J Christ

Last updated

"J Christ"
Lil Nas X - J Christ.png
Single by Lil Nas X
ReleasedJanuary 12, 2024 (2024-01-12)
Length2:33
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Lil Nas X singles chronology
"Star Walkin'"
(2022)
"J Christ"
(2024)
"Where Do We Go Now?"
(2024)
Music video
"J Christ" on YouTube

"J Christ" is a song by American rapper Lil Nas X. It was released as a single on January 12, 2024, through Columbia Records. [1] The imagery of the accompanying music video draws on well-known stories in the Bible.

Contents

Background and promotion

On January 3, 2024, Lil Nas X announced the release of his next single slated for release on January 12. [2] The rapper then started teasing towards a new era in early January 2024 by setting up a website containing religious and satanic imagery, prompting fans to "save him". [3] He revealed the song title and its artwork on his social media on January 8. [4] In another tweet, Hill shared a short clip promoting the track. [5] "J Christ" precedes the release of his documentary Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero on HBO and Max on January 27. [6]

Music video

The song's music video was written and directed by Lil Nas X, with filming taking place in Mexico City. [7] The music video premiered on January 12, 2024. It starts with a line of look-alikes resembling celebrities such as singers Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, television personality Oprah Winfrey, and former President of the United States Barack Obama walking up a stairway to Heaven. The next shot features Lil Nas X, walking in Heaven after the gates open and waving to a moonwalking Michael Jackson lookalike.

The camera pans down to Hell, with a demonic Lil Nas X now boiling human body parts. Back in Heaven, Lil Nas X plays a basketball game against Satan and scores a slam dunk. Then he performs a cheerleading sequence with other cheerleaders. The next shot features Lil Nas X being crucified similar to Jesus and being praised, before changing to a shot of Lil Nas X shearing a lamb, before panning again to him appearing in a fashion show; the show is watched by Ts Madison, who ends up alarmed with the news of a global flood. The next shot features Lil Nas X, now dressed up like Noah, leading an army of animals to an ark before the huge storm and flood hits; during the flood, Lil Nas X, sporting a golden cross, performs choreography on a rooftop, with a glowing red cross on the right side, which is a possible reference to "Starboy" by The Weeknd. The video ends with Lil Nas X, now on the ark, sailing across the global flood. As sunshine breaks through, text appears on the screen, reading "Day Zero - A New Beginning" and "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)" [8] [9]

Charts

Chart performance for "J Christ"
Chart (2024)Peak
position
Australia Hip Hop/R&B (ARIA) [10] 38
Australia New Music Singles (ARIA) [11] 19
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [12] 67
Canada CHR/Top 40 ( Billboard ) [13] 21
Global 200 ( Billboard ) [14] 91
Netherlands (Tipparade) [15] 20
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) [16] 8
Slovakia (Rádio Top 100) [17] 56
Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan) [18] 2
UK Singles (OCC) [19] 59
US Billboard Hot 100 [20] 69
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [21] 30
US Mainstream Top 40 ( Billboard ) [22] 21
US Rhythmic ( Billboard ) [23] 20

Release history

Release dates and formats for "J Christ"
RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
VariousJanuary 12, 2024 Columbia [24]
Italy Radio airplay Sony Italy [25]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yeah! (Usher song)</span> 2004 single by Usher

"Yeah!" is a song by American singer Usher featuring American rappers Lil Jon and Ludacris. The song is written by the featured artists alongside Sean Garrett, Patrick "J. Que" Smith, Robert McDowell, and LRoc. The song incorporates crunk and R&B—which Lil Jon coined as crunk&B—in the song's production. The song was released as the lead single from Usher's fourth studio album Confessions (2004) on January 10, 2004, after Usher was told by Arista Records, his label at the time, to record more tracks for the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Gonna Be Alright</span> 2002 song by Jennifer Lopez

"I'm Gonna Be Alright" is a song by American singer Jennifer Lopez from her second studio album, J.Lo (2001). It was written by Lopez, Lorraine Cheryl Cook, Ronald LaPread and producers Cory Rooney and Troy Oliver. "I'm Gonna Be Alright" was remixed by Poke & Tone of Trackmasters for Lopez's first remix album, J to tha L-O! The Remixes (2002). It was released on April 1, 2002, by Epic Records as the album's second single. The remix features rapper Nas and achieved moderate success on the music charts worldwide, and peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Lopez's sixth U.S. top ten single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hot Boyz (song)</span> 1999 single by Missy Elliott

"Hot Boyz" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Missy Elliott featuring American rapper and singer-songwriter Lil' Mo. The remix version of the song was an urban hit featuring Nas, Eve and Q-Tip. The remix broke the record for most weeks at number-one on the US R&B chart on the issue dated January 15, 2000; as well as spending 18 weeks at number one on the Hot Rap Singles from December 4, 1999, to March 25, 2000, a record not broken until "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X in 2019. The song also reached number 5 on the US Hot 100 on January 15, 2000. In the UK, the song became the biggest hit from the Da Real World album; it peaked at #18, being Missy's sixth top 40 and fourth top 20 solo success. On February 4, 2000 the song was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thugz Mansion</span> 2002 single by 2Pac featuring Nas and J. Phoenix

