DMX Clip Resurfaces on Bieber’s Feed as Fans Wonder Why

Justin Bieber has reportedly taken to Instagram to post a cryptic video that has been left by many fans and media outlets, interpreting it as a dig at their recreational drug use.

On Sunday, the 31-year-old pop sensation shared a repost of an archived video from a 2013 Iyanla: Fix My Life special, in which the late rapper DMX has a revealing discussion with the show’s founder, Iyanla Vanzant.

In the footage, Vanzant questions the rapper over his wish to live a drug-free life. The now late Harlem-born rapper, known for never holding back in interviews, retorts aggressively: “No weed, no drinking, nothing? Why would I?” When Vanzant presses him, and then later comments that sobriety makes a person “a clear, pure vessel for the voice of God”, DMX snaps back at her: “I think I’m exactly where I need to be with God.”

The newly single Bieber posted no caption alongside the reposted video, which was originally from the Instagram account of a Los Angeles-based cannabis dispensary, Gassy. However, despite or perhaps because of the lack of context, the post was met with quick commentary online, with fans and media outlets largely interpreting the repost as a jab at marijuana use from the singer.

Others have said that the video might be his way of challenging his fan base on freedom of choice, godliness, and sobriety. Bieber has in the past been open about his relationship with God and personal development, and also previously served as a member of the Churchome congregation of pastor Judah Smith. He has been more vocal about his relationship with God in recent years.

Public Perception, Recreational Cannabis, and Bieber’s Comeback Year

In the last year or so, Bieber has been more public about his recreational use of marijuana. He has also posted several videos and images of himself holding bongs and getting high. While this has been a cause for concern among some of his fans, it’s worth remembering that smoking cannabis recreationally is now completely legal in the Golden State — and the home of Bieber, his wife Hailey Bieber, and their new baby son, Jack Blues Bieber.

His representative has, however, denied this year that the singer has been abusing any hard drugs. In February, his rep told TMZ, “The recurring narrative that Justin is using hard drugs is not true.” The statement added, “He is in one of the best places in his life with his kids and career, so the smoke only concerns music. He is making great music and is excited to share more.”

The rep also noted to TMZ that the singer had in the past year experienced a significant time of pruning in his life. During that time, Bieber is said to have “let go” of many friendships and business relationships that he had cultivated over the last decade but that had “run their course and no longer served his greater good.”

The inner pruning also seems to have been reflected in his musical output. On July 11, Bieber released his seventh studio album, Swag, to critical acclaim. On the record, Bieber unpacks themes of personal growth, as well as his love for Hailey, his faith, and his experience of being a new father.

In a surprising move, Bieber also laced the album with comedy skits that feature social media personality Druski. The two pop-culture vloggers seemingly go into “therapy sessions” where Druski poses provocative questions to the singer, and the usually reserved pop idol lets his guard down to reveal some of his innermost thoughts and fears.

The comedic partnership, while unusual, may indicate that Bieber is in a new era of his musical career. A space where he’s not afraid to be real and is more comfortable pushing the envelope. Swag, therefore, is more than just a sonically appealing album; it’s a snapshot of Bieber’s current emotional and spiritual landscape.

While there’s no confirmation from Bieber or his representatives, some media outlets have been reporting that the artist is on the cusp of announcing tour dates in support of Swag. The reports even claim that a stop on an Australian leg of the tour is being mapped out.

When asked by Rolling Stone, Frontier Touring did not have any knowledge of upcoming tour dates and said, “We have no information about any proposed tour dates.” Bieber’s last world tour was the Justice World Tour, which was cancelled midway in 2022 because of a personal health issue.

Fans will just have to hope for the best and be in prayer, it seems. With a new album out, a renewed focus on family, and a more grounded sense of self, it’s not too far-fetched to assume Bieber will be back to touring again sometime soon. If he does announce a tour, we have a feeling it’ll be done with more purpose and clarity.

Whether or not the Instagram video from DMX was meant as a public statement from Bieber or was just a clip that hit home with him, Justin Bieber has done it again. The artist has managed to court both conversation and controversy without uttering a single word, and, perhaps, that was the point after all.