PARTNERS WITH THE BAIL PROJECT TO LAUNCH THE “BAIL X FUND”
Music is the way I fight for liberation. But true freedom requires change in how the criminal justice system works, starting with cash bail. I know the pain that incarceration brings to a family, and I know the disproportionate impact that cash bail has on Black Americans. There are so many stories that call on us to take action, and I invite you to join me in this important civil right issue.
Nas Writes Letter to 20 Year Old Gay Self
Dear 20 year old Montero,
I wrote a song for us. I know sometimes you feel like it’s all downhill from here. I know your sexuality has made you feel like an outcast amongst your peers.
I know going from having the biggest song in the world to being trapped in your apartment is weighing heavy on you. And I know if you hear the phrase ‘one-hit wonder’ one more time you might combust.
But I need you to keep going. I need you to realize that you have the opportunity to be the person that you needed growing up.
I need you to stop feeling sorry for yourself. And I need you to remember that the only person who has to believe in YOU is YOU.”
– lnx
After streaming live from the courtroom at his trial on Monday, Lil Nas X has been transported to Montero State Prison for the release of his new song and video, “Industry Baby” featuring Jack Harlow.
The song features production by Take a Daytrip and Kanye West and touches on Nas finding his confidence and proving wrong anyone who ever doubted his staying power. The song is the latest to be released from the highly anticipated upcoming album Montero, due later this year via Columbia Records.
The accompanying visual was based on a story by Lil Nas X and directed by Christian Breslauer. It follows Nas throughout the prison as he serves his time and tries to break free with a little help from fellow inmate Jack Harlow.
Lil Nas X has also announced that he has joined forces with The Bail Project, a national nonprofit organization on a mission to end cash bail, one of the key drivers of mass incarceration and structural racism in the U.S. criminal legal system.
Through the “Bail X Fund,” he hopes to encourage other artists to join him and The Bail Project in the fight to end cash bail. Lil Nas X himself has made a starting donation, Jack Harlow is jumping in to help as well, and fans are invited to donate with them. All donations go directly into The Bail Project’s national revolving bail fund to pay people’s bails. To date,
The Bail Project has posted over $47M in free bail assistance for over 17,000 low-income people across the country. They also provide post-release support through court reminders, free transportation, and voluntary referrals for housing, substance use treatment, and other services based on a person’s needs.
Lil Nas X says this isn’t just theoretical for him. “It’s personal. I know the pain that incarceration brings to a family. And I know the disproportionate impact that cash bail has on Black Americans and the LGBTQ community.
Let’s bring people home & let’s fight for freedom and equality.” For more information and to donate to the Bail X Fund, please visit bailxfund.com.
