Lil Nas X (real name Montero Lamar Hill) was born on Apr. 9, 1999, in Atlanta, GA. Today, he is a trailblazing multi-talented artist who has appealed to the world with his music, boldness and unapologetic style. Lil Nas X is an artist who cannot be placed in a box and has resisted shrinking himself as both a person and a creative. His distinct music style is described as a combination of hip-hop, pop, country and trap music. Beyond his artistry, the Southern superstar’s personal life has drawn attention. He’s been living out and proud as a gay rapper since 2019, but there’s still a lot that remains a mystery regarding his love life. Here’s everything we know about Lil Nas X’s relationship status and recent drama.

Tabloids Once Assumed Lil Nas X’s Brother Was His Boyfriend

Lil Nas X burst onto the music scene in 2019 with his viral hit “Old Town Road,” a genre-blending song that broke records set by music industry giants. The viral song’s success pushed him into the spotlight and made him a household name. This all happened so quickly that he might not have been ready. Despite the star gaining success worldwide, he was still figuring out how he wanted to express himself and his personal identity. Before he came out as gay in June 2019, he even opted for less eye-grabbing looks to avoid anyone questioning his sexuality. People reports that in a (now unavailable) interview with CR Men in October 2020, he said, “I didn’t want to draw any attention,” as people began questioning his sexuality. 

He even notes that at the time, he was bombarded by the press, who desperately tried to find out who he was dating. “I feel like if I put any guy solo in a picture with me, we’re automatically dating. […] One time, I was sitting in Subway with my brother, and then a few hours later there was [a headline], ‘Lil Nas X and his boyfriend eating Subway to celebrate 17 weeks at number one,” the singer shared.

In 2020, the Atlanta Native Revealed He Was Dabbling in Dating

Even when he has confirmed being in a relationship, he’s kept it pretty lowkey. As he shared with People in 2020, “I’m dating someone right now […] We’re not in a relationship yet, but it’s been on and off for the past few months. I’m maybe going to try to go steady this time.”

Since then, fans haven’t heard much about his dating life, though, so it’s safe to assume that this romance wasn’t meant to last. In the years since, Nas has focused on his career, unleashing his debut album, “MONTERO” in 2021 and his sophomore LP, “Days Before Dreamboy” in 2025. The latter includes a track called “need dat boy,” which suggests the genre-bending artist could have love on the brain again these days. “I been lookin’ for a muse, need a new persona / Put your picture on the wall, you my new Madonna,” he sings on the catchy track.

Are Lil Nas X and Yai Ariza Still Dating?

One of Lil Nas X’s most notable and publicized relationships was with Yai Ariza, a Colombian professional dancer who has been in the industry for eight years. Yai was a backup dancer for Lil Nas X who appeared in his music video “That’s What I Want.” He was the dancer he kissed during a performance at the 2021 BET Awards. Shortly after the performance, they started dating, but their relationship ended in October 2021, sources confirm. Lil Nas X stated the relationship ended because he wanted to focus on his music and his goals.

Azira Continues To Thrive After Their Split

According to Yai’s Instagram page, he is still dancing for A-list artists. He recently posted a video on his Instagram page dancing with Beyonce during her Netflix Christmas Day Performance and on Saturday Night Live. He is signed and still working with Clear Talent Agency for campaign and modeling opportunities.

In September 2023, Yai Ariza caused an uproar on social media when he posted a video suggesting he wanted Lil Nas X back. But unfortunately for him, the playful video didn’t (publicly) result in the two getting back together. In the past, Lil Nas X mentioned that navigating through personal life issues, a relationship, and a high-demand music career is not easy. This can be especially hard when you are trying to balance everything in the public eye. This is why he finds relief in using his platform to express his feelings about love, heartbreak and self-discovery, so it can be relatable to his fans who see their own experiences reflected in his music.

Is Lil Nas X Married?

As of now, Lil Nas X is not married, and he is not dating anyone. In April 2023, he expressed he does not desire to date famous people. In fact, he has stopped using dating apps like Raya, preferring to meet people in person in hopes of finding a genuine connection. While he has been open about his experiences with love and relationships, he would rather focus on his career and personal growth.

What’s Happening Now: Lil Nas X’s August 2025 Arrest

Amid the excitement surrounding his new “Days Before Dreamboy” era and 2025 tour rollout, Lil Nas X has made headlines for more than his music. In the early hours of Aug. 21, 2025, the rapper was found roaming Ventura Boulevard in Los Angeles. But surprisingly, he was only wearing white underwear and matching boots. After being recorded by some people passing by and displaying disoriented behavior, he was allegedly charged with a misdemeanor.

Entertainment Weekly shares that an LAPD spokesperson confirmed, “Upon arrival, the suspect charged at officers and was taken into custody. He was transported to a local hospital for a possible overdose and placed under arrest for battery on a police officer.” As some fans may recall, in the months leading up to this incident, the artist opened up about personal struggles.

He describes the past few years as “pretty difficult” and admitted to being all over the place in terms of creative direction. But his flamboyant promotional style and penchant for bold visuals have inevitably sparked discussion. Some fans are worried about his well-being, while others aren’t sure if the incident is a part of a provocative display related to his music.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who are Lil Nas’ parents?

Lil Nas X’s father is Robert Stafford and his mother is Shawnita Hathaway. When the artist was five years old, his parents got divorced. Shortly after that, he started living with his mother and grandmother. Three years later, his biological father permanently gained custody of him and his brother.

Does Lil Nas X have kids?

Currently, Lil Nas X does not have any children.