In January, the rapper released the era-launching single “J Christ” but largely retreated when sparked backlash about his apparent reliance on controversy as a promotional tactic
The ark that Lil Nas X set sail on in the music video for “J Christ” survived the storm. The rapper largely retreated when the era-launching single failed to connect with fans and sparked backlash about his apparent reliance on controversy as a promotional tactic. Now, he’s preparing to bounce back from his comeback with “Light Again,” the first release of a chapter titled “Dreamboy.”
“When the world needed him the most, he vanished,” the single teaser reads, showing Lil Nas X back in the stormy waters that he weathered with “J Christ” in January. “But now, he’s back … and better.” A pulsating, electro-pop beat plays throughout the clip. It builds up across 15 seconds before the visual cuts to the rapper in a more modern scene. He jets off in a white helmet and matching racing suit, unveiling the “Dreamboy” logo in his wake.
In March, the rapper shared a version of “Light Again,” produced by Take a Daytrip, on SoundCloud. “Ngl probably gonna get in trouble for this,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter) before apologizing to his record label: “Sorry Columbia!” It’s unclear whether the new single will mark an official release of the SoundCloud version or a new configuration entirely.
Lil Nas X hasn’t set an official release date for the single but declared on Sunday (Nov. 10): “Phase 1. Begins tomorrow.”
The musician hasn’t been entirely silent since his biblical return, the backlash to which he addressed in a nuanced video explaining his approach and taking accountability for some of the response. In late January, he premiered the emotional song “Where Do We Go Now?” during the end credits of his Long Live Montero documentary. He also released the mixtape cuts “Right There” and “Lean on my Body” via SoundCloud. Lil Nas X also contributed to the Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F soundtrack with “Here We Go,” which arrived in June.
