Lil Nas X has opened up about his mental health journey after spending several months in rehab, while also revealing that fresh music is on the horizon.
On June 17, the rapper shared an update regarding the treatment programme he entered in April as part of an agreement that could see criminal charges against him dismissed. The artist had previously pleaded not guilty to four charges stemming from an incident last year, including battery of a police officer.
“I’ve been in rehab for a few months and since then, I’ve been back at home whether it’s in Atlanta with my family or in Los Angeles with myself, friends and what not,” he said in a video posted to Instagram.
Lil Nas X went on to explain that he has been working closely with both a therapist and a psychiatrist, describing them as “really helpful” as he continues to navigate a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The condition is commonly associated with significant shifts in mood and energy levels.
“I feel like I had known for the past few years, but I didn’t want to admit to it because I didn’t want to have to take medication and have people think different of me,” he professed in the video. “Black, gay, bipolar… I’m living life on extreme hard mode!”
Despite the challenges, the rapper said he is now in a much better place and feeling creatively inspired once again. “I’m doing better” and “creating freely,” he shared, before teasing fans with an update on his next musical chapter. “There is new music on the way. I’m not getting completely to that just yet, but I’m excited.”
Last August, Lil Nas X was taken into custody in Los Angeles after allegedly rushing toward police officers while walking through the streets in his underwear at around 4am. Footage obtained by TMZ appeared to show the rapper, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, speaking incoherently while wandering near his neighbourhood.
Reflecting on the incident afterward, he described the ordeal as “terrifying”.
His father later released a statement suggesting that several pressures had contributed to the public episode, including the demands of the music industry, the responsibility of financially supporting his family, and his mother's reported struggles with addiction.
Following his first court appearance in March, Lil Nas X addressed supporters directly and expressed gratitude for the encouragement he has received throughout the difficult period. “All I wanted to say is to my fans, I really love, and I miss you, and I appreciate your support so much, and I can’t wait to be back hugging you guys,” he said.
