Lil Nas X's Love for Leg Day Is Very Relatable
WHETHER YOU work a regular 9-5 (Hit it, Dolly!), or most of your time is spent locked away in a recording studio, it’s easy to get bogged down quickly with an overwhelmingly busy schedule. Hell, some people can’t even chew gum and walk at the same time. And that's not even accounting for stresses and anxieties that can come from just about anywhere and anything. But for someone like Lil Nas X, he just gets it all done—and with style and grace, to boot.
As of late we’ve witnessed the 23-year old singer/rapper tease out a brand new album (including some work alongside vitaminwater, releasing previously unreleased track "give me one chance" that was collecting dust in a vault somewhere), deliver on the fashion front in bold and expressive ways, and he hasn’t even kicked off his worldwide Long Live Montero Tour yet.
Where does he find the time? And how does he manage to keep himself on track when just about everyone in the world wants a piece?
We talked with Lil Nas X about the future of his music, balancing regular life with his music career, and what makes leg day the absolute best day.
Men’s Health: What’s the key to producing incredibly impactful music while still staying in control of who you are?
Lil Nas X: I’m still trying to figure that one out, honestly. [It’s about] having a nice balance. I’ve been trying to have fun every now and then, and trying not to take everything so seriously.
With new music and the tour, keeping your head on straight and maintaining your overall health can’t be easy. Do you have a schedule that keeps both your body and vocals where they should be?
I stopped smoking two years ago, that’s definitely helped vocally. Even in the studio, performance wise. I also work out a few times a week so I can stay strong, and I do a lot of rehearsals when I’m building up for a show. All of that helps me stay in good shape.
When Montero came out, you described it as a form of therapy. What effect does your new music have on your mental space?
Montero the album, and the song, helped open me up to another version of myself. This next part is me expressing that part of myself even more, and being more comfortable with that version.
What’s the game plan for your future music releases? Do you have a map you’re following?
I'm the type of person that just rolls with the punches. I’m just taking everything as it is. When an idea comes to me, I grab it.
When you’re looking for peace and relaxation, is it working out in the gym, or is there solace in something simpler?
I think a lot of the best parts of my day are when I have a down day, and then I go to the gym. Or I start working on a song. It’s further proof that I can get through the storm.
You must have a favorite gym day. What do you work on the most?
One thing I do the most is focus on legs. I’ll work on my arms a lot, and I don’t want to walk out and be huge, and then everyone looks at my legs and thinks they’re twiggy. I don’t want that imbalance… I have to make sure it’s together.
With an incredible fashion sense like yours, how do you pick clothes that fit you and flatter you best? Do you think of that when you’re at the gym?
I never have to work out for the clothes. I guess my metabolism is super fast, so I don’t gain weight too quickly. But when I’m picking out clothes, my stylist gets me something colorful and pretty, and I might feel uncomfortable in it at first, but then I’ll get into it.
What are you hoping will happen once your new album is released? Is there an ultimate goal?
I just want the reaction to be overall love and success. I’m one of the people that just goes with the flow, like I said earlier, so I want to let it all work itself out.
This interview has been condensed for content and clarity.
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