KIZ criticizes the notion of “peace” as Lil Nas X takes on the role of savior Jesus Christ.
Aiaiai! The rap scene has a lot of interesting moments to offer this week: KIZ criticize the understanding of “peace”, Lil Nas X takes on the role of Jesus Christ for his musical comeback, and 21 Savage describes his own interpretation of the AMERICAN DREAM. Phew! These are really a lot of impressions, but we have summarized them for you.
Lil Nas X – “J Christ”
After a two-year break, Lil Nas X is celebrating his musical resurrection. And how could you do that more succinctly than by imitating one of the most famous messiahs?! While the queer Jesus will probably shock some Christians, the music video is definitely an eye-catcher. Right at the beginning of the video, a line of people dressed in white is shown climbing the stairs to heaven. At the forefront: Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Oprah and Barack Obama. Lil Nas X awaits them upstairs as sexy Jesus. In addition to topless dance scenes in torrents of rain or a fight against the devil, there is of course also a crucifixion. Provocations that will certainly attract a lot of attention and at the same time are still necessary. After all, religion often still holds views on love and sexuality that are probably dustier than the Bible itself.
KIZ – “Peace”
Speaking of necessary redefinition: KIZ underline the dualism behind the term “peace” in their new single. People usually refer to Western culture when they talk about “world peace” and tend to completely ignore the other side of the coin: “Lessons are canceled in the whole school / 9/11, minute of silence / And I calculate: How many minutes would be / That for a million Rwandese / And a million dead Iraqis just because of the embargo?”. In clever lines, the boys explain how war is usually fought under the guise of “We want to ensure peace”, but there is actually a power struggle behind it: “Of course we are for peace, but first we have to win”. In “Frieden” KIZ deliver one provocative line after the next, in which no one is spared from criticism.
21 Savage – AMERICAN DREAM
Just a few days after the surprising announcement, 21 Savage is now releasing his third solo album AMERICAN DREAM. Although the US rapper released her collaboration record HER LOSS with Drake in 2022, it has been six years since his last solo project. There’s quite a lot of output at once, because the 15 tracks in total feature numerous prominent guests such as Doja Cat, Travis Scott and Summer Walker. Names like Metro Boomin and Burna Boy also worked together on the production. In terms of sound, the record serves up a relaxed flow that meets casual yet to-the-point rap. The 31-year-old lyrically addresses his life story and career, spanning an arc from the beginning to the present.
Biopic about 21 Savage:
The record’s storyline didn’t come about randomly, as it is connected to the biopic “American Dream: The 21 Savage Story,” which is scheduled to be released on July 4, 2024. It illustrates the rapper’s growing up and personal crises. Rap colleague and actor Childish Gambino will take on the role of the adult 21 Savage, while “Stranger Things” actor Caleb McLaughlin will play the younger version. This cinematic biopic is directed by Stephen Glover, Jamal Olori, Fam Udeorji and Luis Perez.