Justin Bieber’s Latest Post Shows He’s Still Wrestling With Big Ideas

Justin Bieber often finds himself the subject of internet discourse, but even without posting a word of his own, he has reignited debate about sobriety, spirituality, and choice in new posts. The 31-year-old reposted an old clip in his Instagram Story on Sunday, and fans across the internet can’t seem to stop talking about it.

The video features rapper DMX in an unfiltered moment with life coach and television personality Iyanla Vanzant, taken from an episode of Iyanla: Fix My Life in 2013. In the snippet, Vanzant asks the late artist, “Do you want to live your life as a clean man?” DMX quickly replies, “No weed, no drinking, nothing? Why would I?” Vanzant replies that living without drugs or alcohol can make a person “a clear, pure vessel for the voice of God,” to which DMX calmly responds, “I think I’m exactly where I need to be with God.”

The music star reposted the exchange from the Instagram account of Los Angeles-based cannabis dispensary Gassy. There was no caption, no further words — just the video. And in the age of social media, no words can sometimes speak louder than any caption.

Fans and social media sleuths alike were quick to begin speculation about what Bieber was trying to say, or not say, with the post. Some pointed to the fact that he has long since committed to Christ, and that he’s been public about the power his faith has had in changing his life and keeping him accountable.

Others have connected the DMX post to the singer’s recent photo that appeared to show the “Baby” singer smoking from a bong. Bieber had shared that photo in early July, which prompted his team to once again reassure fans that the star was not smoking anything illegal or dangerous. (The singer and his wife live in California, where recreational marijuana is legal.)

The source for this TMZ story indicated that Bieber has been very “open-minded to many different things, but not when it crosses over the line into a harmful space,” they said. “Justin wants people to stop making things so black and white, cut him some slack and let him live his life.”

The post also comes just a few days after Bieber dropped his surprise seventh studio album, Swag, on July 11. The album received rave reviews and is an apt encapsulation of the singer’s journey thus far. It documents growth as an artist, to be sure, but also as a man in love, married, and now a father.

The album is packed with personal and introspective songs about life with his wife, Hailey, and his son, Jack Blues Bieber, but the singer also included several comedic “therapy sessions” with social media star Druski. The addition of these “therapy” skits made for a quirky and layered track list that balances reflection with levity and introspection with silliness.

The sessions with Druski give a good look into the mental and emotional place that Bieber is in during this season of his life. A source told Page Six that Bieber is “a better father, a better husband and a more mature person than he’s ever been. His life in general is on a higher frequency.”

Fans have been asking about a possible tour following the release of Swag. Some outlets are even reporting that a tour in Australia is in the works. When asked about a tour, Frontier Touring said they had “no information” when asked by Rolling Stone, but it is important to note that this would be Bieber’s first tour since he scrapped his Justice World Tour in 2022 for health reasons.

Fatherhood, faith, and family aside, Bieber also seems to be a more grounded and mature person. From all accounts, it seems that he is making a conscious effort to just be himself, without any filter or concern for outside perception. As this next season of his life plays out, he seems content to just live and let live, which is a hard-earned place for any musician to be.

To that end, if his latest Instagram post is any indication, he is not afraid to post content on social media that is a reflection of his truth, even if it means more questions.