Rapper Lil Nas X has publicly opened up about his bipolar disorder diagnosis and revealed he spent 'a few months' in rehabilitation, marking his most candid account yet of a turbulent period that began with his arrest in Los Angeles in August 2025. The 26-year-old — real name Montero Hill — shared the update via Instagram, saying he is now in a significantly better headspace and actively creating new music.

The Arrest and Road to Rehab

The 'Old Town Road' and 'Montero (Call Me by Your Name)' hitmaker was detained by police in Los Angeles after he was found wandering the city streets in the early hours of the morning. He was subsequently charged with causing injury to a police officer and resisting arrest. Following the incident, he checked into a rehabilitation facility. Under a reported legal arrangement, the charges will be dismissed if he continues treatment for his disorder and obeys all laws for the next two years.

On the Bipolar Diagnosis

In his Instagram post, the rapper said he had suspected the diagnosis for several years but resisted accepting it. Lil Nas X said: 'When I got my bipolar disorder diagnosis, I feel like I had known for like 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 different of me.'

He addressed the compounding weight of his identity with characteristic directness: 'I mean, I'm already black and gay. Damn god, give me like — come on, black, gay, bipolar? I'm living life on extreme hard mode.' The remark, equal parts humour and candour, quickly resonated widely online.

Recovery and Current State of Mind

Since leaving rehab, Montero Hill said he has split his time between Atlanta, where he has been with family, and Los Angeles, working to stay grounded. He described his current outlook in measured but optimistic terms: 'On a serious note, I'm doing much better, I'm feeling better, I'm creating freely, and there's less fear in my heart, and I'm just smelling the roses.'

He added that he had been reluctant to discuss the diagnosis publicly, citing fears about medication stigma and shifting public perception — concerns that mental health advocates note are common barriers to treatment-seeking, particularly among young Black men.

New Music on the Horizon

The Grammy-nominated artist confirmed he has been working on new material over recent months. His last studio album, Montero, was released in 2021 — making this his longest gap between projects. He addressed fans directly: 'I'm excited to go on this journey with you guys, this next chapter. Thank you guys for holding it down. And I love you, and all I want to do is continue to try to make you proud and make myself proud.'

With charges potentially dismissed upon sustained compliance, and new music reportedly underway, Lil Nas X appears to be navigating one of the most personally and professionally significant chapters of his career.