Award winning rapper and singer, Lil Nas X has released a steamy new single, “HOTBOX.” The song channels classic early 2000s hip hop with a bouncy beat. Lil Nas X cleverly reinvented a sample of a signature Pharell song, “Frontin.” The rapper certainly did the track justice by giving fans something to groove to. “HOTBOX” is another taste of the rapper’s upcoming “Dreamboy” era.
“HOTBOX”
For quite some time, Lil Nas X took to social media to heavily tease the new single. The singer got quite creative. He posted a handful of Tik Toks dancing along to a snippet of “HOTBOX.” From grocery store isles, to a car with the sunroof open, the multitalented star displayed his slick dancing to get fans excited. It felt like the promo lasted a bit long, but that strategy was very successful and worth the wait. Since this lead single, he marketed the song vigorously to build up the well deserved hype. So much anticipation built around the track’s release each time the star made a new post on social media. He urged fans that a new era was coming.
The song is fun and alluring. Lil Nas X sings about how he is the ideal dreamboy. It is lyrically clever and playful, full of puns like “you be the carpet / I’ll be the vacuum.” Sonically, it feels like a contender for song of the summer.
Dreamboy Era
March has been a busy month for Lil Nas X, as it was the kick off to his brand new “Dreamboy” era. In total, the rapper has released five singles, “HOTBOX” being the fifth, ahead of his upcoming album Dreamboy. The lead and title single was released just over a week ago, launching a brand new look and aesthetic for Lil Nas.
All five singles feature a Barbie inspired cover art. Lil Nas X poses in a human sized, pink box depicting a Barbie doll. His outfits range from an all black suit, to a shirtless basketball player, to a class nerd from the late 90s. The creative direction the rapper has taken is cohesive, painting a picture and telling a story. “Dreamboy” is an alter ego, a persona created by Lil Nas. To stay on track with the Barbie doll theme, it is his Barbie world.
New Year, New Lis Nas X
exploration of a side we have yet to witness. Lil Nas X is certainly an artist that is on that journey. Fans know and love him from his hit song “Old Town Road.” As the rapper’s career progresses, so does his sound on each project he releases. The recent singles all sonically sound like a fresh take on early 2000s hip hop with pop elements infused.
When’s the Album Dropping?
While we have no confirmed release date, a new Lil Nas X album is on the way. The singer left an easter egg in “BIG DUMMY!” hinting to “2025, look alive / its hotbox season.” Shortly after, he dropped “HOTBOX.” With those clues, we can most definitely expect a new album in the near future.
What do you think of “HOTBOX?”
