Even Lil Nas X’s commitment to his “Christian era” couldn’t wash him of his former troll ways. But his recent online post might’ve been justified. As the rapper claims to be studying theology (but probably isn’t), he’s already begun to implement one Christ-like principle, and streaming giant Spotify learned this the hard way.
On January 12, the platform took to its official X (formerly Twitter) page to shade Lil Nas X’s new single, “J Christ.” “LNX is back with more mid-music [shrugging emoji],” read the note about the track. Well, Lil Nas X got wind of the diss and decided to embody the Biblical lesson, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Lil Nas X leapt into troll mode without missing a beat, replying to their message with one of his own. Using the viral clip from when an inmate attacked a Nevada judge, Lil Nas X wrote: “Me at the Spotify headquarters tomorrow.”
Some of his followers pointed out that the online exchange was probably something both Spotify and Nas were in on (the streaming platform typically doesn’t launch unsolicited social media attacks on popular artists), and it was likely just part of the single rollout. “Lol, people thinking this Spotify tweet wasn’t planned [crying laughing emoji],” wrote one user.
Lol people thinking this Spotify tweet wasn’t planned
Others (like most people on the internet) just sat back and enjoyed the messy interaction. Given Lil Nas X’s history of outrage marketing, whether it was staged or not, this is all a win in his eyes.
You can watch Lil Nas X’s official video for “J Christ” here.
Multi-platinum artist Lil Nas X has officially marked the dawn of his next era with the release of his first single in two years, “J CHRIST,” out today via Columbia Records.
Co-written by Lil Nas X himself alongside Omer Fedi, Mike Levy (Gesaffelstein), and Blake Slatkin, the song showcases a blend of creativity with production by Fedi, Gesaffelstein, and Lil Nas X.
Accompanying the single is the release of the official video, which not only serves as Lil Nas X’s solo directorial debut but follows a story he crafted. The “J CHRIST” visual is a gleefully subversive journey, featuring Lil Nas X conquering both heaven’s gates and hell’s fires. The video was shot in Mexico City.
As he asserts his faith and sails through a flooded rapture, Lil Nas X proudly declares his chosen direction: “THIS WAY.” The artist is forging a new path, expressing his spirituality uniquely, and signaling a fresh beginning in his musical journey. DAY ZERO of this next chapter has arrived, showcasing Lil Nas X’s evolution and commitment to authenticity in his artistry.
At long last, Lil Nas X is back. With his first new solo single in two years, the rapper, pop star, and provocateur is entering his “Christian era” with his new single, “J Christ.”
On his new single, Lil Nas X declares that while he’s been away for a minute, he’s loud and proud this era, not minimizing himself for anybody.
B*tch, I’m back like J Christ / I’m finna get the gays hyped / I’m finna take it yea high / Back up out the gravesite / B*tch, I’m back like J Christ,” he raps on one of the song’s verses.
In the song’s accompanying video, Lil Nas X is joined by several A-list lookalikes, including counterparts of Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and more. He delivers a killer dance routine choreographed by Sean Bankhead as he makes an exit from hell, plays a heavenly basketball game, slays on the Met Gala carpet, and makes an epic resurgence.
Toward the end of the video, a screen reads “Day Zero: A New Beginning,” which looks like it may be the name of the upcoming album.
We’ll probably have to wait a bit for more album details, but in the meantime, the video makes for an epic reintroduction to our favorite troll.
Lil Nas X, the chart-topping artist known for his boundary-pushing music, finds himself engulfed in controversy once again. This time, it revolves around his alleged acceptance into Liberty University, as the prestigious Christian institution vehemently denies his application.
A Fake Acceptance Letter Exposed
In an unexpected twist, on Jan. 10, a representative from Liberty University shared a statement to TMZ Hip-Hop, refuting the legitimacy of Lil Nas X’s acceptance letter. According to the statement, the university had never heard of him, and the acceptance letter he flaunted on social media was nothing more than a fabrication.
“We can confirm that Liberty University did not issue the Montero Hill ‘acceptance letter’ posted yesterday to social media, and we have no record of Montero Hill applying to the University,” the statement read. “Liberty University exists to glorify God by equipping men and women in higher education in fidelity to the Christian faith expressed through the Holy Scriptures.” “We continue to pray for America and for the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be proclaimed across this land. We welcome all to apply and join us at Liberty University.”
Lil Nas X Not Attending Christian Liberty University Despite Claim He Is | Click to read more https://t.co/ihGAdIrBVx
The alleged fake acceptance letter was initially shared by Lil Nas X himself on Jan. 9, who claimed he would pursue studies in Christian Leadership and Biblical studies at Liberty University. However, it soon became evident that the entire endeavor was a promotional stunt for his upcoming single, “J Christ,” slated for release on Jan. 12.
