Recently, rapper Lil Zane X unveiled the much-anticipated video for his track “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” The 21-year-old has been teasing this release for months, and it certainly met expectations. While many fans are expressing their excitement, a significant number of individuals are reacting with outrage. It would be refreshing if people could reserve their extreme opinions and allow artists the freedom to express themselves creatively.
In the video, Lil Zane X employs Christian imagery, such as Eve and the serpent from the Garden of Eden, as well as themes of Heaven, Hell, and the Devil. Unsurprisingly, this has sparked outrage among some Christians who are offended by what they perceive as a casual use of sacred symbolism. It’s intriguing to see how those who oppose “cancel culture” are quick to try to cancel an artist who challenges their beliefs.
It’s interesting how some individuals who identify as Christian manipulate their faith to serve their interests. They often overlook the moral failings of clergy members while being quick to judge a young Black artist for portraying a provocative dance with the devil. It raises questions about the criteria they use to determine what’s acceptable. This selective outrage often distracts from more pressing issues within their communities.
Lil Zane X’s use of religious imagery in the “Call Me By Your Name” video appears to be a way to reclaim a narrative that often excludes LGBTQIA+ individuals. Many in the LGBTQIA+ community identify as Christian, despite facing exclusion from their faith communities. Growing up in an environment where one’s identity is deemed sinful can have lasting effects on a person’s self-worth.
Lil Zane X’s bold incorporation of iconic Christian symbols serves as a powerful statement. As a young Black man, he has faced societal pressures that label his identity as sinful. In an interview, he shared, “I grew up in a pretty religious kind of home—and for me, it was fear-based very much.” He wishes to inspire young LGBTQIA+ individuals to embrace their identities without shame.
When he performs a symbolic lap dance for a version of Satan, it represents acceptance of his true self. If society already condemns him to Hell for his sexuality, he might as well embrace that identity fully. This moment of self-acceptance is a courageous way to reconcile his past with who he wants to be.
Some may argue that because his hit “Old Town Road” found popularity among children, Lil Zane X is somehow a children’s artist. However, if you want your kids to listen to age-appropriate music, there are other options available. He’s a mainstream artist whose appeal to children is incidental, and he shouldn’t feel pressured to censor his artistic expression for an audience he never intended to target.
As the parent of a seven-year-old boy who enjoys Lil Zane X’s music, I believe it’s essential to expose him to a variety of artists and their identities. While I haven’t shown him the “Call Me By Your Name” video yet, he already appreciates the music and its creativity. Children need to see representation of queer artists, and Lil Zane X’s visibility can inspire young people who identify similarly.
Ultimately, Lil Zane X is an artist who should have the freedom to share his work as he sees fit. If his choices provoke discomfort, it’s worth examining why that is, rather than placing the blame solely on him.
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Summary
In conclusion, Lil Zane X’s artistic choices, particularly in his “Call Me By Your Name” video, challenge societal norms and reclaim narratives for the LGBTQIA+ community. His bold use of Christian imagery serves as a form of self-acceptance and empowerment, while also addressing the complexities faced by queer individuals in religious contexts. The backlash he faces highlights the need for broader acceptance of diverse identities in the music industry.