Lil Nas X is many things — but “paid” is on the top of that list. More than just a one-hit-wonder thanks to the success of “Old Town Road,” the man born Montero Hill in Atlanta, GA, has earned a massive fanbase alongside his massive controversy. The controversy with the rapper, of course, came when he partnered with Nike for the so-called “Satan Shoes” release. According to Forbes, the headline-courting rapper was intelligent enough to play on America’s deeply-ingrained prejudices as a marketing technique. At the height of the controversy, Lil Nas X claimed that he was facing a court date in regards to the shoes — and that he could end up in jail if things went a certain way in the proceedings. (He wasn’t, and he didn’t.) But while Nike later successfully sued the manufacturer of the shoes to cease production, it all worked out in the end for the “Call Me By Your Name” rapper. As it turned out, the controversy was all one big marketing technique — and one which paid off for him....

Time and time again it’s been clear that Black artists are often the trendsetters of the music industry. Just as fast as trends move, so does technology and these superstars are always one step ahead in the gear that they rock. One of the latest fads is digital fashion through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology, according to Input.

Lil Nas X has become a creative force in pop culture, from his witty tweets to the innovative direction behind his music videos. The marketing mastermind is taking his talents to Taco Bell as the fast food chain’s first Chief Impact Officer (CIO), a position that was inaugurated specifically for Lil Nas X. What makes the partnership even better is the artist worked for Taco Bell as a high schooler in 2017 and has now transitioned into breathing new life into their brand. According to Taco Bell’s media release, the hitmaker’s CIO position scales across food, music and philanthropy. Taco Bell’s breakfast relaunch, in which he will assist with the new menu items, also coincides with the promotion of his highly anticipated debut album “Montero.” Along with food innovation, Lil Nas X’s partnership is with the Taco Bell Foundation’s Live Más Scholarship — a scholarship program that awards passionate student Taco Bell employees across the nation. “Lil Nas X knows the job, the experience...

Facebook and Instagram are giving Class of 2020 graduates the best gift: a virtual commencement featuring Oprah Winfrey. On May 15, the streaming giants will present “ #Graduation 2020: Facebook and Instagram Celebrate the Class of 2020 ,” a multi-hour virtual event set to live stream on both platforms. Along with Winfrey, Lil Nas X, Simone Biles, and more are scheduled to share encouraging words. The online ceremony is a part of a week-long program to celebrate high school seniors and college graduates. Kicking off on May 11, students can expect a digital party, custom filters, superlatives, grad-specific Music Stickers (cue “Graduation” by Vitamin C!), and messages from deans and principals across the country. Although the recent school shutdowns and graduation cancellations have put a damper on students’ final year, Facebook and Instagram hope to make it memorable. Beginning at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET, the star-studded commencement will be featured on Facebook Watch, the Facebook...