Tabitha Wilson
American rapper and social media star Lil Nas X has released his latest single, ‘J Christ’. But has the controversial artist gone too far this time?
An Irresistible Track
The track is irresistible, with a catchy hook and a chorus oozing charisma. A strong beat, accompanied by thought-provoking lyricism, gives this sexy, dramatic number all the ingredients needed for a viral chart-topper.
Lyrics such as “Is he up to somethin’ only I know?” seem directed at a higher power, with the star questioning his next move.
Lil Nas X Controversies
The 24-year-old performer, whose real name is Montero Hill, has never shied away from songs and music videos that encourage conversation and create controversy. In his electrifying 2021 music video for his hit single ‘Montero (Call Me By Your Name)‘, the rapper pole dances his way into hell and gives a lap dance to Satan.
“J Christ is perhaps his most controversial move yet”
He caused further objection when he announced the creation of his own ‘Satan Shoes’ line in collaboration with Brooklyn art collective MSCHF. The shoes, which featured a bronze pentagram on the laces and an inverted cross, also allegedly contained a drop of human blood each.
The limited edition shoes, which sold out in under a minute, became the subject of a lawsuit from Nike, who claimed the sneakers were manufactured without authorisation from the company. The star went on to mock the lawsuit in his video for his smash hit ‘Industry Baby’, where he dances inside a jail alongside collaborator Jack Harlow.
Lil Nas X Lookalikes
‘J Christ’ is perhaps his most controversial move yet. His criticism and mockery of conservatism and Christianity is more apparent than ever before. The music video features celebrity lookalikes, such as Taylor Swift and Barack Obama, lining up to get into heaven. Then the rapper fights with the devil in a sports arena whilst dressed as an angel.
“Lil Nas X uses his critique of Christianity to embrace who he is”
The video ends with Lil Nas X being crucified. We see him sailing away to Day Zero’s ‘A New Beginning‘, which could mock religion or indicate that the artist has more new music coming up.
In a society where LGBT people are regularly mistreated and excluded from religious spaces, Lil Nas X uses his critique of Christianity to embrace who he is after coming out in 2019. Despite many thinking he can’t get more controversial, it wouldn’t be surprising if his next music video is ten times over-the-top.
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Featured image courtesy of Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons. No changes have been made to this image. Image licence found here.
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Tabitha Wilson
Tabitha is an MA Journalism student at Sheffield University. She has previously worked as a maritime journalist, and studied politics at Durham University. She enjoys writing about music, culture, and travel.