Lil Nas X has claimed Conservatives would try to "kill" him if he released Montero (Call Me By Your Name) today.
The flamboyant American rapper enjoyed global success with the track in 2021, which featured LGBT lyrics along with religious symbolism in the accompanying video.
In a new cover interview with Paper, Lil Nas insisted Montero would have caused chaos in the current political climate now that staunch Republican Donald Trump is once again US President.
As he reflected on the themes addressed in the controversial song, the musician mused: "If I did that today, they'd actually try to kill me, like I'm not kidding."
Lil Nas recently released new album Dreamboy and is particularly excited about lead single Hotbox.
The 25-year-old star hopes the "bubbly, fun" song will inspire his fans to let loose and forget their troubles.
"I know a lot of people are very scared in the world right now, about all the s**t that's happening, especially in our own country..." he shared. "I don't want to think about it. And I don't mean that in the sense of being dismissive.
"If this song could even for three minutes make somebody forget what's going on and feel some oblivious joy, then so be it."
Touching upon the criticism he has faced since finding fame, the Old Town Road star also paid tribute to Camila Cabello for being a constant source of support.
Lil Nas revealed the star made him feel "so great" and enabled him to build up his confidence again after they collaborated on Camila's track He Knows last summer.
"We did a great job at uplifting each other and showing each other how we view the situation and how we view each other from outside of ourselves," he shared. "To hear affirmation from somebody who you greatly respect and you love what they've done, it feels great, especially because you can feel like it comes from a genuine place, and not like someone trying to get something from you."
