Lil Nas X, whose appreciation for the swing-for-the-fences creativity of Playboi Carti has been previously documented, again pointed to the impact of the Whole Lotta Red universe crafter’s musical output at WSJ. Magazine’s annual Innovator Awards earlier this week.
Asked on the red carpet about innovation he’s seen in other artists, X—fresh off being honored with his own day in Atlanta—praised Carti as a “huge rockstar” who’s always challenging listeners with new ideas.
“I say Playboi Carti,” X said. “Me personally, I feel like he’s become, like, this huge rockstar within the rap realm. He’s a pretty entertaining performer. Like, he goes out of the way. And he does his own musical styles and he’s gonna try what he wants to. I love that. I think that’s innovative.”
When accepting his Innovator award on Monday, X reflected on “that little horse song” and how 2020 helped inspire him to “be myself as much as possible.” See more below.
Previously, X mentioned Carti when naming the artists he wants to link up with for a collaboration. Also mentioned in the post from last month were Ariana Grande, Willow, Kid Cudi, SZA, and more.
In December, X will join a stacked lineup as part of this year’s iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour. Megan Thee Stallion, Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, Saweetie, and many more will also be performing at various stops on the mini-trek. Carti, meanwhile, is currently commemorating the critical acclaim for Whole Lotta Red while out on the road with his Narcissist tour. The three-month run wraps up on Dec. 23 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
