Lil Nas X teases a BET awards diss track online
The rapper has spoken out about "the problem of homophobia in the black community"
Lil Nas X has lashed out at Black Entertainment Television (BET) once again through a video posted on Twitter.
The rapper is seen lip-syncing to an unreleased song which opens with him repeating the phrase “Fuck BET”.
Lil Nas X has not been nominated for any BET award this year. Last week, he posted on Twitter to express his frustrations over not being nominated for an award. He said: “Black gay people have to fight to be seen in this world."
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The 'Industry Baby' rapper clarified to his followers minutes after posting the preview that his new song isn't about being ignored by the organisation.
He said: "This not over no bet award this is about the bigger problem of homophobia in the black community, y’all can sit and pretend all u want but imma risk it all for us."
When a responder noted nomination for Frank Ocean, who came out in 2012, and Tyler, The Creator, who has expressed queer themes through his music, he responded: "love frank and tyler to death but can we admit queer men are more respected when they do less feminine things or am i making that up?"
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A number of tweets have been deleted by the rapper. However, in the video posted to social media on social media today (June 8), he goes on to say how successful he has been in the absence of industry help.
He says, "I placed like three in the Top Ten/And I don't need nobody," referring to the success of his 2021 songs 'Montero (Call Me By Your Name)', 'Industry Baby', and "That's What I Want'.
Lil Nas then posted a second clip from the song, this time featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again on a guest verse. Lil Nas disclosed the song's title, 'Late to Da Party,' and stated that the complete version will be released "soon."
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Soon after Lil Nas X’s tweets were posted, BET issued an official statement, saying: “We love Lil Nas X. He was nominated for a Best New Artist BET Award in 2020 and we proudly showcased his extraordinary talent and creativity on the show twice.
“Unfortunately, this year, he was not nominated by BET’s Voting Academy, which is comprised of an esteemed group of nearly 500 entertainment professionals in the fields of music, television, film, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, influencers, and creative arts.”
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Despite his lack of BET Award nominations, Lil Nas X's work continues to be praised. The multi-platinum musician will be honoured at the 2022 Songwriters Hall of Fame event next weekend (June 16).
Aneesa Ahmed is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter