Outrage Erupts As Rapper Takes Aim At Sacred Symbols

Rapper Montero Lamar Hill, widely known as Lil Nas X, ignited controversy on social media by sharing an image of himself lifted on a cross to promote his new song “J Christ.” In a tweet, Lil Nas X dedicated the single to “J Christ,” referencing January 12, 2024. The tweet included a video depicting his cross transforming into an armored suit resembling “The Transformers.”

The post faced backlash, with some accusing Lil Nas X of being demonic, blasphemous, and accused of selling his soul to the devil. Christian rapper Bryson Gray labeled it as “demonic,” while others expressed weariness with what they saw as Lil Nas X’s ongoing mockery of Christianity, citing previous instances like his dress at the 2021 BET Awards.

Lil Nas X further fueled the controversy with a TikTok video where he portrayed himself as Jesus in a church, consuming wine and Eucharist wafers. This video received criticism for what some considered mockery of Christian rituals, with critics stating that Lil Nas X has consistently targeted Christianity for cultural derision.

Christian rapper Kory Yeshua released a TikTok video accusing Lil Nas X of “mocking Jesus and Christians” and framing the content as part of a spiritual war for people’s minds. Yeshua argued that despite Lil Nas X’s claim of entering a “Christian era,” his past content featured satanic themes, especially after the success of his 2018 hit “Old Town Road.”

In response to accusations of blasphemy, Lil Nas X defended himself on Twitter, stating that his promotional material did not mock Jesus and emphasized that Jesus’s image is used in art worldwide. He urged critics to stop gatekeeping a religion that predates their existence.

Lil Nas X has a history of provocative releases, including the 2021 “Satan Shoes” collaboration with MSCHF, which featured human blood and biblical symbolism. The shoes prompted a lawsuit from Nike. His controversial music video for “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” also stirred debate, incorporating classical allusions and biblical symbolism, culminating in Lil Nas X giving Satan a lap dance.

Throughout these controversies, Lil Nas X has defended his artistic choices, often citing symbolism and themes related to embracing one’s true self and challenging societal judgment. The rapper remains a polarizing figure, sparking discussions about the boundaries between artistic expression, religious sensitivities, and cultural interpretations.

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