Bieber Shares DMX Clip: A Sign of Peace or Inner Turmoil?

Justin Bieber could certainly write a book on being the subject of public criticism. He already has. But the 31-year-old pop star has sparked the latest wave of debates about drug use, sobriety, and spirituality without saying a word.

On Sunday, Bieber shared a Story, reposting an old clip of rapper DMX, who was appearing on the 2013 episode of Iyanla: Fix My Life, hosted by life coach and TV personality Iyanla Vanzant.

The ten-second clip found DMX responding to Vanzant’s question: “Do you want to live your life as a clean man?” “No weed, no drinking, nothing? Why would I?” was DMX’s response. “I’m going to be a clear, pure vessel for the voice of God. You don’t want to be that,” replied Vanzant. “I think I’m exactly where I need to be with God,” the rapper retorted.

Bieber reposted the clip from a now-private account associated with Gassy, a California cannabis dispensary based in Los Angeles. The Story was posted without any text overlay, emoji, or other bells and whistles. No filters, no fun facts about DMX, no commentary from Bieber — it was a stark repost of a decade-old clip from the TV show.

In case you were wondering why the pop star might feel compelled to share that exact post, at that exact time, Internet sleuths have plenty of ideas. Bieber is one of the most high-profile public Christians in entertainment. He’s been very public about his spiritual journey over the years — and how it’s helped him overcome struggles with mental health, drug use, and burnout.

The singer has long been close with Churchome pastor Judah Smith, and is frequently photographed attending services. In more recent years, he’s shared Bible verses and spiritual messages with fans.

But he also fathered his first child, Jack Blues Bieber, with wife Hailey Bieber last year, and friends have noted that fatherhood has helped him to become calmer, more focused, and less “triggered” in general. The singer has, however, also sparked a fair amount of concern among fans when he posts photos of bongs or thick plumes of smoke with little to no context. But Bieber’s team has repeatedly said those photos are not as incriminating as they seem.

In fact, in February, a Bieber representative told TMZ, “The recurring narrative that Justin is using hard drugs is not true. Justin is in one of the best places in his life. His priorities are Jack and making great new music.” The rep added that he’d had a “very transformative year” and had “cleaned house,” ending many long-standing business and personal partnerships that were no longer a fit for him.

California’s Recreational Marijuana Laws

In other words, Bieber has been the subject of speculation before, but that speculation does not appear to line up with the singer’s real-life actions. It also bears mentioning that California’s marijuana laws have changed in recent years. Adult use of marijuana is technically legal in the state, so a photo of smoke is not evidence of illegal behavior.

Music & Fatherhood Inspire New Album, Swag

The DMX video post was shared just days after Bieber released his surprise seventh album, Swag, on July 11. The album has earned the singer high marks from music critics and was seen as a collection that accurately represents the star’s life and evolution as of 2024.

On the album, Bieber touches on everything from love for his wife Hailey to the trials and joys of new parenthood, to general themes about fame and identity. What’s also special about Swag is a series of comedic “therapy sessions” Bieber recorded with internet personality and fellow Canadian Druski. These skits, which are threaded throughout the 12-song album, offer a playful and raw perspective of Bieber’s current mental and emotional state.

Fans were quick to point out after Swag dropped that touring in support of an album like this should be next, and Bieber seems to have caught wind of those murmurs. While there is not yet any official confirmation, some reports are swirling about a possible Australian tour in the works.

Bieber has yet to make any tour plans since his Justice World Tour was canceled last year, citing health reasons. Reached by Rolling Stone for comment, Frontier Touring said they had “no information” about any possible dates for Bieber in Australia.

But regardless of whether he tours or not, it seems like Bieber is in a contented place in life. He’s got his wife, his son, his music, and a church family that has his back. Bieber may not always win internet approval — he doesn’t seem to care about that as much, either. In the end, he’s an artist who may just post a ten-second video from over a decade ago to make a point. Or not make a point at all, for that matter.