Between celebrity look-alikes making their way to heaven to shotgunning sacramental wine, Lil Nas X is making another statement on his comeback single, “J CHRIST.” On December 26, 2023, promotional posters were found in the streets of Paris, saying, “Lil Nas X, it’s not too late to be saved!” with a pre-save link to savenasx.com.
Since his debut album, MONTERO, biblical references have become a staple in Nas’ music and videos, which have upset the general public for “mocking” religion. This time, he’s under the same scrutiny for posing as a crucified Jesus Christ on the single’s artwork. He denied this accusation in a statement posted to X.
“Jesus’s image is used throughout history in people’s art all over the world,” he said. “I’m not making fun of s**t. Y’all just gotta stop trying to gatekeep a religion that was here before any of us were even born.”
There’s A Lot Going On In The “J CHRIST” Music Video
Although “J CHRIST” is not a sonic demonstration of artistic growth [and, in some ways, a diet “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)”], the music video showcases the artist’s vast understanding of religion—and where to poke fun at it. The three-minute video follows Lil Nas X on a journey as Jesus and Moses. Beyond possibly benefitting from a longer viewing time, everyone will replay the video to unravel the star’s allegories.
From the music video teaser, celebrity doppelgängers like Oprah, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson and Kanye West still make their way to Heaven. There, they meet Lil Nas X, who ends up in a basketball showdown with Satan and dances around during his inevitable crucifixion.
Afterward, “J CHRIST” blends the reality of his starry life on the Met Gala red carpet and the reawakening of God through a “flood warning” recreation of Noah’s Ark. The end caption reads “Day Zero A New Beginning” followed by a bible verse that reads “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17.” Watch the music video below!
Before officially announcing “J CHRIST” as a single, there was heavy speculation of a collaboration with popstar Kesha due to similar promotional tactics. However, there is no official confirmation of their working together at this time. Additionally, there is no release date for Lil Nas X’s upcoming sophomore album yet.
In other news, Ariana Grande has returned to music with the dance comeback single, yes, and?”
