Let’s talk about Lil Nas X, the genre-bending, boundary-pushing rapper who turned a $50 investment into a cultural phenomenon and a multimillion-dollar empire. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $9 million, a figure that reflects his relentless hustle, viral fame, and savvy business moves. But how did he get here? And what’s the latest with the “Old Town Road” star? Buckle up, because this story is anything but ordinary.
Born Montero Lamar Hill in 1999, Lil Nas X grew up just outside Atlanta, Georgia. His parents divorced when he was six, and he later moved in with his father, a gospel singer, in Austell, Georgia. As a teen, he was obsessed with internet culture, mastering memes, running Nicki Minaj fan accounts, and dreaming of fame. After a brief stint at the University of West Georgia, he dropped out to pursue music, working at Zaxby’s and Six Flags to make ends meet. Little did he know, his internet savvy would soon become the launchpad for a record-breaking career.
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Breaking Down the $9 Million Fortune
Lil Nas X’s wealth isn’t just from music; it’s a mix of streaming royalties, brand deals, and pure entrepreneurial genius. Let’s start with “Old Town Road,” the song that changed everything. He bought the beat for $30 from a Dutch producer, recorded it for $20 during a studio promotion, and watched it explode on TikTok thanks to the #YeehawChallenge.
The track spent 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, breaking records and racking up streams. According to Forbes, “Old Town Road” generated a staggering $14 million in pretax earnings from U.S. streams alone. But wait, not all of that went directly into his pocket. He had to share profits with collaborators, including Nine Inch Nails, whose song was sampled.
Then there’s his debut album, Montero, which sold 126,000 copies in its first week and spawned hits like “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” and “Industry Baby.” The album’s success added significantly to his wealth, though he famously donated a portion of the proceeds to LGBTQ+ charities.
Beyond music, Lil Nas X is a branding powerhouse. He’s inked deals with Doritos, Taco Bell, Uber Eats, and Wrangler, often blending humor and viral marketing to perfection. Remember that Uber Eats ad with Elton John? Pure gold. He also made waves in the virtual world—his Roblox concert drew 33 million attendees, and merch sales from the event reportedly reached “healthy seven figures.” Oh, and let’s not forget his real estate move: in 2021, he bought a $2.4 million home in Sherman Oaks, California.
Latest Updates and the Road Ahead
As of August 2025, Lil Nas X is still making headlines, though not all for the right reasons. On August 21, 2025, he was arrested in Los Angeles after being found wandering on Ventura Boulevard in his underwear and cowboy boots. Police responded to reports of a nude man, and the rapper allegedly charged at officers before being subdued. He was hospitalized for a possible drug overdose and booked on suspicion of battery.
TMZ footage showed him placing a traffic cone on his head and mumbling incoherently. While some fans speculated it could be a mental health crisis or a publicity stunt (given his history of theatrical antics), the incident has raised concerns about his well-being.
TMZ reports that Lil Nas X was handcuffed and hospitalised after being spotted roaming LA at 4am in his underwear. https://t.co/oEr0s3ueIP
— Pop Base (@PopBase) August 21, 2025
Despite the recent drama, the rapper’s career continues to evolve. He’s teased new music, including tracks like “Late to da Party” and “Down Surf Hoes,” and his upcoming album Dreamboy is highly anticipated. His influence extends beyond music—he’s a LGBTQ+ icon, a fashion trendsetter, and a master of internet culture. From breaking barriers as an openly gay artist in hip-hop to winning Grammys and MTV awards, the 26-year-old has proven that his success is no fluke.
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As he navigates the ups and downs of fame, one thing is clear: his $9 million net worth is just the beginning. So, keep an eye on him—because whether he’s topping charts or turning heads, Lil Nas X is always full of surprises.