Fans React
As news of the university’s denial spread, users on Twitter (X) couldn’t resist expressing their opinions.
@iqkev commented, “Lil Nas X can’t make a song without stirring up controversy around it,” highlighting the recurring pattern of attention-grabbing antics associated with the artist. Another user, @justvanillaling, voiced their frustration, stating, “I wish Lil Nas X would put as much effort into his music as he does into lying.”
Updated By: Chris Samuel (1/11/24 at 4:00 pm)
Lil Nas X Sparks Controversy With Decision To Study Biblical Studies Amid ‘J Christ’ Tease
Lil Nas Xhas recently caused a stir on social media. After teasing a Christian-inspired music video, the Grammy Award-winning rapper announced his decision to pursue Biblical Studies at a University.
Turning Over A New Leaf?
Taking to Instagram on Jan. 10, Lil Nas X shared his acceptance letter to Liberty University, a private Christian college in Lynchburg, Virginia. Known for his provocative antics, the Montero artist captioned the post with excitement, stating:
“Not everything is a troll! Anyways, I’m a student again! LET’S GOOO.”
While several fans applauded the “Industry Baby” rapper for his decision and encouraged him “Not to pay attention to the haters,” others were more skeptical.
One fan expressed their excitement at the possibility of being classmates with the rapper saying, “If I get to class Monday and see lilnas sitting beside m..I-”, while another subtly criticized him by commenting, “God will never be mocked,” questioning his sincerity.
‘J Christ’
With a reputation for pushing boundaries and courting controversy, the “Scoop” artist has constantly found ways to generate buzz around his projects. Enrolling in Biblical Studies can be seen as another strategic move to spark conversation and attract attention to his upcoming single, “J Christ.”
The music video preview, shared on Lil Nas’ Instagram, showcases a star-studded cast walking towards the Pearly Gates, including Kanye West, Ms. Pat, and Mariah Carey, walking towards the Pearly Gates.
Disgruntled fans responded to the clip by flooding the “Rodeo” rapper’s comments. One user said, “STOP USING CHRISTIANITY TO STAY RELEVANT…..” Another chimed in saying, “This is another level of disrespect.”
Christian Rapper Questions Authenticity Of Rappers Turning To Islam
Amid the mixed reactions surrounding Lil Nas X’s pursuit of Christianity, questions about celebrities’ religious conversions have also surfaced. Christian rapper John Gabbana recently voiced his doubts regarding rappers converting to Islam, suggesting that some may be doing it solely for trends.
Originally Written By: DeAundre Barnes (1/10/24 at 6:25 pm)
Lil Nas Xhas recently caused a stir on social media. After teasing a Christian-inspired music video, the Grammy Award-winning rapper announced his decision to pursue Biblical Studies at a University.
Turning Over A New Leaf?
Taking to Instagram on Jan. 10, Lil Nas X shared his acceptance letter to Liberty University, a private Christian college in Lynchburg, Virginia. Known for his provocative antics, the Montero artist captioned the post with excitement, stating:
“Not everything is a troll! Anyways, I’m a student again! LET’S GOOO.”
While several fans applauded the “Industry Baby” rapper for his decision and encouraged him “Not to pay attention to the haters,” others were more skeptical.
One fan expressed their excitement at the possibility of being classmates with the rapper saying, “If I get to class Monday and see lilnas sitting beside m..I-”, while another subtly criticized him by commenting, “God will never be mocked,” questioning his sincerity.
‘J Christ’
With a reputation for pushing boundaries and courting controversy, the “Scoop” artist has constantly found ways to generate buzz around his projects. Enrolling in Biblical Studies can be seen as another strategic move to spark conversation and attract attention to his upcoming single, “J Christ.”
The music video preview, shared on Lil Nas’ Instagram, showcases a star-studded cast walking towards the Pearly Gates, including Kanye West, Ms. Pat, and Mariah Carey, walking towards the Pearly Gates.
Disgruntled fans responded to the clip by flooding the “Rodeo” rapper’s comments. One user said “STOP USING CHRISTIANITY TO STAY RELEVANT…..” Another chimed in saying, “This is another level of disrespect.”
Christian Rapper Questions Authenticity Of Rappers Turning To Islam
Amid the mixed reactions surrounding Lil Nas X’s pursuit of Christianity, questions about celebrities’ religious conversions have also surfaced. Christian rapper John Gabbana recently voiced his doubts regarding rappers converting to Islam, suggesting that some may be doing it solely for trends.
Sin Lil Nas X usually talks with his tongue in his cheek, it might be hard for some to understand when the rapper is joking and when he’s being genuine. For instance, yesterday (January 9), he shared what appeared to be a letter from Liberty University, accepting him into their Biblical Studies program. But, is that actually true?
Will Lil Nas X study Biblical Studies at Liberty University?
It doesn’t look likely, no.
