The Game's 'Jesus Piece' Album Party Sees Hollywood Jesus Step on Stage
To fully commemorate the release of his fifth studio album "Jesus Piece", rapper Jayceon "The Game" Taylor, self-proclaimed Christian, was introduced by local celebrity "Hollywood Jesus" during the album's release party at the Los Angeles House of Blues on Dec. 11.
"Hollywood Jesus", also known as Kevin Lee Light, is a local celebrity in Los Angeles, as he has walked around the city for years dressed as the stereotypical image of Jesus, donning a white robe and sporting long blonde hair.
Light has become somewhat of a local celebrity, and has even reportedly been the inspiration for the band Aerosmith's new song, "Street Jesus", from the group's "Music From Another Dimension" album.
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At the beginning of Taylor's set, Light took to the stage to adorn the rapper with his diamond encrusted "Jesus piece", featuring a large image of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns.
Other rappers, including Tyler the Creator, Mac Miller, Tyga and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, joined The Game on stage to perform songs from his new album, which has received criticism due to the liberal use of profanity in some religious-oriented songs, such as "Hallelujah."
The Game also received criticism for the cover of his new "Jesus Piece" album, which features an image of Jesus wearing a red bandana and a tear-drop tattoo, and arguably making a gang sign with his hand.
In a previous interview with MTV, The Game made no apologies for his album's cover, saying: "I did the album cover the way I wanted to. It embodies part of my career, my life; it's all in that cover."
"And, you know, I love God, Jesus Christ is my savior and I'm still out here thuggin'," said The Game, who was baptized last year at Bishop Noel Jones' City of Refuge Church in Gardena, Calif.
The Game opened Tuesday's performance with "Scared Now", a new song off his album, and went on to perform other notable tunes such as "Celebration."
The 32-year-old Compton native admits that he does not lead the ideal Christian life, and continues to defend his faith against criticism.
"You want to believe in God, but you don't want to be criticized and ridiculed by people who think that they're better than you," The Game told Rap-Up TV last month.
"I don't want to feel like I can't love God or appreciate Jesus and have to put down that blunt. I want to smoke, maybe shower up, then go to church. Get the word, walk out of church, maybe smoke again, maybe hit up a strip club or two and do me, but I don't want to be ridiculed," the rapper added.
"Jesus Piece" was officially released Dec. 11, marking the rapper's last release on Interscope Records.
