behind their data collection should be scrutinized for potential biases or inaccuracies.

4. Cultural Impact: Lil Nas X's influence extends beyond chart positions; he is a prominent figure in discussions about representation in the music industry, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ issues. This cultural relevance may not be fully captured by traditional metrics of fame.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly False

The claim that "Lil Nas X used to be famous but his newer songs are not" is assessed as "Mostly False" based on the evidence reviewed. While it is true that Lil Nas X's chart performance has seen fluctuations since his breakout hit "Old Town Road," his subsequent singles, such as "Montero" and "Industry Baby," achieved significant success, including number one and number two positions on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively. Furthermore, his continued presence on streaming platforms and his involvement in cultural discussions indicate that he remains a relevant figure in the music industry.

However, the assertion lacks clarity regarding the definition of "fame" and the metrics used to measure it. The decline in chart performance could be interpreted as a normal aspect of an artist's career trajectory rather than a definitive indicator of decreased popularity. Additionally, the evidence available does not fully capture the nuances of Lil Nas X's impact and relevance, particularly in cultural contexts.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence, including potential biases in data collection and the subjective nature of popularity. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when assessing claims about public figures and their careers.

Sources

1. Lil Nas X discography - Wikipedia
2. Lil Nas X - Wikipedia
3. Lil Nas X: Old Town road artist 'felt like an imposter' on tour - BBC
4. MEDIABASE TOP 40 2023 YEAR-END CHART - Pop Radio Top 20 - Pop Radio Top 20
5. Lil Nas X | Biography, Music & News - Billboard
6. Lil Nas X - Spotify Top Songs - Kworb.net
7. Lil Nas X Chart Positions on Spotify, Apple Music and Other Streaming - Kworb.net
8. Lil Nas X - Chartmetric
9. LIL NAS X songs and albums | full Official Chart history - Official Charts
10. The most searched song on Google 2021 - RouteNote Blog - RouteNote