Since that tweet was shared on X (formerly Twitter), a community note about who signed the supposed letter has been added, which reads, “This is an altered image. Jerry Falwell, the former president of Liberty University, passed away in 2007. The current President of Liberty University is Dondi E. Costin.” The note also links to an official page from Liberty that confirms Falwell’s passing.
Furthermore, Jerry Falwell Jr., who took over as the university’s president after his father’s passing, addressed Nas’s tweet, writing on X, “This is the real Jerry Falwell, Pres of Liberty University 2007-2020, and that is my signature. I know this is a joke but I wouldn’t have hesitated to sign that letter for you to enroll. Don’t believe all the lies that have been told the last 3 yrs! No judgment at LU, only grace!”
This is the real Jerry Falwell, Pres of Liberty University 2007-2020, and that is my signature. I know this is a joke but I wouldn’t have hesitated to sign that letter for you to enroll. Don’t believe all the lies that have been told the last 3 yrs! No judgment at LU, only grace!
Hip-hop’s consummate trickster, Lil Nas X, has started off the new year doing what he always does: Riling folks up on the internet. After all the complaints about devil worship that were flung at the rollout of his last project, Montero, he’s apparently adopted a policy of malicious compliance, going to the other extreme with a “holy man” persona that has the same exact demographic calling for his head again — big surprise, right?
The accusations being leveled at him this time are that he’s “mocking” Christians — i.e. the same people who spent a year throwing him under the bus for his method of self-expression (not to mention his sexuality). While Nas accepts that his reputation as a troll somewhat demands that his actions be taken with a heavy grain of salt, he also denies that the purpose of this rollout is to mess with his biggest critics — at least, not solely.
But even looking at the imagery he’s shared at face value, it could hardly be said he’s mocking anything. He’s got a point; his reputation has led to this interpretation more than anything he’s shared about the new direction his visuals have taken. By casting himself as the subject in reproductions of well-known art pieces — pieces that do admittedly have religious overtones, if inaccurate ones — he has much more to say, though, than sticking out his tongue at religious adversaries.
First things first, it seems we need some art history lessons. Just like when Doja Cat had to explain the 15th-century inspirations behind her tattoos last year, it seems that adding some context could shed light on why so many people are up in arms about Nas’ promotional artwork. The single cover, which depicts Nas in the process of being crucified, is a clear reference to tons of Renaissance-era depictions of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion from the Bible, but it’s not like those depictions are strictly accurate.
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. I’m not making fun of shit. yall just gotta stop trying to gatekeep a religion that was here before any of us were even born. stfu
In fact, depictions of Christ have been controversial throughout history, with some traditions outright banning them. The Renaissance works from which we’ve taken the majority of our modern understanding of religious imagery were commissioned by the Roman Catholic Church in the 15th and 16th centuries, long after anyone would have even known what the historical Jesus would have looked like. Nas is reproducing these images, yes, but more as an expression of his appreciation of Renaissance art than as the mockery some assumed — for instance, the cover art for his No. 1 single “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” took inspiration from Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam, which adorns the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
Likewise, Nas is far from the first artist to reproduce famous Renaissance depictions of Christ and similar iconography in his work. Before pop matron Madonna was wearing grills and du-rags, she was irritating conservative thinkers with videos for songs such as “Like A Prayer,” which juxtaposed crucifixes with sexual imagery, evoking the Church’s long, knotty entanglement with the subject of sex. The elder rap Nas depicted himself being crucified — a rather common execution practice during the Roman Empire, it should be noted — in his video for “Hate Me Now.”
As fans on Twitter pointed out, artists ranging from Kanye West to DaBaby to Tupac to Kendrick Lamar have all incorporated some aspect of these well-known symbols into the presentation and promotion of their art — symbols that were, again, invented in at least their broad aspects by artists who lived over 1,000 years after the events imagined in their work. Likewise, contrary to come of the complaints leveled at Lil Nas X, these religion-themed works are far from the only classical artwork that modern artists have reproduced or referenced to sell their music.
Artists who aren’t Lil Nas X who portrayed themselves as Jesus(a threa) Madonna pic.twitter.com/bclHtXstRA
As for why it may seem that way, well, it’s probably because those are the works that are the most ubiquitous in Western culture. After all, it’s not like there were toy commercials disguised as kids’ cartoons name-checking the most famous West African or East Asian artists. Much like some of those early Christian traditions, some religions outright ban depiction of their most holy figures — why do you think no one ever dressed up as Muhammad for Halloween?
While Lil Nas X is far from the first or only artist to receive some modicum of backlash for his reproductions of classical Renaissance interpretations of Biblical stories, it does seem as though he’s gotten an outsized amount of it. While some of that can probably be attributed to his rep as a troll, with folks interpreting anything he does as making fun of something, it’s obvious that a lot of it stems from religion’s inability to reckon with queerness as a concept. The sad part is, like the Renaissance images Nas appropriates for his promotional campaigns, homophobia isn’t actually intrinsic to Christianity, either. But that’s a conversation for another day.
