Almost three years after his infamous ride on a stripper pole to hell, Lil Nas X is back with another attention-grabbing project. On January 12, the chart-topping pop star will release his new single, “J Christ.” The artwork for the song shows Lil Nas X portraying Jesus Christ nailed to the cross, making a bold statement right from the start. In a press release, he dedicated the song to someone who had the “greatest comeback of all time!” This track is expected to be the opening salvo of his upcoming sophomore album and will be accompanied by a music video.
Nas’ Christian Era?
In late November, Lil Nas X teased fans with an acoustic song on Twitter, asking if they would mind him entering his “Christian era.” The clip featured Nas dancing on an empty street, donning a shirt that boldly proclaims, “If God doesn’t exist then who’s laughing at you?” The lyrics in the snippet hinted at a spiritual theme, with lines like, “I call on angels, I’m trying hard to face my pain, yeah, Give me hope when I feel less.” While it remains uncertain if this song is “J Christ” or if it will feature on his forthcoming album, Lil Nas X’s focus on religious imagery is clear.
More Than a Publicity Stunt
Though Lil Nas X has faced criticism in certain religious circles for his provocative artistry, he insists that his exploration of different themes is not just a gimmick. In response to his detractors, he expressed on Twitter, “Y’all see everything I do as a gimmick. When in reality, I’m just an artist expressing myself in different ways.” He goes on to point out that while his art may be classified as demonic, satanic, or Christian, others in the industry don’t face the same level of scrutiny. Despite the backlash, Lil Nas X remains unapologetic, stating, “Y’all hate me because I’m fun, cute, and petite.”
Lil Nas X continues to push boundaries and challenge societal norms with his unique style and fearless expression. Whether you love him or hate him, there’s no denying that he leaves an indelible mark on the music industry. Stay tuned for the release of “J Christ” and get ready to witness another chapter in Lil Nas X’s extraordinary career.