Lil Nas X took us back to ancient Egypt during his epic performance of “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” at the BET Awards 2021.

The performance paid tribute to Michael Jackson’s 1992 “Remember The Time” video, directed by John Singleton and featured Eddie Murphy, Iman, and Magic Johnson.

A troupe of male dancers accompanied Nas’s spectacular performance, and perhaps as a nod to LGBTQ+ Pride Day, he kissed one of the dancers. Of course, there were haters, but the 22-year-old quickly clapped all the way back.

One person tweeted, “DONT USE AFRICAN CULTURE FOR S***S LIKE THIS!!!!!!! RESPECT OUR ANCESTORS.”

X responded with, “Y’all really like to pretend homosexuality didn’t exist in African culture.”

 “MONTERO” was Nas X’s second number one hit on the Billboard 100 after his breakout smash “Old Town Road.”  Released in March and noted for its LGBTQ themes, “MONTERO” will serve as the title track for his upcoming album.