Release of “J Christ”
American rapper Lil Nas X, who grew up in Lithia Springs, Georgia, released the controversial “J Christ” track on January 12, 2024.
Source: Lil Nas X/X
Since the release of the song, Lis Nas X has been harassed by many Christians online who claim he has mocked various facets of their religion with the music video.
What Angered the Christian Population
The new track came accompanied by cover art, in which Lil Nas X was portrayed as Jesus on a cross.
Source: Lil Nas X/X
Many conservative Christians were upset with the image and further angered by the song’s music video, which portrays the young rapper as a savior-like figure.
Initial Response to the Critics
After receiving heavy backlash for the music video, Lil Nas X took to X to respond to some of the criticism.
Source: Leon Neal/Getty Images
“The crazy thing is nowhere in the picture is a mockery of jesus. Jesus’s image is used throughout history in people’s art all over the world,” he wrote.
Lil Nas X Fire Back on Social Media
The young rapper appears to have taken offense to many of the comments that argued he was mocking Christianity.
Source: Freepik
In a separate tweet, he wrote, “I’m not making fun of s—. yall just gotta stop trying to gatekeep a religion that was here before any of us were even born. stfu.”
Rapper Calms Down and Issues Statement
After the initial comments were shared with X, Lil Nas X decided to upload a video to explain his thoughts on the video.
Source: @LilNasX/X
“I wanted to not necessarily apologize, but I wanted to explain where my head is at and where it’s been for like the last week. So first of all, when I did the artwork, I knew there would be some upset people or whatnot simply because religion is a very sensitive topic for a lot of people,” he said.
No Intention to Mock the Religion
As the short video continues, the Georgia rapper claims his intention was never to mock Christianity.
Source: Freepik
“But I also didn’t mean to mock,” said Lil Nas X as he spoke during the video uploaded to social media last Monday.
I’m Back Like Jesus
In a later part of the video, Lil Nas X explains he used Jesus as a metaphor for his return to the music scene.
Source: Freepik
“This wasn’t like a ‘f— you to you people. F— you to the Christians.’ It was not that. It was literally me saying, ‘Oh, I’m back. I’m back like Jesus,” he said.
Nothing to Do With Mockery
The rapper did his best to convince fans during the video response video that he never meant to offend anyone with his “J Christ” music video.
Source: @LilNasX/X
“I’m not the first person to dress up as Jesus. I’m not the first rapper. I’m not the first artist, and I won’t be the last. And I know, given my history with the “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” video, anything that I do related to religion can be seen as mockery. That just was not the case with this,” he said.
Christians Angered With Communion Scene
In one part of his latest music video, Lil Nas X is seen drinking wine and eating communion wafers. According to critics, this was a mockery of the practice.
Source: Win McNamee/Getty Images
“It’s me eating the communion, which is the symbolism of Jesus’ blood and bones or something like that, I don’t remember completely. I didn’t mean it as a cannibalism thing or whatever the freak, but I do apologize for that. I will say I am sorry for that,” said the rapper.
Lil Nas X Admits He Messed Up
The young Georgia rapper eventually admitted he understands why people are upset with his video. “I know I messed up really bad this time, and I can act unbothered all I want, but it’s definitely taken a mental toll on me,” said Lil Nas X.
Source: @itspopsociety/X
Yet, he wanted to let his Christina fans know he’s not against them, saying, “I was put on this earth to bring people closer together and promote love, and that’s who I am.”
Going to College For Bible Study
In a separate post to social media, Lil Nas X pleads further innocence by claiming he will attend a college for biblical studies in the fall.
Source: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic/Getty Images
“I know some of y’all hate me right now, but I want y’all to know I’m literally about to go to college for biblical studies in the fall,” he wrote.