"Thugz Mansion" is a song by 2Pac, released as a posthumous single with two known popular versions both released on the 2002 album Better Dayz. It was nominated by the Source Awards for Single of the Year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You (Lloyd song)</span> 2006 single by Lloyd featuring Lil Wayne

"You" is a song by American R&B artist Lloyd featuring rapper Lil Wayne, and was produced by Big Reese and Jasper Cameron for Lloyd's second studio album, Street Love. It was recorded in the producer's basement. It is the first official single off the album. Lloyd himself has reported that he leaked the song to an Atlanta radio station to receive airplay. Originally, the song featured Atlanta rapper Tango Redd, but he was replaced with Lil Wayne for the official release. The song features an interpolation of Spandau Ballet's song "True". On February 17, 2007, "You" became Lloyd's first and Lil Wayne's second top-ten single on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, charting at number nine. The song reached number one on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in February 2007, becoming both Lloyd and Lil Wayne's first number-one single on this chart. On the UK Singles Chart, the single debuted on May 28, 2007, at number sixty-six on download sales alone, and moved up to number forty-five.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm on One</span> 2011 single by DJ Khaled

"I'm on One" is a song by American hip hop artist DJ Khaled, released as the second single from his fifth studio album, We the Best Forever. The hip hop song features Canadian rapper Drake and American rappers Rick Ross and Lil Wayne and features production from Canadian producers T-Minus, Nikhil S. and Noah "40" Shebib. It was released for digital download in the United States on May 20, 2011. Remixes and freestyles were released from rappers such as Tyga, Meek Mill, Jamie Drastik, including other rappers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loyal (Chris Brown song)</span> 2014 single by Chris Brown

"Loyal" is a song by American singer Chris Brown, released as the fourth single from his sixth studio album X (2014). Produced by Nic Nac and Mark Kragen, the song features American rapper Lil Wayne and another American rapper depending on a specific version: Tyga on the album version, French Montana on the East Coast version, and Too $hort on the West Coast version. The song was written by Brown, Wayne, Bobby Brackins, Ty Dolla $ign, and the producers, as well as different interpolative-credited artists, varying for each respective version.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil Nas X</span> American rapper and singer (born 1999)

Montero Lamar Hill, better known by his stage name Lil Nas X, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He rose to prominence with the release of his 2019 country rap single "Old Town Road," the longest-running number-one song since the U.S. Billboard Hot 100's 1958 inception. During the course of this, Lil Nas X came out as gay, becoming the only artist to do so while having a number-one record.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil Nas X discography</span>

American rapper and singer-songwriter Lil Nas X has released one studio album, two extended plays (EP), one mixtape and fourteen singles. The release of his country rap single "Old Town Road", achieved viral popularity in early 2019 and climbed the music charts internationally and became diamond certified by November of that same year. Lil Nas X released his second EP, titled 7 in 2019 through Columbia Records. Two more singles were released from the EP "Panini" and "Rodeo". His debut studio album, Montero was released in 2021 through Columbia Records. The album was preceded by the chart-topping singles "Montero " and "Industry Baby", as well as "Sun Goes Down".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Old Town Road</span> 2018 single by Lil Nas X

"Old Town Road" is the debut mainstream single by American rapper Lil Nas X, first released independently in December 2018. After gaining popularity, the single was re-released by Columbia Records in March 2019. The rapper also recorded a remix with American country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, which was released on April 5, 2019. Both were included on Lil Nas X's second EP, 7 (2019).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Panini (song)</span> 2019 single by Lil Nas X

"Panini" is a song by American rapper Lil Nas X from his second EP 7 (2019). It was released as his second single through Columbia Records on June 20, 2019. "Panini" was written by Lil Nas X, alongside production duo Take a Daytrip and co-producer Dot Da Genius. Late singer & Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain is also credited as a writer due to the chorus containing an interpolation of the band's song "In Bloom" from their album Nevermind.

"Rodeo" is a song by American rappers Lil Nas X and Cardi B from the former's second EP, 7 (2019). The song was written by the artists alongside Pardison Fontaine and producers Take a Daytrip, Roy Lenzo, and Russ Chell. Due to the song's interpolation of Heart's 1977 song "Barracuda," band members Ann Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Michael Derosier, and Roger Fisher are also credited as songwriters. Musically, the song is a country trap track with a surf trumpet and reverberated staccato guitar riff. The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised Cardi B's verse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holiday (Lil Nas X song)</span> 2020 single by Lil Nas X

"Holiday" is a song by American rapper and singer Lil Nas X. It was released on November 13, 2020, through Columbia Records, as a standalone single. A preview of the song, titled "The Origins of Holiday", was released on November 8. It is a Christmas-themed song, described as a stopgap single between his debut EP 7 and follow-up single "Montero ".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Montero (Call Me by Your Name)</span> 2021 single by Lil Nas X

"Montero (Call Me by Your Name)" is a song by American rapper Lil Nas X. First previewed in a Super Bowl LV commercial in February 2021, the song was released on March 26, 2021, through Columbia Records, as the lead single and title track from his debut studio album, Montero (2021). It was written by Lil Nas X along with its producers, Take a Daytrip, Omer Fedi, and Roy Lenzo.

