Lil Nas X, J CHRIST | Song Review

With a knack for trolling and drawing attention to himself, Grammy-winning artist Lil Nas does so again on his ‘controversial’ single, “J CHRIST.”

“Is he up to somethin’ only I-I know? / Is he ‘bout to hit ‘em with the high-igh note?” Trolling.  Grammy-winning artist Lil Nas X (Montero Hill) has a knack for trolling, embracing controversy, and shock value.  While he is quite talented, Hill seems to enjoy ruffling feathers as a means of marketing and fueling streams.  For the rollout of his first single of 2024, “J CHRIST”, Montero has embraced utter blasphemy. His ‘ministry’ leading up to “J CHRIST”,  expectedly, is insincere. The accompanying music video, which was hinted at prior to the release too, is intended to piss off Christians.  Hill produced this two-and-a-half minute ‘piece of work’ alongside Omer Fedi and Gesaffelstein.

“Back-back-back up out the gravesite / Bitch, I’m back like J Christ,” Lil Nas X proclaims in the second verse of the controversial “J CHRIST.” Bitch and Christ in the same line – charming. He adds, “I’m finna get the gays hyped.”  Interesting.  These lyrics mark the few times that Jesus Christ is explicitly referenced. However, it’s enough to raise eyebrows, considering Hill likens his return to that of Jesus – yikes! Anyways, throughout the record, for the most part, we get the expected from Montero. He’s confident and fierce; carefree and unafraid about who he may offend.  Beyond touting his comeback – “Last year was a quiet year / Now I’m on Mariah, yeah / I’m finna take it higher” – he musters up tuneful melodies, especially the pre-chorus and the chorus.  As always, the backdrop is on fleek, fueling Hill’s fire.  So, how does  “J CHRIST” stack up? It’s okay, at best, but NOT the second coming, if you catch my drift.

Lil Nas X • “J CHRIST” • Columbia • 1.12.24

[: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; Columbia; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Królestwo Nauki, OpenClipart-Vectors, Pete Linforth, Tumisu from Pixabay]