#Montero tracked Lil Nas X’s provocative single and Satan lap dance music video becoming TikTok sensation while sparking culture war. The hashtag documented the song’s viral choreography, LGBTQ+ celebration, conservative backlash, and Lil Nas X’s masterful troll strategy turning controversy into streams.
The Controversy Engine
“Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” launched March 26, 2021 with music video showing Lil Nas X pole-dancing to hell and giving Satan lap dance. #Montero exploded with outrage (conservative Christians, rappers, politicians condemning it) and celebration (LGBTQ+ community, allies praising visibility). The polarization was intentional marketing—Lil Nas X knew controversy drives engagement.
The Dance & TikTok Success
Beyond controversy, the song had catchy choreography featuring body rolls and the signature “call me by your name” hand gesture. #Montero featured millions of dance videos, with LGBTQ+ creators particularly embracing the unapologetically queer anthem. The song’s TikTok success (2B+ video creations) proved viral strategy worked—controversy got attention, song quality kept it.
Satan Shoes & Trolling Mastery
Lil Nas X released “Satan Shoes” (Nike Air Max 97s with drop of human blood, 666 pairs, $1,018 each) timed with single. #Montero captured resulting chaos: Nike lawsuit, conservative meltdown, and Lil Nas X’s hilarious Twitter responses trolling critics. His strategy—lean into backlash, make critics look ridiculous—became blueprint for controversy marketing.
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