“Industry Baby” by Lil Nas X

Bellowing, majestic horns kick off this masterpiece before the low, smooth voice of Lil Nas X graces the energetic beat. In his 2021 song, “Industry Baby,” he’s calling out everybody, and most importantly, congratulating himself.

“Couple racks, ayy,” Lil Nas X sings boastfully. “Couple Grammys on him, couple plaques, ayy.”

Lil Nas X has received ten Grammy nominations and won two Grammys for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” and “Best Music Video.” One of his songs is the most certified song in all of music history, having reached 14x platinum in January 2021. So yes, he’s most certainly qualified to pat himself on the back.

“And this one is for the champions. I ain’t lost since I began, yeah,” he sings. “Funny how you said it was the end, yeah. Then I went did it again, yeah.”

After Lil Nas X’s 2019 hit, “Old Town Road” broke records and topped the charts in nine different countries for weeks, he was called a “One-Hit Wonder,” as if he could never make a chart-topper or banger again. Of course, in true Lil Nas X fashion, he did — and not only did he do it with grace, but he did it in the most extra way with hits like “Panini,” “Rodeo” and of course, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” at the beginning of 2021. Here, Lil Nas X calls out the ones who told him — whether personally or online — that he’d never make it [in the industry] again when he’s always believed that he would.

“When I’m back up at the top, I want to hear you say,” Lil Nas X sings in the last part of the chorus. “‘He don’t run from nothing, dog.’ Get your soldiers, tell them that the break is over.”

It’s thunderously loud, it’s obnoxiously catchy and most importantly, it’s so fun. The beat is fire, and the spirited voices of Lil Nas X and his guest, Jack Harlow, match each other’s passion and vivacity. What I like most about this song is that it’s so marvelously vibrant. The music is lively and the lyrics are simple but meaningful to Lil Nas X, both as an artist and a person. Lil Nas X came out as gay in 2019 and is seen embracing his sexuality in songs and music videos such as “C7osure” and “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” respectively, and frankly, not everyone was okay with that. But Lil Nas X is basically telling his haters to politely f*** themselves.

Not only is this a song to listen to, but it’s one that people can connect to as well, even if their “f*** the haters” reason isn’t quite the same as Lil Nas X’s. Isn’t it fun to prove others wrong while you stay winning?

Is it groundbreaking? Ehhhh. Is it risque? The music video, sure. But with its tight beat, insanely memorable tune and a fiery quality I can only describe as *chef’s kiss,* “Industry Baby” is one hit that sits at the top of my song list for 2021.