Faith, Fatherhood & ‘Swag’: Inside Justin Bieber’s 2025 Shift

Justin Bieber recently found himself back in the spotlight as the topic of drug use, sobriety, and personal choice, without even uttering a single word.

The “As Long As You Love Me” singer shared a snippet of a conversation on Instagram over the weekend. The brief video, which he reposted from Gassy’s Instagram account, features a no-holds-barred response from DMX about his stance on sobriety. The original clip is from an episode of Iyanla: Fix My Life, which originally aired in 2013. In it, DMX is filmed having a conversation with spiritual guru Iyanla Vanzant.

In the post, Vanzant asks DMX, “You want to be a clean man, right?” referring to the idea of being “clean” from drug use and “clear” from substances such as alcohol. He then replies in his gravelly tone with, “No weed, no drinking, nothing? Why would I?” According to the video’s caption, Vanzant then explained to DMX that remaining sober “would make you a clear, pure vessel for the voice of God.”

The life coach then went on to ask the rapper if he wanted to be a clear vessel for God’s voice, to which he responded, “I think I’m exactly where I need to be with God.”

The clip, however, is what has caused many to question what Justin was trying to say, if anything at all, by posting it. The singer reposted the video from the original video of Gassy, a Los Angeles marijuana dispensary.

No word or comment was made by Bieber on the post. Fans immediately began to speculate whether the “Yummy” singer is simply a post by an old song by a fellow artist that spoke to him. Or was he just releasing a statement on his own beliefs when it comes to sobriety?

Spirituality, Family, and Shifting Values

Bieber has long made it known that he is a devout Christian and has opened up about the ways that his spirituality has shaped the person he is now.

His ongoing relationship with Churchome pastor Judah Smith has often come into the conversation when discussing how religion and the singer’s values and beliefs as a youth star, as he is now as an adult, husband, and father.

The “Baby” singer and his wife, Hailey Bieber, had their first child, son Jack Blues Bieber, just over a year ago. Sources close to Bieber have described fatherhood as life-altering, which has significantly impacted his values, shifting them more towards family and providing the best life possible for his growing family.

It’s no surprise then that amid recent social media posts by Bieber that have shown him holding bongs and others smoking that many fans have raised concern about the singer’s health and overall demeanor, which has seemed “off” to some.

One of the singer’s reps, however, shot down any idea of Bieber’s alleged drug use or abuse, particularly concerning hard drugs.

“Justin has never used, nor does he currently use, hard drugs. The recurring narrative that Justin is using hard drugs is absolutely not true,” a rep said. The rep went on to tell TMZ that the singer is “in one of the best places in his life” and that he is “focused on his family, creating new music and cutting ties with people and business relationships that no longer serve him or his family.”

As previously stated, marijuana use is now legal in California, where the singer and his family currently reside. Although many might look at images of the singer with a bong and see substance abuse, it’s not illegal and, according to Bieber’s team, it isn’t happening either.

Album Release and Tour Speculations

The debate over Bieber and his drug use comes shortly after he released his newest album, Swag, on July 11. It was Bieber’s seventh studio album to date and received much critical acclaim for being a wide-ranging collection of songs that reflected a matured artist who was more open and also willing to have a little fun with himself as well.

The album was filled with songs that played on old controversies and reflected on his life, demons, and challenges, but also light-hearted, self-aware comedic interludes with internet personality Druski.

In the skits, Bieber humorously (although sometimes quite serious at times too) opens up about what it’s like to be in the spotlight, living his life as a celebrity, his flaws, personal life, and emotions, among other subjects, framed as if he were in therapy.

With Swag seemingly doing well, fans are now wondering if the next step might be a tour to support it. Rumors have been circulating about the possibility of the “Yummy” singer touring Australia, but neither Bieber nor Frontier Touring has confirmed nor denied these reports. When contacted for comment on the matter by Rolling Stone, Frontier Touring simply responded that there currently is “no information” about the situation.

Fans, however, remain in the dark following the news that Bieber was forced to cancel the remainder of his Justice World Tour in 2022 due to his health issues. A return to touring would likely be welcomed by the singer’s legions of fans.