Lil Nas X has returned to social media. On June 17, the “Old Town Road” singer, whose legal name is Montero Lamar Hill, posted a short Instagram reel to update fans on his life since his arrest in August 2025.
Fans will recall that the musician was caught on camera walking the streets of Los Angeles in his underwear and babbling. The police were alerted, and Nas was arrested and charged with battery of a police officer and resisting an executive officer. He did not have to serve jail time; instead, in April 2026, he was placed in a mental health program. Now he’s explaining why.
A Biopolar Diagnosis
Looking healthy and serene, Nas revealed in the video that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, something he had avoided getting confirmed. “I feel like I had known for like the past few years, but I didn’t want to admit to it because I didn’t want to have to take medication and … people think different of me,” he shared.
Nas has moved back to Atlanta to be closer to family and is traveling between there and Los Angeles to see friends.
What Is Biopolar Disorder?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by episodes of mania and depression that can affect a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, judgment and ability to function in everyday life. Those suffering with the condition may experience elevated moods, racing thoughts and impulsive behavior during manic episodes, while depressive episodes can involve persistent sadness, fatigue, loss of interest in activities and feelings of hopelessness.
“I have a therapist now and a psychiatrist, which has been really helpful when I got my bipolar disorder diagnosis,” Nas stated, adding that he’s trying to get grounded and out of his head.
Black men often face different outcomes in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. Studies have shown that those in the Black community are more likely to be misdiagnosed when experiencing symptoms. Barriers to mental health care and limited access to culturally responsive treatment can also make the condition more complicated and lead to worsened long-term outcomes.
Nas candidly joked in his video that being Black, gay and bipolar is “like living life on like extreme hard mode.”
What’s Next For Little Nas X?
With the diagnosis and potentially the right medications, Nas is finally on a path to recovery. “On a serious note, like I’m doing much better … I’m feeling better, I’m creating freely, and there’s less fear in my heart,” he said.
He plans to focus on new projects. “I wanted to let you guys know that there is new music on the way, and I’m not getting completely to that just yet, but I’m excited to do that, and I’m excited to go on this journey with you guys, this next chapter.”