Canadian pop icon Justin Bieber has reignited concerns among fans after sharing a cryptic Instagram Story featuring the late rapper DMX refusing sobriety — without adding any context. The throwback clip, taken from DMX’s 2013 appearance on Iyanla: Fix My Life, shows the rapper declaring: “No weed, no drinking, nothing? Why would I?” before adding, “I think I’m exactly where I need to be with God.”
The post, originally shared by L.A.-based dispensary Gassy, comes amid renewed attention to Bieber’s own public relationship with marijuana and ongoing questions around his wellbeing.
Silent Message, Loud Reaction
At 31, Bieber has long been open about his Christian faith and has previously distanced himself from hard drugs, with his reps recently telling TMZ:
“The recurring narrative that Justin is using hard drugs is absolutely not true.”
But the absence of a caption on the DMX video — and its clear reference to spiritual peace withoutfull sobriety — has sparked speculation about Bieber’s current mindset and stance on substance use.
Marijuana Use & Past Controversy
The singer has frequently shared images of himself with legal marijuana, especially since settling in California where recreational use is permitted. However, a March Instagram post showed Bieber using a glass bong in a series of photos that caused concern — especially as he was seen without his wedding ring during a period of intense speculation about his marriage to Hailey Bieber.
In the photos, he was dressed casually in a hoodie and jacket, blowing out large clouds of smoke to the soundtrack of “Hits from the Bong” by Cypress Hill.
New Album ‘SWAG’ Offers Emotional Glimpses
The timing of Bieber’s recent social media activity also coincides with the surprise release of his new album titled SWAG, featuring raw, emotionally vulnerable tracks like:
• Therapy Sessions
• Dadz Love
• Devotion
• All I Can Take
• Daisies
• Go Baby
• Walking Away
In All I Can Take, he sings:
“These symptoms of my sensitivity / Feels worser knowin’ no one’s listening…”
Meanwhile, Daisies hints at uncertainty in love:
“Do you love me or not?… You said ‘Forever,’ babe, did you mean it or not?”
And Walking Away reflects on guilt and broken promises:
“I told you I’d change / It’s just human nature / These growing pains…”
Marriage Rumors & Public Perception
Despite ongoing online speculation about a split, Bieber recently shared a photo with Hailey and their young son, pushing back subtly against divorce rumors. Still, fans remain concerned, particularly as his posts grow more erratic and emotionally complex.
A Shift in Image?
Bieber’s recent actions suggest a shift in his public persona — from the clean-cut “Baby” singer to a more conflicted, introspective artist wrestling with vulnerability, fame, faith, and emotional scars. Whether his DMX post was a statement of defiance, identification, or simply admiration remains unclear — but it has reignited public debate about the singer’s personal struggles.
