Hip hop has always prided itself on originality, individuality, and authenticity. Yet, as the genre evolved, not every form of self-expression has been equally embraced. One artist who knows this struggle all too well is iLoveMakonnen, the Atlanta-born rapper and singer who shook up the music world with his Grammy-nominated hit Tuesday.

After publicly coming out in 2017, Makonnen faced industry backlash while navigating a culture that wasn’t always ready to accept him for who he was. Today, with artists like Lil Nas X reaching superstar status, Makonnen has been asked repeatedly about comparisons between himself and other performers breaking boundaries.

Recently, Makonnen addressed those comparisons directly, offering a candid perspective on how he sees his place in hip hop, what separates him from Lil Nas X, and why the industry still struggles with who gets a spotlight.

The Early Impact of iLoveMakonnen

Before addressing the comparisons, it’s important to understand iLoveMakonnen’s impact on hip hop. With his breakout single Tuesday, Makonnen redefined the sound of mid-2010s rap and became a symbol of experimentation in the trap and alternative rap scene.

His melodic delivery, off-kilter beats, and refusal to fit into one genre made him stand out immediately. Makonnen was hailed as a pioneer who helped pave the way for artists who didn’t conform to the standard mold of what a rapper “should” be.

But with success came scrutiny. After publicly sharing his truth in 2017, Makonnen was met with industry pushback. Even though he had a catalog filled with originality, he noticed fewer opportunities coming his way.

Coming Out in 2017: A Risky Step

For iLoveMakonnen, coming out wasn’t just a personal revelation—it was a professional risk. In a genre where machismo often dominated narratives, his decision was met with mixed reactions.

“It was groundbreaking but risky,” Makonnen has reflected. “Even with a Grammy-nominated hit, I still faced resistance once I stepped outside the expected script.”

While today’s culture has shifted, with queer artists headlining festivals and topping charts, Makonnen notes that the road wasn’t as smooth when he first took that step.

The Rise of Lil Nas X and Comparisons

Enter Lil Nas X, another Atlanta native whose meteoric rise with Old Town Road made him one of the biggest global stars in music. Because both artists share roots in Atlanta, both defy hip hop’s traditional image, and both openly embrace their identity, comparisons between the two were inevitable.

Fans have often pointed out similarities in sound, image, and artistic freedom, sometimes suggesting that Lil Nas X’s visibility overshadowed Makonnen’s earlier contributions.

But according to iLoveMakonnen, those comparisons miss the point.

iLoveMakonnen: “There’s No Battle With Me”

When asked about the comparisons, Makonnen made it clear that he doesn’t view Lil Nas X as competition.

“Fans keep coming to me saying, ‘Yo, he sounds like you.’ But I don’t even see it as a battle,” Makonnen said. “I’m comfortable enough with myself. Anybody can stand on stage next to me. That’s all it is.”

Makonnen also pointed out that his catalog runs deep, spanning different genres and generations. To him, his originality speaks for itself, and he doesn’t need to compete with anyone else to validate his artistry.

The Industry’s Role as Gatekeeper

What frustrates Makonnen more than fan comparisons is how the music industry acts as a gatekeeper, deciding who gets opportunities and who doesn’t.

“I’ve been sitting on the sidelines just doing my thing in the underground,” he explained. “But nobody lines me up to be an opener or put me on big shows. And that’s not because I don’t have the music. The catalog is deep. It’s originals, not remixes.”

This, he believes, is why the comparisons to Lil Nas X don’t bother him. The industry has chosen where to place its spotlight, and Makonnen has simply continued to carve out his own lane without industry support.

A Pioneer Before His Time

Makonnen views himself as part of a lineage of artists who defied expectations—names like Little Richard, Prince, and Michael Jackson.

“I feel like I come from that era where it’s about standing on it and bringing it to the stage,” he said. “If I had the platform, I’d let these other artists open for me just to show the difference in crowd reaction. I’m real, and fans see that.”

For Makonnen, the conversation isn’t about rivalry but about recognition. He doesn’t deny that Lil Nas X has achieved massive success, but he emphasizes that he’s been breaking boundaries long before.

Why iLoveMakonnen Doesn’t Engage in “Beef”

In hip hop, comparisons often lead to diss tracks and rivalries, but Makonnen has avoided that path.

“There’s no battle with me because the industry doesn’t even give me the stage to battle anybody,” he explained. “I don’t want to go down that road of negativity. I’m here to inspire, not to drag other artists.”

Makonnen has also said he doesn’t want to be involved in drama that could create hostility or violence. His focus is on creating music, supporting community, and inspiring youth rather than feeding into rivalries.

Representation, Recognition, and the Culture Shift

Despite the obstacles, Makonnen acknowledges that the culture has changed since his 2017 announcement. Today, artists once pushed to the sidelines are at the forefront of global pop culture.

“It’s progress,” he admitted. “Queer artists are no longer hidden. They’re headlining festivals and topping charts. I’m thankful for it, even if my journey was harder.”

For him, the comparisons to Lil Nas X highlight the broader issue of how the industry decides who gets amplified. It’s not about who’s better—it’s about who’s being given the platform to be seen.

Carving His Own Lane

While some artists get caught up in comparisons, iLoveMakonnen continues to focus on his own artistry. His music spans rap, pop, alternative, and underground influences, proving that he doesn’t fit neatly into one box.

Fans who follow him know he remains a consistent force in underground and experimental scenes, refusing to conform to industry pressures. In his own words:

“I’m just being who I am. If the industry doesn’t want to support that, fine. I’ll keep doing my thing.”

Lessons From iLoveMakonnen’s Journey

Makonnen’s story is more than just about music—it’s about perseverance, authenticity, and the ongoing struggle for recognition.

Originality comes with risk: His decision to live openly and authentically may have cost him industry opportunities, but it also set a precedent for others to follow.

Comparisons miss the point: Rather than fighting over who influenced whom, the focus should be on how different artists push culture forward.

Community matters: For Makonnen, success isn’t just about himself—it’s about inspiring others to embrace their own identities.

What’s Next for iLoveMakonnen?

While he may not always have mainstream support, iLoveMakonnen continues to create, perform, and connect with fans. His catalog remains extensive, and his influence on experimental hip hop and melodic rap is undeniable.

Whether the industry fully recognizes his role or not, Makonnen has left a lasting mark. The rise of artists like Lil Nas X only highlights how Makonnen helped lay the groundwork years earlier.

iLoveMakonnen’s comments on comparisons to Lil Nas X reveal more than just a debate between two artists. They highlight the challenges of recognition, the power of authenticity, and the continuing role of gatekeepers in the music industry.

For Makonnen, the conversation isn’t about rivalry—it’s about the bigger picture. He has already proven his originality and impact. What matters most to him now is inspiring others to be themselves and pushing for a culture where all voices can be heard.

“There’s no battle with me,” Makonnen insists. “I’ve already stormed through and did my big one. Now it’s about everybody else loving themselves too.”