Omer Fedi is an Israeli record producer, songwriter and musician from Tel Aviv. He has co-written, produced and performed on "Mood" by 24kGoldn ft. Iann Dior, "Montero " by Lil Nas X, "Unholy" by Sam Smith and Kim Petras and "Stay" by the Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber, all of which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the Kid Laroi and Juice Wrld's platinum single "Go!" and Machine Gun Kelly's Tickets to My Downfall album which peaked at number one on the Billboard 200. He was included on XXL magazine's list of the "best hip hop producers of 2020". He has been nominated and won several awards such as the Grammys, iHeart Radio Music Awards, BMI Awards and Variety Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sun Goes Down (Lil Nas X song)</span> 2021 single by Lil Nas X

"Sun Goes Down" is a song by American rapper Lil Nas X. It was released as a single through Columbia on May 21, 2021, as the second single from his first studio album Montero.

<i>Montero</i> (album) 2021 studio album by Lil Nas X

Montero is the debut studio album by American rapper Lil Nas X, released on September 17, 2021, by Columbia Records. Five singles supported Montero: the lead single "Montero ", "Sun Goes Down", "Industry Baby", "Thats What I Want", and "Lost in the Citadel". "Montero " and "Industry Baby" topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, while "Thats What I Want" peaked within the top ten.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Industry Baby</span> 2021 single by Lil Nas X

"Industry Baby" is a song by American rapper Lil Nas X featuring fellow American rapper Jack Harlow, released on July 23, 2021, through Columbia Records. The song features co-production by American rapper and record producer Kanye West and production duo Take a Daytrip. It is the third single from Lil Nas X's debut studio album, Montero (2021), following up the international success of lead single "Montero ". The song debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the week of August 7, 2021, and became Lil Nas X's third and Harlow's first number-one single on the chart on the week of October 23, 2021 after a massive gain in digital sales. On October 9, 2021, an extended version was released that features a short verse from Lil Nas X during the outro. The song received a nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.

"Thats What I Want" is a song by American rapper Lil Nas X, released through Columbia Records on September 18, 2021, as the fourth single from his debut studio album Montero (2021). It is a pop rock song with elements of power pop, while the artist is singing about wanting love. It was written by Lil Nas X and the song's producers, Omer Fedi, Blake Slatkin, Ryan Tedder, and KBeaZy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Star Walkin'</span> 2022 single by Lil Nas X

"Star Walkin' " is a song by American rapper Lil Nas X. It was released as a single through Columbia Records & Riot Games on September 22, 2022. The anthem for 2022 League of Legends World Championship was written by Lil Nas X, Atia "Ink" Boggs and the song's producers, Cirkut and Omer Fedi.

References

  1. "Lil Nas X Admits He 'Messed up Really Bad' with His Controversial 'J Christ' Promo". Rolling Stone . January 15, 2024.
  2. Trapp, Malcolm (January 3, 2024). "Lil Nas X Announces New Single And Video Dropping Next Week: "Y'all Ready For A Show?"". Rap-Up . Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  3. Abraham, Mya (January 5, 2024). "'Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero' Documentary Set To Premiere on HBO And Max". Vibe . Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  4. Torres, Eric (January 8, 2024). "Lil Nas X Is on the Cross for New Single "J Christ"". Pitchfork . Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  5. Fu, Eddie (January 8, 2024). "Lil Nas X Announces New Single "J Christ"". Consequence . Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  6. Smyth, Tom (January 7, 2024). "Lil Nas X Is Teasing His Return". Vulture . Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  7. Daw, Stephen (January 12, 2024). "Lil Nas X Resurrects Himself on New Single 'J CHRIST': Watch". Billboard . Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  8. Blistein, Jon (January 12, 2024). "'He Has Risen: Lil Nas X Returns With New 'J. Christ' Video'". Rolling Stone . Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  9. Duong, Paul (January 12, 2024). "'Video: Lil Nas X "J Christ"'". Rap Radar. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  10. "ARIA Top 40 Hip Hop/R&B Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. January 22, 2024. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  11. "ARIA Top 20 New Music Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. January 22, 2024. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  12. "Lil Nas X Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  13. "Ariana Grande Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  14. "Lil Nas X Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  15. "Tipparade-lijst van week 4, 2024" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 . Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  16. "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. January 22, 2024. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  17. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 20244 into search. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
  18. "Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 3". Sverigetopplistan . Retrieved January 20, 2024.
  19. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  20. "Lil Nas X Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  21. "Lil Nas X Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  22. "Lil Nas X Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
  23. "Lil Nas X Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  24. Gonzalez, Alex (January 12, 2024). "Lil Nas X Makes A Comeback in His New 'J Christ' Video". Uproxx . Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  25. Micaletto, Ylenia (January 12, 2024). "Lil Nas X - J CHRIST (Radio Date: 12-01-2024)". EarOne (in Italian). Retrieved January 14, 2024.