Lil Zay Osama entered 2026 with a viral baptism clip and a private reset, embracing religion and pledging to depart behind road life and drill music.
Footage of the Chicago rapper standing in a small out of doors tub whereas being immersed by a minister started circulating on social media simply after New 12 months’s Day. The video, which reveals a solemn prayer earlier than he’s briefly submerged in water, led many to consider the baptism was meant to ring within the new yr.
However in accordance with Osama, born Isaiah Dukes, the precise baptism occurred months earlier.
“I obtained baptized in April 2025,” he clarified in a social media submit, calling it one of the crucial significant moments of his yr.
Nonetheless, the resurfaced clip struck a chord on-line. Some seen the baptism as an indication of religious development and a transfer away from his previous authorized and street-related troubles. Others questioned whether or not his music would replicate his new route.
Lil Zay Osama didn’t go away that to hypothesis. In a prolonged New 12 months’s message, he outlined his 2026 targets with candor.
“I actually admire yearly of my life from the wrongs to the rights fr, that s### formed me to be who I’m immediately each L was a lesson and studying expertise for me,” he wrote. “2026 I’m Not dissing no OPPs, not making no drill music hit songs actual music solely. Specializing in Constructing a better bond with my children deal with straight cash no road s###.”
He added, “I’m coming for you the way u coming for me im not doing nun additional for no person that ain’t doing it for me carried out being good cool and pleasant with u n##### and b###### it’s over with placing priorities first always shopping for all properties, constructing companies and investing all 2026, and in that gymnasium figuring out, getting nearer to god nun else!”
Lil Zay Osama highlights his targets for the brand new yr and speaks on wanting to enhance himself 🎉🌟 pic.twitter.com/R4P9CPVRTe
— The Chicago Wave (@TheChicagoWave) January 3, 2026
The shift in tone follows a beneficiant act that capped off his 2025.
Lil Zay Osama partnered with Ceasefire to help Corshawnda Hatter and her kids, a Chicago household who had been violently attacked outdoors a faculty.
At Ceasefire’s Calumet Park headquarters, he stunned them with “tons of presents,” together with an Xbox, dolls, clothes and a $650 verify to assist with vacation bills.
Hatter mentioned the gesture made Christmas “actual brighter” and gave her a way of group help after the traumatic incident left her with everlasting accidents and her son hospitalized.
Associated
