Lil Nas X is many things — but “paid” is on the top of that list.
More than just a one-hit-wonder thanks to the success of “Old Town Road,” the man born Montero Hill in Atlanta, GA, has earned a massive fanbase alongside his massive controversy.
The controversy with the rapper, of course, came when he partnered with Nike for the so-called “Satan Shoes” release. According to Forbes, the headline-courting rapper was intelligent enough to play on America’s deeply-ingrained prejudices as a marketing technique. At the height of the controversy, Lil Nas X claimed that he was facing a court date in regards to the shoes — and that he could end up in jail if things went a certain way in the proceedings. (He wasn’t, and he didn’t.)
But while Nike later successfully sued the manufacturer of the shoes to cease production, it all worked out in the end for the “Call Me By Your Name” rapper. As it turned out, the controversy was all one big marketing technique — and one which paid off for him. According to Billboard, “Montero” (the album that was ultimately promoted using this effective scheme) sold a massive 126,000 units in its first week and received 147 million streaming equivalents. “Montero” debuted on the Billboard charts at No. 2, taking second place behind Drake.
All this has resulted in a $7 million net worth, per Celebrity Net Worth, for Lil Nas X.
But he also makes his money in less controversial ways — so let’s take a look at those.
Editorial note: The net worth listed in this piece is a speculative estimate drawn from a variety of online sources.
Music Career
Despite only first coming to the attention of the mainstream media in 2019, Bustle reports that Lil Nas X has made a lasting impact since that time. “Old Town Road” has become the longest-leading No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in the publication’s history, and it has since been certified diamond, according to The Root. He’s also since charted more than a half-dozen Top 40 hits, with several singles like “Panini” and “Rodeo” (which featured Cardi B) going multi-platinum in that time.
And, as AfroTech previously reported, he also dethroned DaBaby as Spotify’s Most-Streamed Male Rapper.
CashApp
As AfroTech previously reported, Lil Nas X partnered with CashApp for a $1 million giveaway to help teens take control of their financial futures.
Doritos
In February 2020, Lil Nas X partnered with Doritos to release a viral “Cool Ranch Dance” commercial, which you can see below.
Roblox Shows
In November 2020, Billboard reported that Lil Nas X began performing virtual shows on the Roblox platform. The outlet confirmed that more than 33 million people tuned in to the live performances in the popular gaming metaverse.
Taco Bell
In August 2021, AfroTech reported that Lil Nas X was named the Chief Impact Officer for Taco Bell as part of a larger partnership with the brand. The move was a full circle one for the rapper, who once worked at the fast-food chain as a teenager.
Metaverse Fashion
In January 2022, AfroTech reported that Lil Nas X was part of Asher Levine’s visionary efforts to bring fashion to the metaverse. He famously wore the designer’s digital fashion in the video for “Call Me By Your Name.”
Real Estate
In March 2021, Realtor.com reported that Lil Nas X made his first real estate purchase. The outlet confirmed that he purchased a lovely 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the Sherman Oaks district of Los Angeles, CA. He gave fans a video tour of his home shortly after he completed the purchase, which you can see below.
