Lil Nas X faced some hefty backlash from Christians over his controversial new single “J Christ,” but he found some new fans in the Church of Satan.
The video, released last Friday (January 12) is full of religious iconography and features multiple biblical references. Lil Nas X impersonates various biblical characters – including Jesus, Noah, and Moses.
However, the visuals impressed the Church of Satan. While many religious social media users complained about the imagery and accused him of blasphemy, the organization’s leader loved it.
Church of Satan magister David Harris praised the “J Christ” visuals, telling TMZ the video is “fantastic.” He also compared Lil Nas X bragging about his ability to go viral to the Church of Satan’s belief in “lesser magic.” Harris praised the controversial rapper for making money from his ability to make people bend to his will, essentially the principle of “lesser magic.”
According to the magister, Lil Nas X should use his talents to make a full-length movie.
Meanwhile, Lil Nas X responded to the backlash on X, denying claims he was a Satanist.
“I’ve crossed satan up and broke his ankles, snapped his neck and literally killed him,” he wrote last week. “Made a song referencing the return of jesus, and somehow yall still think im a satanist. I can not win lmaooo.”
I’ve crossed satan up and broke his ankles, snapped his neck and literally killed him, made a song referencing the return of jesus, and somehow yall still think im a satanist. I can not win lmaooo https://t.co/Noc0BshNSC
— ☆ (@LilNasX) January 12, 2024
Lil Nas X was criticized by multiple celebrities, including Christian rapper Lecrae, boxer Ryan Garcia and fellow rapper Boosie Badazz.
After unveiling the “J Christ” cover art on Monday, January 8, Lil Nas X defended his decision.
“The crazy thing is nowhere in the picture is a mockery of jesus,” he wrote on X. “Jesus’s image is used throughout history in people’s art all over the world. I’m not making fun of s###. yall just gotta stop trying to gatekeep a religion that was here before any of us were even born. s###.”