Lil Nas X Drops "World's Greatest," a Heartbreaking Tribute to His Late Mother

Lil Nas X has released his first new single in about a year and a half, and it comes with a story that’s already resonating with fans everywhere.“World’s Greatest”dropped on Oct. 1 at noon ET, just one day after he shared an emotional Instagram video of himself listening to an old voicemail from his mother. In the message, she encourages him to keep his head up, walk by faith, and never give up. He dedicated the song to her memory.

The release follows a difficult year for the artist, whose real name is Montero Hill. He announced his mother’s passing on Aug. 29, and earlier this year he opened up about spending months in rehab and being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Through all of it, he’s said his mother’s favorite saying,“Walk by faith, not by sight,”continues to guide him. That phrase now sits at the heart of his new music.

For longtime fans,“World’s Greatest”is more than just a comeback single. It’s a window into everything he’s been carrying, and a reminder that even the biggest stars process grief and healing just like the rest of us. Have you listened to the new track yet? Let us know what it means to you.