Those same artists released “ Jesus Shoes,” with holy water in each pair of Nikes just two years ago. The custom Nike “Satan Shoes” Lil Nas X teamed up with MSCHF art collective to release were symbolic. And extended an invitation for us to walk in his shoes. Gay people have been told they are going to hell. It’s also about him being a proud, gay Black man.
The backlash surrounding Lil Nas X isn’t just about the demonic overtones. “I was really well liked by cishet men and got praise from pro-Black men for my work,” said Williams, who recently released “ Roar of a Lioness | Philosophy for the Queens.” She leads creative wellness workshops, including one on internalized oppression.Īs a queer woman who grew up in Roxbury, she also knows what it means to have your identity policed. Other Black boys who are questioning their sexuality, or already know their identity, will also be empowered by this.”Īs a spoken word artist, Williams knows what it means to use art as a tool of truth-telling, representation, and inspiration. For a dark-skinned, gay, Black man to be so bold with his truth, it’s empowering. We are taking control over what we have lost. “Him turning hell on its head is the ultimate way to tell the truth,” said Williams, 35. But for many, the video is a welcome revelation. Viewed over 75 million times in the week since it debuted, the backlash over the images of hell and homosexuality were swift.
