At the young age of 24, Atlanta native Lil Nas X is one of the most groundbreaking and recognized celebrities around, one whose message of acceptance is as celebrated as his Grammy Award-winning music. Now, the HBO original documentary “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” captures his first headlining tour as he travels around the country, interacting with family, friends and fans, dealing with his success and growing more comfortable with his various roles in the industry.

Debuting Jan. 27, the documentary was directed by Zac Manuel and Carlos López Estrada, who were given open access during the artist’s titular 2022 concert tour. Estrada was involved in the early concept of the tour, before officially signing on to co-direct. The record label brought him aboard with the hope of creating an event that didn’t feel merely like a concert but one with a narrative arc and theatrical feel.

“I was familiar with Nas’ music but I really got to understand it on a deeper level,” he says. “We looked at every song and the lyrics to dig into the meaning of each. I realized all the layers behind it and the vulnerability and this extreme thoughtfulness Nas uses to do everything. I discovered a new side of him.”