Lil Nas X Opens Up About Rehab, Bipolar Diagnosis, and New Music
Lil Nas X has shared a candid update with fans about his recent time in rehab, his mental health journey, and his plans for new music. In a video posted to Instagram, the rapper described the experience as “uncomfortable” but felt it was important to be transparent with his supporters.
“I’ve been in rehab for a few months and since then I’ve been, you know, back home, whether it’s in Atlanta with my family or in Los Angeles with myself and friends and stuff, trying to get down to earth and get out of my head,” he said at the start of the video.
Mental Health Diagnosis
The 27-year-old artist, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, revealed that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He admitted that while he had suspected the condition for years, he had been reluctant to accept it.
“When I got diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it felt like I had known it for a few years, but I didn’t want to admit it because I didn’t want to take medication and, I don’t know, make people think otherwise,” he shared.
He also spoke candidly about the challenges he faces, saying, “I’m already black and gay, damn God…come on, black, gay, bipolar. I live my life in extremely hard mode.”
Focus on Recovery and Creativity
Despite these challenges, Lil Nas X said he is “doing a lot better” and is “freely creative” as he continues to focus on “smelling the roses.” He has been working with both a therapist and a psychiatrist, which he described as “really helpful.”
Looking ahead, the rapper teased new music on the horizon. “I’ve been making music for seven years now. That’s crazy. Speaking of music, I want to let you know that there’s new music on the way and I’m not quite done with it yet, but I’m excited to do it,” he shared.
He concluded his message with gratitude toward his fans: “I look forward to embarking on this journey, this next chapter, with you. We’ve been through so much together, thank you so much for holding back, and I love you, and all I want to do is keep trying to make you proud and make myself proud, so let’s go, Dreamboy, let’s go, you.”
Legal Troubles and Mental Health Diversion
The update comes after a difficult period for the artist. In August, Lil Nas X was arrested in Los Angeles after police said they found him walking naked on Ventura Boulevard. He was taken to a hospital for a suspected overdose before being jailed.
The criminal complaint filed in court alleged that three officers “unlawfully used force and caused injury” during the arrest. After spending three days in jail, he was released.
In April, a judge allowed him to participate in a mental health diversion program that could lead to the charges being dismissed. The court found that the encounter with police was likely the result of his now-diagnosed bipolar disorder and appeared to be a departure from his usual behavior.
A Career Built on Record-Breaking Success
Lil Nas X rose to fame with his 2018 hit “Old Town Road,” a country and hip-hop blend that spent a record-breaking 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single earned him two Grammys and broke Mariah Carey’s long-standing record for most weeks at the top of the chart.
Other notable hits include “Industry Baby” and “Montero (Call Me by Your Name),” solidifying his place as one of the most influential artists of his generation.
