Unleashing Redemption: Lil Nas X Confronts Controversies in 'J Christ' Music Video

Lil Nas X Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Lil Nas X's fans are in for a treat as the singer makes a strong return with his new single "J Christ." The 24-year-old rapper released the single on January 12, marking the beginning of a new era for him. In the visually captivating music video, Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Lamar Hill, takes on the role of a celestial figure, greeting celebrity lookalikes such as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Mariah Carey, Dolly Parton, Kanye West, and even Barack Obama at the gates of heaven.

"Last year was calm, now I'm up in Mariah, ready to elevate, let them slip," raps Lil Nas X as he struts down the celestial runway, exchanging greetings with a Michael Jackson impersonator gliding along. The video then transitions to a depiction of hell, where the Lil Nas X from "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)" takes center stage, reveling in his dominion.

This hellish interlude was the first of many references to the rapper's previous dramas. In the subsequent scene, the divine Lil Nas X engages in a basketball showdown with a devil. A quick camera angle captures the demon's feet adorned with the MSCHF x Lil Nas X Satan Shoes, the custom Nike Air Max 97s featuring satanic motifs and a drop of blood in the soles. (Nike filed a lawsuit against Lil Nas X and MSCHF for copyright infringement, ultimately reaching a settlement.)

At another point in the video, Lil Nas X takes charge of a cheerleading squad made up of dancers, and during his crucifixion, the crowd gathered parties as if they were at Coachella. There is also a notable fashion moment as Lil Nas X transforms the lamb of God’s fleece into a Met Gala-worthy look. The video concludes with the musician hinting at “Day Zero,” a fresh start, and signing off with a quote from 2 Corinthians.

The “J Christ” video marks Lil Nas X’s solo directorial debut. According to a press release, the clip represents the artist “choosing to express his spirituality in his own way.”

Lil Nas X’s use of Christian symbolism comes in the wake of the backlash from the video "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)" released in 2021, which depicted him being expelled from heaven due to his sexual orientation. However, the video's intended message was overshadowed by the uproar surrounding the depiction of Lil Nas X descending to hell on a stripper pole, where he proceeds to give Satan a lap dance.

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"J Christ" was the lead-up to Lil Nas X's proclamation of entering a "Christian era," launching a website that mocked those labeling him a "devil-worshiping pop artist" and posting a fake acceptance letter to Liberty University. (The school's representatives denied having any record of Lil Nas X applying to the institution.)

Lil Nas X is facing criticism for his recent work, but he is unfazed by it. He clarified on Twitter that his art does not mock Jesus and pointed out that Jesus's image has been used by artists for centuries. He emphasized that he is not making fun of anything and urged critics to stop trying to control a religion that predates all of us.