Lil Nas X Dedicates New Song to ‘World’s Greatest’ Mom One Month After Her Death

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Lil Nas X is honoring his late mother, Tameka Hill, with his first new single weeks after letting the internet in on her death.

The rapper’s mother’s words carry real weight, as his new song features a deeply personal message from Hill, who encouraged her son to keep going and “walk by faith, not by sight.”

The 26-year-old “Old Town Road” hitmaker’s release comes after a difficult period for Lil Nas X, who spent time in rehab and faced legal trouble following his 2025 arrest.

Lil Nas X Uses His Late Mother’s Voice For ‘World’s Greatest’

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Lil Nas X is turning one of his mother’s final messages to him into part of his next musical chapter.

On Wednesday, September 30, the Grammy-winning artist announced that his new single, “World’s Greatest,” would arrive the following day. In the Instagram announcement, Lil Nas X sat on his bed as a recording of Hill’s voice played in the background.

In the voicemail, Hill encouraged her son to keep his head up and trust his faith. She repeatedly reminded him not to give up, telling him to let God handle what he could not control.

“‘Walk by faith, not by sight’ was my mom’s favorite phrase to say,” he wrote in the caption. “As I move through life, it resonates with me more & more. This one’s for the ‘World’s Greatest!’”

The song is scheduled for release on October 1 at noon EST, marking Lil Nas X’s first new release since his mother’s death.

Lil Nas X Opens Up About Losing His Mother

The announcement of this new song comes only weeks after Lil Nas X revealed that his mother had died.

On August 29, the rapper shared the heartbreaking news alongside photos of Hill. He posted images of his mother, including a throwback photo of himself with her as a child and another picture of the pair dressed up together, per People Magazine.

“RIP TO THE BADDEST EVER! LOVE U FOREVER MOMMY. This one’s gonna hurt,” he wrote at the time.

Hill’s age and cause of death were not publicly disclosed following the announcement. Her passing came after years in which Lil Nas X had occasionally spoken about their complicated relationship.

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The Rapper Gets Candid About His Rehab Journey

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Before announcing the new single, Lil Nas X had already begun reconnecting with fans after stepping away from the public eye.

As The Blast reported, in June the rapper revealed that he had spent several months in rehab before returning home. He also said he had begun working with a therapist and psychiatrist and was feeling better.

The “Industry baby” performer described opening up about the experience as “really awkward” but ultimately told fans that he wanted them to know where he had been.

He explained that he was trying to ground himself, get out of his head, and focus on his well-being.

Lil Nas X also discussed receiving a bipolar disorder diagnosis, saying he had suspected something was going on for several years but had been reluctant to acknowledge it because he did not want to take medication or be viewed differently.

Despite the difficult period, the artist declared, “I’m doing much better. I’m doing better, I’m feeling better, I’m creating freely, and there’s less fear in my heart.”

Lil Nas X’s Career Struggles Continue To Shape His New Chapter

This new chapter followed a period of uncertainty in Lil Nas X’s career and personal life.

As The Blast previously reported, sources close to the rapper said his loved ones were concerned about the pressure on his career after the massive success of “Old Town Road.”

The 2019 hit became a cultural phenomenon and spent a record-setting 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

However, his career slowed despite hits like “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby,” as the momentum and expectations from his early success weighed heavily on him.

The “Old Town Road” Hitmaker Begins A New Chapter After His Legal Troubles

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Lil Nas X’s return to music also follows a legal case stemming from his August 2025 arrest in Los Angeles.

According to The Blast, the rapper avoided jail time after a judge allowed him to enter a mental health diversion program. The decision came after he faced multiple charges related to an encounter with police officers.

The judge described the behavior as “aberrant from his normal conduct,” with Lil Nas X pleading not guilty to the charges. Nevertheless, the Grammy winner could still face consequences if he fails to comply with the diversion program’s conditions.

The program requires him to continue treatment and avoid further legal trouble for two years, after which the charges can be dismissed if he meets the conditions.

The Lil Nas X Dedicates New Song to ‘World’s Greatest’ Mom One Month After Her Death first appeared on The Blast