Rapper Lil Nas X has once again sparked controversy and outrage with his latest publicity stunt. The musician, known for his hit viral single “Old Town Road,” has announced the release of his new song, “J Christ,” set to debut on January 12, 2024. But it’s not the release of the song that has fans and critics sharing their disbelief, it’s the accompanying visuals.
MY NEW SINGLE IS DEDICATED TO THE MAN WHO HAD THE GREATEST COMEBACK OF ALL TIME!
J CHRIST
JANUARY 12, 2024
00:00 EST
BE THERE! pic.twitter.com/JEX6sSTft5— ✟ (@LilNasX) January 8, 2024
Lil Nas X took to social media to promote his upcoming track, sharing an image of himself as Jesus Christ on the cross while a group appears to be pulling it into place. Along with the image, he also shared a GIF of himself as Jesus on a golden cross, surrounded by what appears to be angelic armor. The controversial rapper was quick to defend his artistic choices, claiming that the song is “dedicated” to Christ. However, many are not buying it.
Conservative author Rachel Wilson took to Twitter to voice her shock and disappointment, writing, “Oh gee whiz I’m sure this won’t be as blasphemous as possible.” Similarly, influencer Oli London shared their sentiments, writing, “Singer @LilNasX MOCKS Jesus in a teaser for his new single ‘J Christ’ as he appears in underwear and silver boots in a video clip posted to his X.” London went on to mention Lil Nas X’s previous controversial marketing tactics, which included selling sneakers containing human blood.
Singer @LilNasX MOCKS Jesus in a teaser for his new single ‘J Christ’ as he appears in underwear and silver boots in a video clip posted to his X.
The singer has previously courted outrage for promoting Satanic practices including selling sneakers containing human blood. pic.twitter.com/ljqphib4PK
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) January 8, 2024
Christian rapper Kory Yeshua also joined in the criticism, posting a TikTok video deconstructing the images and calling out Lil Nas X for “mocking Jesus and Christians.” He went on to express his disgust and disbelief at the fact that some people will brush off the rapper’s actions as “art.” Yustyna’s sentiment was echoed by other social media users, with many expressing that Lil Nas X’s latest stunt is a clear display of disrespect towards Christianity.
Lil Nas x releasing single “J Christ” mocking Jesus and Christians. #lilnasx #jesus #satan #spiritualwarfare #christians #idols #hollywood #awake #satanic pic.twitter.com/LRCy4cnzAc
— Kory Yeshua (@KoryYeshua) January 8, 2024
But Lil Nas X was quick to clap back at his critics, stating that nowhere in the image was Jesus being mocked. He argued that throughout history, Jesus’s image has been used in art and that his intentions were not malicious. However, recent lyrics from the unreleased song suggest otherwise. “Took them to the telling and I told ’em it’s a dizzy/Turn up, baby, we gon’ have to check out at like 6-8/Really it’s that easy, but your Uber on the wizzay/Back-back-back up out the gravеsite, b-tch I’m back like J. Christ,” Lil Nas X raps, seemingly using Jesus’s name in a derogatory manner.
The chorus of the song also hints at the rapper’s intentions to stir up controversy once again. “Is he up to something? Only I-I know/Is he ’bout to hit ’em with the high-igh note?/Is he ’bout to give ’em somethin’ vi-iral?/Is he ’bout to hit ’em with the high-igh note?” These lyrics suggest that Lil Nas X is well aware of the shock value and attention his actions will garner.
This is not the first time Lil Nas X has faced backlash for mixing religion and art. In 2021, he released a music video for his song “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” which featured him pole dancing and giving Satan a lap dance in Hell. He also faced heavy criticism for the release of his own line of Satan-themed sneakers, boasting about containing a drop of real human blood. Many argued that Lil Nas X was purposefully pushing boundaries and sparking outrage for the sake of attention and notoriety.
In a world where social media plays a significant role in shaping our thoughts and opinions, it’s important to remember that not everything we see is harmless art. Lil Nas X’s most recent antics are an intentional attack on religion and its followers. It’s crucial to call out these actions and hold those in the public eye accountable for their words and actions. The promotion and glamorization of sacrilegious behavior only fuels unnecessary controversy and division in society.
