March 24, 2025 – With 14 children and counting, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has built an ever-expanding family. Yet, despite his growing brood, one child seems to hold a particularly special place in his heart: X Æ A-12, affectionately known as Lil X.
Born in May 2020, Lil X is Musk’s first son with musician Grimes, and their bond has captured public fascination. But what makes Lil X stand out among Musk’s many children? Let’s explore why he remains the center of Musk’s universe.
1. The Firstborn of a Unique Union
Lil X was the first child Musk had with Grimes, marking the start of a highly publicized and unconventional relationship between the tech mogul and the experimental pop star. Unlike Musk’s other children from previous relationships, Lil X was introduced to the world in a way no other Musk child had been—with a futuristic name, viral internet fame, and a highly engaged father.
2. Musk’s Public Love for Lil X
Unlike his other kids, whom he largely keeps out of the spotlight, Musk frequently shares moments with Lil X on social media. Whether it’s attending Tesla events together, touring SpaceX facilities, or even participating in Musk’s live interviews, Lil X is always by his father’s side.
In one viral post, Musk shared a picture of Lil X sitting inside a Tesla, calling him his “future co-pilot.” Fans have noticed that Musk appears more hands-on and emotionally involved in Lil X’s upbringing than he has been with his other children.
3. A Shared Fascination with Space and Technology
Musk has openly stated that Lil X shares his love for rockets, space, and technology. From a young age, the child has been seen exploring Tesla’s Gigafactories, hanging around Starbase, and even playing with robotic prototypes.
During an interview, Musk joked, “Lil X is already smarter than me at four. He’s got a better grasp of engineering than I did at his age.” This playful yet revealing comment showcases the deep intellectual and emotional connection Musk feels toward his son.
4. The Grimes Effect: A Unique Upbringing
Lil X’s mother, Grimes, has played a significant role in shaping his non-traditional, futuristic upbringing. The singer has spoken about raising him with minimal screen time, an emphasis on creative thinking, and exposure to AI-generated storytelling.
Musk has praised Grimes’ influence, suggesting that Lil X benefits from having the perfect blend of artistic creativity and scientific curiosity—a combination that resonates deeply with Musk himself.
5. A Heir to the Musk Legacy?
With Musk’s empire spanning Tesla, SpaceX, Neuralink, and beyond, many speculate that Lil X might be groomed as a future successor. Though Musk has never officially stated it, his close bond with Lil X suggests that he sees him as a potential protégé, someone who could carry forward his vision of space exploration and technological innovation.
The Center of Musk’s Universe
While Musk deeply cares for all of his children, his unique affection, visibility, and emotional connection with Lil X are undeniable. Whether it’s their shared love for science, their constant public appearances together, or the simple fact that Lil X represents a new chapter in Musk’s life, it’s clear why he holds a special place in his father’s heart.
As Musk continues to expand both his family and his ambitious dreams, one thing is certain: No matter how many children he has, Lil X will always be his firstborn in this new era of Musk’s life—his favorite little star in an ever-expanding universe.
What do you think? Will Lil X follow in his father’s footsteps and become the future face of Tesla or SpaceX?
