Lil Nas X releases new single ‘J Christ’ with biblical self-directed video

nme.com:

Lil Nas X has shared his first new single in two years – listen to ‘J Christ’ below.The rapper/singer confirmed last week that he would be releasing a song and a self-directed music video, asking fans: “Y’all ready for a show?” He later posted a teaser for the official visuals.Arriving today (January 12), the video for ‘J Christ’ begins with a scene in which various celebrity lookalikes walk across a field before making their way up a stairway to Heaven.We see impersonators of Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Ed Sheeran, Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama and more as a gospel choir sings: “Oh lord please/ Deliver us/ Deliver me.” After the faux celebs cross over to the other side, we’re greeted by a godlike Lil Nas X at the pearly gates.Later, viewers are transported to the fiery depths of Hell and introduced to a devil version of the artist.

He then plays a one-on-one basketball game against Satan in Heaven in front of a crowd of spectators.The video spoofs various biblical stories, with Lil Nas X later seen on a crucifix and travelling across a stormy ocean on an arc.

Watch it all unfold here:A press release notes how ‘J Christ’ “has ultimately ushered in a new beginning, and we have now arrived at DAY ZERO of this chapter”.It reads: “As for those doubting which direction Lil Nas X has chosen, he proudly proclaims ‘THIS WAY’, choosing to express his spirituality in his own way.

He’s forging a new life for himself while nodding to the journey that led him here, complete with homage to his iconic music video for ‘MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)’.”Earlier this week, Lil Nas X announced that he was going to university to join a Biblical Studies programme.He shared an image of his acceptance letter to Liberty University, a Christian.