Lil Nas X, known for his knack for stirring controversy, has once again captured headlines with his latest music video release, “J Christ.”
The rapper premiered the video on Friday, featuring himself depicted on a cross in a provocative nod to the crucifixion. This bold visual statement follows his tradition of pushing boundaries and igniting debates with his artistic expressions.
Teasing the video earlier this month with a social media post showcasing the crucifixion setup, Lil Nas X captioned it with a reference to “the man who had the greatest comeback of all time.” The imagery, coupled with the cryptic caption, fueled anticipation and speculation among fans and critics alike.
In addition to the controversial crucifixion scene, “J Christ” is replete with heavenly and hellish visuals reminiscent of Lil Nas X’s previous provocative works, such as the 2021 video for “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” The video also features celebrity lookalikes, including interpretations of Mariah Carey, former President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and the artist formerly known as Kanye West.
Lil Nas X’s artistic choices have frequently courted controversy, particularly for what some perceive as mockery of Christianity. His previous venture into this territory, the release of unofficial “Satan” Nikes in 2021, resulted in legal action from Nike for trademark infringement.
“J Christ” continues this trend with its bold biblical references, including a lavish sequence portraying Lil Nas X as Noah herding animals into the ark ahead of the flood. This juxtaposition of religious imagery with modern pop culture iconography is emblematic of Lil Nas X’s boundary-pushing approach to art and entertainment.