Lil Nas X has been active in the lead-up to his new single “J Christ,” whether he’s maybe (but maybe not) enrolling in a Biblical studies program, showing off some genuine gospel music, or re-creating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. His “J Christ” video is set to drop this Friday, but ahead of then, he has again indulged in attention-grabbing antics with a new video teaser.
The 20-second video shows a long line of people in white robes, walking through a field, which looks like the iconic Windows XP wallpaper, and up a literal stairway to Heaven. In that line are a bunch of celebrity impersonators, of Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Mariah Carey, and Barack Obama, as well as a couple who aren’t quite as perfect a visual match but who appear to represent Ed Sheeran and Oprah Winfrey.
Ever since he first burst onto the scene with “Old Town Road,” Nas has proven that he’s a viral marketing master, and this whole “J Christ” rollout is just another shining example of that.
In response to backlash over his crucifixion image, Nas wrote, “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. I’m not making fun of sh*t. yall just gotta stop trying to gatekeep a religion that was here before any of us were even born. stfu.”
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Lil Nas X continues to tease his new era. This Friday (January 12), the rapper and troll extraordinaire will drop “J Christ,” the lead single to his upcoming sophomore album, and the kick-off to what he’s been describing as his “Christian era.” In the days leading up to the single drop, Lil Nas X is reinforcing the idea that he is a good, Christian boy.
Today (January 9), Lil Nas X took to Instagram to share what appears to be an acceptance letter from Liberty University. The letter indicates that Lil Nas X, whose real name is Montero Hill, will enter the school’s Christian Leadership and Biblical Studies program in the fall.
“As we seek to build a campus community exemplifying strong academic achievement and an unwavering commitment to the Christian faith, our admissions committee is dedicated to selecting students of the highest caliber,” reads the letter. “We believe you are one of those students, and we are confident you will make an outstanding addition to our student body.”
Lil Nas X assured fans he is taking his studies seriously upon his evident enrollment.
“I know some of yall hate me right now but i want yall to know im literally about to go to college for biblical studies in the fall,” he said in the post’s caption. Not everything is a troll! Anyways IM A STUDENT AGAIN! LETS GOOO”
You can read the full acceptance letter below.
Dear Montero Hill,
Congratulations! You have been officially accepted to Liberty University for the Fall 2024 semester with a Dual Concentration in Christian Leadership and Biblical Studies.
As we seek to build a campus community exemplifying strong academic achievement and an unwavering commitment to the Christian faith, our admissions committee is dedicated to selecting students of the highest caliber. We believe you are one of those students, and we are confident you will make an outstanding addition to our student body.
At Liberty, we specialize in preparing students to succeed — not just as professionals in the workplace, but as citizens who glorify God in their calling and communities. During your time at Liberty, you will be monitored by faculty who bring real-world experience to the classroom and take a personal interest in the success of their students. We are committed to investing in the lives of our students and helping them realize their God-given potential.
Montero, the entire Liberty family congratulates you! Now is your time to train as a Champion for Christ.
Lil Nas X has been pushing Christian themes during the rollout for his upcoming single “J Christ,” and the whole time, he has been straight-faced in his insistence that he’s, in his words, “not making fun of sh*t.” He put his money where his mouth is once again, this time by sharing nearly two minutes of new music, snippets of a demo titled “1-800-CALL-GOD.”
On his Instagram Story today (January 9), he posted a couple of snippets of the song: one of the track’s first minute, and then another 45-second snippet that starts after jumping ahead a few seconds from where the first snippet ended. Sure enough, the track sees Nas singing over an instrumental featuring piano, organ, and a backing choir.
The opening verse of the first part goes:
“Yuh, I’m way too grateful for it
I go the limits to keep every acre, Lord
I’ll bend over backwards to pave the way forth
I’ll go out of my way to make a way, lord
Huh, oh man, God damn
It’s just me and myself and these verses
Me and my faith verses, them generational curses
Me and my faith verses, well, whatever emerges
You can’t just get this sh*t from walkin’ inside of them churches
Oh man, I’ve seen it all even though I didn’t
I give my all the best stars, all you n****s just wishin’
I’m Star Walkin’ like the lights in my roof
Know who I was, now I finally got the proof
I said ‘I love you’ to myself, I love you too! (I love you too!)”
He shared the samples seemingly to bolster his case that he really isn’t making fun of Jesus and Christianity with his new era like some have claimed. Over the first part of the video, he wrote, “i like how the world decided i am mocking, when i literally have been working on a gospel album??” He wrote over the second part, “Like be fr?”
Y (@IAmQuisB) 
