You see a flash of white leather and a shock of red hair. Or maybe it’s a traffic cone. Honestly, if you’re in Los Angeles and you spot a man strutting with the confidence of a thousand supermodels, it’s probably him. Lil Nas X walking down the street isn't just a commute; it’s a performance. It’s a headline. Sometimes, it’s a police report.
Montero Lamar Hill doesn't do "casual." While other A-listers try to go incognito in oversized hoodies and dark sunglasses, Nas leans into the spectacle. But behind the viral TikToks and the high-fashion paparazzi shots, there’s a much more complex story about a man who uses the pavement as his primary stage.
The Ventura Boulevard Incident: More Than a Fashion Choice
August 2025 was a weird time for the "Old Town Road" star. It wasn't your typical "best dressed" moment. Video surfaced of Lil Nas X walking down the street—specifically Ventura Boulevard—at 4 a.m. He was wearing white cowboy boots and white underwear. That was it.
People thought it was a music video shoot. It wasn't.
He was muttering about a party. He put a traffic cone on his head. According to the LAPD, things took a turn when officers arrived. Reports from TMZ and People indicated that the rapper "charged" at officers, leading to a brief struggle and an arrest for battery on a peace officer. He was later hospitalized for a possible overdose.
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It was a jarring shift from the polished, Gucci-clad version of Montero we usually see. A few days later, he hopped on Instagram Stories to reassure fans, saying, "Your girl is gonna be alright, y’all. That was f—ing terrifying."
Why the Streets Are His Real Runway
When he’s not making headlines for bizarre late-night strolls, Lil Nas X is essentially a walking art gallery. His long-time stylist, Hodo Musa, has basically rewritten the rules for what a male pop star can wear in public.
Look at his New York City sightings in early 2025. He was spotted in NoMad wearing a burgundy leather trench coat with a crop top and platform square-toed boots. It’s a "Matrix" vibe, but softer. More feminine. He’s been very vocal about how his style has evolved from the simple Nike Air tees of 2018 to the custom Balmain he wore to the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
- The Cowboy Motif: He never truly leaves the boots behind. Whether it's the 4 a.m. underwear walk or a mid-day stroll in Soho, the cowboy boots are his signature anchor.
- The Gender Blur: He’s famously rocked tiaras and dresses, like the one he wore in a mirror selfie captioned: "And just like that she's back."
- Tactile Textures: Fur, shearling, and rhinestones are staples. He was recently seen in a red fuzzy Coach ensemble—complete with a red lollipop as a permanent accessory.
Misconceptions About the "Paparazzi Walk"
Most people think these "candid" shots are accidental. Usually, they aren't.
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Lil Nas X is a digital native. He grew up on the internet. He knows that a photo of Lil Nas X walking down the street in an outrageous outfit is worth more than a $100,000 marketing campaign. He creates "moments" that are tailor-made for the Google Discover feed.
However, the 2025 arrest reminded everyone that he’s also a human being dealing with the pressures of global fame. Earlier that same year, he shared that he was suffering from partial facial paralysis. He posted a video trying to smile, telling fans, "I can't even laugh right, bro."
It’s easy to look at the photos and see a character. It’s harder to see the guy who’s navigating health scares and mental health hurdles while the world watches him walk to his car.
The "Dreamboy" Era and Public Perception
With the release of his 2025 project Days Before Dreamboy, the aesthetic shifted again. We started seeing more "disorganized" street style. He’d post photos of his house in shambles, furniture scattered, and then hit the streets of LA looking like a chaotic masterpiece.
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Critics often claim he’s just "trolling." But if you look at the trajectory of his career—from the 19-week reign of "Old Town Road" to the intricate world-building of the Montero album—the trolling is the point. It's a subversion of how we expect Black men in hip-hop to behave in public spaces.
How to Spot a Genuine Lil Nas X Moment
If you're looking to keep up with his latest appearances, you have to look beyond the red carpet. The real "Nas" happens in the transitions.
- Check the Nails: His manicures are often 3D and incredibly detailed. Even in "low-key" street outfits, the nails are a dead giveaway.
- The Height Factor: He’s 6’1”, but in his preferred Rick Owens or Balmain platforms, he’s pushing 6’6”. He’s impossible to miss in a crowd.
- The Interactive Element: Unlike most celebs who keep their heads down, Nas often talks to the people filming him. In the viral Ventura Blvd clip, he actually pointed at the camera and sang.
What we're seeing now in 2026 is a more seasoned version of the artist. He’s moved past the need for constant shock value, though he still keeps it in his back pocket for a rainy day. His street style has leaned more into "luxury businessman" meets "Harajuku punk."
To stay truly updated on his public appearances and style shifts, follow the photography work of agencies like Getty Images or keep a close eye on his secondary social media accounts where he often "leaks" his own paparazzi-style shots before they hit the tabloids. This direct-to-consumer approach to fame is exactly why he remains one of the most searched-for figures in entertainment today.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Monitor official LAPD or court records if you are seeking factual updates on his 2025 battery case, as misdemeanor charges often have public resolution dates.
- Analyze his "Dreamboy" music videos to see how street-style garments are repurposed as high-concept costume design.
- Look for Hodo Musa's styling credits on Instagram to identify the specific avant-garde designers Lil Nas X is currently wearing during his public outings.