Industry

Lil Nas X Talks Improved Mental Health, Confirms New Music in the Works: “I’m Smelling the Roses”

The rapper opened up about getting diagnosed with bipolar disorder, going through rehab and working with a therapist, saying he was "trying to ground myself down to earth."

Hollywood Reporter Music·Jun 17, 2026·via Hollywood Reporter Music

Lil Nas X Talks Improved Mental Health, Confirms New Music in the Works: “I’m Smelling the Roses”

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Lil Nas X shared an extensive video on social media Wednesday morning, giving his most extensive update about his mental health and since his infamous arrest last year, opening up about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, going through rehab and therapy and confirming that he has new music in the works.

“I’ve been in rehab for a few months, and since then I’ve been back at home, whether that’s in Atlanta with my family, or in Los Angeles with myself and friends or what not and trying to ground myself down to earth and get out of my head,” the rapper said in a video filmed outside, smiling at the camera throughout the whole recording. “I have a therapist now and a psychiatrist which has been really helpful.”

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He opened up about getting his bipolar diagnosis, saying that “I feel like I’d known for the past few years but I [didn’t] want to admit to it because I didn’t want to have to take medication and have people think differently of me.”

“I’m already Black and gay, like damn, God,” he said with a chuckle. “Come on, gay, Black and bipolar? I’m living life on extreme hard mode.

“On a serious note, I’m doing much better, I’m feeling better,” he continued. “I’m creating freely and there’s less fear in my heart. I’m smelling the roses. I’ve been making music for seven years now. Speaking of music, I wanted to let you know there’s new music on the way. I’m not getting completely to that just yet but I’m excited to do that.”

Lil Nas X was first arrested last August after he was found walking down Ventura Boulevard in Studio City late at night, seemingly delirious and nearly naked, wearing nothing but underwear and a pair of white cowboy boots.

He was charged with battery and resisting a law enforcement order, to which he pleaded not guilty. Last September, Lil Nas X’s attorneys said the artist had entered treatment , saying that “we’re doing what is best for Montero from a personal standpoint and a professional standpoint, but most importantly for his well-being.”

Rolling Stone reported in April that the rapper’s case was linked to his bipolar disorder diagnosis, and that if he continued his treatment, the case would be dismissed.

Lil Nas X has been relatively under the radar since the arrest as he’s focused on his mental health recovery. In his first video following the arrest last August, he described the experience as “terrifying” but adding, “Your girl is gonna be ok, ya’ll.”

I’m excited to go on this journey with you guys, this next chapter,” Lil Nas X said in his video on Wednesday. “We’ve been through so much together. Thank you guys for holding it down. I love you and all I wanna do is continue to try and make you proud and make myself proud. So let’s go dream boy, let’s go.”