Lil Nas X Reveals Drake & Nicki Minaj Turned Down "Montero" Features

BY Erika Marie 11.3K Views
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Lil Nas X
He also shares which songs he wanted them to appear on.

For as many people object to his methods, Lil Nas X remains a force in the industry. His Montero album dominated the charts and with each new release, the hitmaking rapper-singer amasses an increasing amount of attention. His online antics and creative choices have caused controversy, but overall, artists are clamoring to collaborate with Lil Nas X. Well, most.

The Georgia icon has been named as one of GQ's Men of the Year and in his cover feature, Nas X was asked about the features on Montero. It seems that he had two artists in mind for the hit album but was rejected.


Montero featured looks from Elton John, Doja Cat, Jack Harlow, Miley Cyrus, and Megan Thee Stallion—but if Nas X would have had his way, Drake and Nick Minaj would have appeared, as well.

"I don’t usually ask for features like that. But for every feature I did ask for on this album, like, every single one of them worked…besides Drake and Nicki [Minaj]," he told GQ. The publication was surprised to hear that Nas X reached out and was shut down.

"I didn’t ask them directly. I wanted Nicki on 'Industry Baby,' and I wanted Drake on 'Dolla Sign Slime,' with Megan [Thee Stallion]," the rapper added. "Industry Baby" of course was given to Harlow. "Yeah, but you know, I feel like things always work out. Jack Harlow ended up being, like, the best option. I’m not sure how comfortable Nicki would have felt with that video or whatnot."

Lil Nas X has long been a fan of Minaj but denied being a "Barb" because, at the time, he was not open about his sexuality. Back in September, Lil Nas X stated that Minaj ghosted his request.


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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.