Lil Nas X has new music on the way, and he’s introducing it with a message from someone whose words are still helping him through life.
On Wednesday, Sept. 30, the Grammy-winning rapper shared an emotional Instagram video featuring a voicemail from his late mother, Tamikia Hill, who died in August. The post also revealed that his next single, “World’s Greatest,” arrives Thursday, Oct. 1, alongside an official music video.
For fans who watched his candid update about treatment and his mental health in June, the announcement follows through on something he said he was looking forward to: sharing new music and taking them into his next chapter.
A Mother’s Message That Still Means Everything
In the 44-second video, Lil Nas X sits in his sunlit bedroom, listening quietly as his mother’s voice plays. She calls him “Doobie,” tells him she’s been trying to reach him, and leaves a loving check-in that feels all the more meaningful now.
“Hey Doobie, been calling you multiple of times today,” she says. “I just wanna say love you, keep your head up and continue to walk by faith, not by sight. Let go and let God handle the rest.”
As the recording continues, Hill encourages her son to trust that things will work themselves out and reminds him not to give up.
“And I wanna say I love you, don’t forget that,” she adds. “And I’ll call you again just to check up on you. Love you, bye.”
It’s an everyday message full of love, from the nickname at the beginning to the promise to call again at the end. In his caption, Lil Nas X explained that one particular piece of her advice has stayed with him.
“‘Walk by faith, not by sight’ was my mom’s favorite phrase to say,” he wrote. “As I move through life, it resonates more & more.”
When the voicemail ends, he reaches behind him and picks up a sketch pad displaying the words “World’s Greatest” beneath a drawing of a crown.
Following Through on His June Update
The new release comes a few months after Lil Nas X opened up about completing treatment, receiving a bipolar disorder diagnosis and spending time at home in Atlanta to ground himself.
That June update also followed his arrest in Los Angeles in August 2025, after authorities encountered him walking in public while partially undressed. He pleaded not guilty to felony charges, including battery with injury on a police officer and resisting an executive officer. Earlier this year, a judge approved a mental health diversion program that could lead to the charges being dismissed if he completes its requirements.
When he spoke to fans in June, though, he focused on how he was feeling after treatment and what he was looking forward to next.
“I’m doing much better,” he said. “I’m feeling better, I’m creating freely, and there’s less fear in my heart. I’m just smelling the roses.”
He also acknowledged that accepting his diagnosis had taken time, including working through concerns about medication and how other people might see him.
“I mean, I’m already Black and gay… I’m living life on extreme hard mode,” he joked.
Toward the end of the update, he shared that new music was coming, although he wasn’t ready to get into the details just yet.
“I’m excited to do that, and I’m excited to go on this journey with you guys, this next chapter,” he continued.
Now, fans have a song title and a release date to look forward to, along with a glimpse of the words he’s carrying into that chapter.
“World’s Greatest” and its official music video arrive Oct. 1 at noon Eastern.
