How Did Lil Nas X Become Internet Famous

Thanks to modern technological advances, it has become easier for artists and producers to write, track, collaborate, sample, edit, and share new music faster and farther than ever before.

Today’s biggest artists and producers have the ability to reach new listeners all over the world at the push of a button, unlike past generations that would have to wait for a cassette or CD to physically ship overseas.

But it’s not just the web that is fueling younger breakout artists like Lil Nas X, whose debut single “Old Town Road,” exploded across the internet in record time.

No. It’s largely thanks to the growing popularity of social media. To be more specific, how fans are able to use their influence and status to impact the music industry.

It’s not the first time this has happened either. Prior to the long-awaited release of Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo (2016), leaks of “Father Stretch My Hand Pt. 1,” had fans hyped to hear Metro Boomin’ on the beat.

Combined with the increased popularity of the six-second clip-based social media platform, Vine, the track was transformed into a viral internet meme almost overnight.