By Erica Daniels // Faith & Culture // EEW Magazine Online

Once again, Lil Nas X has seized the spotlight with antics that are as predictable as the sunrise.

The 24-year-old provocateur, real name Montero Hill, has set the internet abuzz with his latest promotional escapades for his new single “J Christ,” released on Friday. The rapper-singer, an expert in stirring the pot, has been engaging in a series of stunts that are as eyebrow-raising as they are eye-rolling—like sharing a video where he's decked out as Jesus, knocking back shots, and making claims of being shunned by the music industry. Some denounce his use of sacred symbols, while others see it as a deliberate dance for the limelight.

The openly gay rapper, whose hits “Old Town Road” and “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” broke the internet, hinted at a spiritual pivot last December, dubbing it his “Christian era.” In a move that blends sacrilege with self-promotion, he's released cover art for “J Christ” showing himself crucified, teased a church premiere for the video, and posted a TikTok of his Jesus impersonation complete with wine shots and communion snacks.

The “J Christ” video, a brainchild of Lil Nas X himself, is a visual cocktail of LGBTQ and Christian imagery—an audacious combo that often clashes in American culture. Meanwhile, his digital shenanigans have escalated to the realm of the absurd, including a bogus claim of planning to study Biblical scripture at the staunchly conservative Liberty University—a tale debunked by the appearance of the former president Jerry Falwell’s signature on the supposed acceptance letter. He died in 2007.

Liberty University was quick to refute the ruse, stating, “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 school's spokesperson went on to confirm their mission of glorifying God through Christian education, extending an open invitation for all to apply—presumably even attention-seeking rappers.

Amidst the circus, Lil Nas X alleges a cold shoulder from the media after his religious rebranding, vowing to unveil the industry's alleged blacklisting. Billboard, however, has labeled him an “expert troll” and dismissed his assertions as "increasingly ridiculous."

While some critics accuse the artist of concocting drama for publicity, Lil Nas X defends his actions, insisting that he's not all smoke and mirrors and condemning the notion that his entire persona is a publicity stunt.

Yet, for readers of EEW Magazine Online, a platform representing a Black Christian audience, the shenanigans are no laughing matter. “The Christian faith and Christ’s most holy crucifixion are not to be desecrated through offensive images and mockery,” expresses Melinda from Dallas, TX, echoing the collective dismay of a community feeling the sting of sacrilege.

Amanda from Baltimore, MD, shares her offense saying, “One minute, Lil Nas X is using satanic and occult imagery and the next he’s exploiting Christian imagery and symbolism. He needs to pick a side.”

M. Brown, who is “sick and tired” said, “However he wants to live his life is his business, but to drag Jesus and Christianity into his foolishness for attention and clicks is disgusting.”

In a cultural moment where outrage is as common as hashtags, it's challenging to separate genuine scandal from strategic spectacle. Lil Nas X's actions suggest a calculated approach to controversy, one that reaps attention regardless of the cost to sacred symbols and the sentiments of believers.

In the end, the line between performative provocation and genuine expression remains as blurred as ever, with the audience left to sift through the noise for a shred of sincerity.