Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world of music and entertainment, artists often make headlines for their controversial actions or statements. One such artist who has been in the spotlight recently is Lil Nas X. From his breakout hit “Old Town Road” to his more recent release, “Montero (Call Me By Your Name),” Lil Nas X has been pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. However, with the release of his latest video, some fans are wondering if Lil Nas X has returned to his spiritual roots. In this article, we will examine the video created by Benny Johnson and explore whether Lil Nas X has indeed returned to God.

The Video: A Visual Spectacle

The video created by Benny Johnson for Lil Nas X’s song “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” is nothing short of a visual extravaganza. From the very start, viewers are thrown into a vivid and fantastical world, where Lil Nas X embraces his own sexuality and challenges religious imagery head-on. The video opens with a scene reminiscent of the Garden of Eden, where Lil Nas X is depicted as the serpent tempting Adam. This provocative portrayal sets the tone for the rest of the video, as Lil Nas X takes the audience on a journey through different religious and mythological symbols.

Exploring Religious Imagery

Throughout the video, Lil Nas X incorporates various religious symbols and themes. From the portrayal of himself as the devil to the iconic moment where he pole dances down to hell, this video is a provocative exploration of Lil Nas X’s personal beliefs and journey. While some may interpret these visuals as anti-religious, others argue that they represent a reclaiming of power and self-expression.

The Controversy

Unsurprisingly, the video created by Benny Johnson has generated a significant amount of controversy. Critics argue that the religious imagery used by Lil Nas X is disrespectful and offensive. They claim that the video promotes sinful behavior and mocks religious beliefs. On the other hand, supporters of the video argue that it is a brave and necessary commentary on the stigmatization of LGBTQ+ individuals within religious institutions.

Lil Nas X’s Statement

In response to the backlash, Lil Nas X has made his position clear. In a series of tweets, he explains that the video is a representation of his own personal journey and struggles with his identity. Lil Nas X states that he grew up in a religious household and struggled with his sexuality. This video, for him, is an expression of embracing his true self and finding empowerment. While he understands that it may be controversial, he hopes that it can spark important conversations about the intersection of religion and LGBTQ+ issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the video created by Benny Johnson for Lil Nas X’s song “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” is a bold and thought-provoking work of art. While it may be seen as controversial by some, it undeniably showcases Lil Nas X’s bravery in addressing his own personal struggles and the larger societal issues surrounding religion and LGBTQ+ identity. Whether Lil Nas X has returned to God, or if he’s simply redefining his own spirituality, is up for interpretation. Nevertheless, this video serves as a reminder of the power and influence that music and visual art have in shaping conversations and pushing boundaries.

Reference List

• Lil Nas X. (2021, March 26). I spent my entire teenage years hating myself because of the shit y’all preached would happen to me because i was gay. so i hope u are mad, stay mad, feel the same anger you teach us to have towards ourselves. [Twitter post]. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/LilNasX/status/1375620077750883841