As reported, the 24-year-old declares on the track that he’s “back like J Christ” (referring to Jesus Christ) and, in the song’s accompanying visual, he dresses as Jesus, Moses, and Noah.
And while it appeared like the performer was keen to lean all the way into the controversy, he has expressed both a pivot and an apology…of sorts.
Full story below…
Taking to social media, Nas said:
“I’m not the first person to dress up as Jesus. I’m not the first rapper. I’m not the first artist. And I won’t be the last. But I know that because of the ‘Call Me By Your Name’ video, anything I do with religion can be seen as mockery – which was just not the case with this.”
Continuing, the star referenced a promotional video in which he spoofed communion and said “I do apologize for that.”
He went on to add:
“This is not to get everybody on my good side. This is more so to clear my own head about my own decisions. I know I messed up really bad this time. And I can act all unbothered if I want, but it’s definiely taken a mental toll on me.”
Watch the full video address: