Lil Nas X has insisted he is not “upset” about his latest single, “J Christ,” underperforming on the charts. “J Christ,” the lead single from Lil Nas X’s upcoming album, debuted at No. 69 on Billboard’s Hot 100 over the weekend, a far cry from Nas’ usual position at the top of the charts.
However, in an interview with Variety, the “Old Town Road” hitmaker insisted he was “thankful” to be in the charts at all.
“I’m proud of my song and the video. Everyone expected me to be upset or something,” he said. “But I’m a very spiritual person. I’m thankful that I get to even be in the charts and still be in the conversation. And I’m making new music and it’s been so long. So I’m grateful for that.”
The 24-year-old sparked controversy with the religious imagery in the “J Christ” artwork and music video, which showed him affixed to a cross and playing basketball with the Devil. He later apologized for causing offense with the imagery.
Earlier this week, Nas joked about the sexual connotation behind his chart position.
“We did it boys! We reached the funny number,” he wrote on X/Twitter. “Be very proud of yourselves. this is our moment!”
He followed up “J Christ” with a new single titled “Where Do We Go Now?” As for the upcoming album, Nas is feeling no pressure to live up to the success of his debut, Montero.
“I’m a very spiritual young man. I believe that things are going to work out as long as I’m doing my part,” he stated. “I’ve never worked harder on an album or done more in my life internally to get things right. I’m excited for the outcome.”
