Lil Nas X aims to make a bold return after a hiatus of more than two years, unleashing his provocative side with the release of his latest single and accompanying music video, titled “J. Christ.” The artist, celebrated for his comeback, ventures into daring territory by portraying himself as the titular character in this new composition.
In the visually striking video, Lil Nas X opens the gates of heaven, welcoming celebrity look-alikes of A-list stars such as Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Oprah, and Barack Obama. The video features elaborate dance numbers choreographed by Sean Bankhead, Nas’s returning choreographer.
The eye-catching visuals progress through various scenes inspired by biblical narratives, culminating in Nas taking on the role of Noah, constructing an ark and sailing away after a great flood. Laden with both LGBTQ and religious symbolism, the video mirrors Nas’s previous works, notably “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” and “That’s What I Want.”
Before the song’s release, Lil Nas X faced criticism for employing religious imagery in his promotional efforts. The artist had previously weathered similar controversies, notably with the provocative music video for his chart-topping single “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” which explored a queer realm of mythological fantasy featuring Nas and the Devil.
Addressing the backlash, Lil Nas X clarified in a tweet that he was not mocking Jesus and emphasized the historical use of Jesus’s image in art worldwide. He urged critics to refrain from gatekeeping a religion that predates all of us.
Despite facing accusations of trolling in the rollout of his single, Lil Nas X defended his creative choices with posts, including one claiming enrollment in Biblical studies at Liberty University and another teasing a demo titled “1-800-Call-God.”
While it remains uncertain if these themes will persist throughout Lil Nas X’s upcoming album, the sequel to his 2021 debut “Montero,” the controversy surrounding his visual narratives undoubtedly continues to spark conversations.
