Lil Nas X Explains ‘J CHRIST’ Video & Paintings Amid Backlash – Billboard

Lil Nas X is providing an evidence and apology to these offended by his new tune “J CHRIST.”

On Monday (Jan. 15), the 24-year-old rapper shared a honest video of himself on social media addressing the backlash from the religious-themed art work and music video for the controversial new single, which incorporates the pop provocateur portraying Jesus Christ on the crucifix.

“I do know I tousled actually dangerous this time. I can act unbothered all I need, nevertheless it’s positively taken a psychological toll on me,” Lil Nas X stated within the candid Instagram clip. “I’m not some evil demon man attempting to destroy everyone’s values and stuff like that. That’s not me.”

Lil Nas X begins the four-minute video by addressing the art work and viral advertising push main as much as the discharge of “J CHRIST.” In a single string of TikToks, he joked that he was releasing new gospel music independently. One other Instagram put up noticed him sharing a faux acceptance letter to Christian school Liberty College (college reps later stated that they didn’t admit him for the autumn 2024 semester). The rapper additionally drew intense criticism for his use of spiritual iconography, with commentators claiming that he was “mocking” and “disrespecting” Christianity.

“Once I did the art work, I knew there can be some upset folks just because faith is a really delicate subject for lots of people,” Lil Nas X stated in Monday’s clarification clip. “However I additionally didn’t imply to mock — this wasn’t a f— you to the Christians. It was actually me saying I’m again like Jesus.”

The singer additionally apologized for a TikTok video of himself simulating the act of taking communion, the place he’s seen taking photographs of purple juice whereas scarfing down crackers in what seems to be a non secular setting.

“I do know given my historical past with the [‘Montero (Call Me by Your Name)’] video, something that I do associated to faith could be seen as mockery,” he stated. “That simply was not the case with this. I’ll say, although, with the communion video, with me consuming the crackers and juice, I assumed that video was going to lighten the temper to take it down much less severe. I assumed that was one thing all of us needed to do as youngsters, however I didn’t perceive the thought of the fact of what it’s.”

He added, “I didn’t imply it as a cannibalism factor, or regardless of the freak. However I do apologize for that. That was overboard. Although I don’t agree with all of Christianity’s guidelines, I do know not everyone follows Christianity by the e book 100% or the world can be lots crazier.”

On Friday (Jan. 12), Lil Nas X shared his much-hyped music video for “J CHRIST,” taking the Biblical title to its furthest extent. The clip opens with a collection of superstar lookalikes — starting from Taylor Swift to Kanye West — as they climb the stairway to heaven. The Lil Nas-directed video then proceeds to indicate a collection of callbacks to his hellish video for “Montero (Name Me By Your Identify),” exhibiting the oft-discussed pole to hell and a demonic Lil Nas X stirring a cauldron of legs and arms. Flying again as much as heaven, he reunites with the Satan for a one-on-one basketball recreation the place the rapper dunks the ball and celebrates with a cheerleading routine.

“With the video, there’s not disrespect there,” Lil Nas stated in his clarification video. “I assumed me clearly not being on the aspect of the satan within the video was the … I don’t know, there was an understanding there that I’m not attempting to diss Christianity.”

He closed the heartfelt video with a optimistic message to his Christian followers. “I do know this isn’t going to be an instantaneous swift, everyone strikes ahead. However I do need my Christian followers to know that I’m not towards you,” the singer stated. “I used to be placed on this earth to deliver folks nearer collectively and promote love. That’s who I’m.”

Watch Lil Nas X handle the “J Christ” backlash on Instagram beneath.