- calendar_today August 5, 2025
From DMX to Druski: Bieber’s Emotional Journey in 2025
Justin Bieber has managed to make the internet talk about drugs without actually posting anything remotely drug-related. At least, that’s one interpretation of the photo that the pop superstar shared on Instagram on Sunday.
Reposting a 2013 clip from Iyanla: Fix My Life, Bieber shared footage of a frank conversation between motivational speaker Iyanla Vanzant and the late rapper DMX. In the episode, Vanzant asks DMX if he would like to be “sober, clear, straight, and focused” in his life. To which DMX famously replied, “No weed, no drinking, nothing? Why would I?”
DMX, rapper and ex-child star, went on to offer a bit more of his philosophy of life to Iyanla, who had asked him to consider the idea of being a “clear, pure vessel for the voice of God.” DMX calmly responds: “I think I’m exactly where I need to be with God.”
Justin Bieber reposted the Instagram post, with no caption of his own, from a L.A.-based weed dispensary named Gassy. The post immediately started social media rumblings, with many pointing out that Bieber was weighing in on marijuana through an unnamed third party.
Fans and publications alike had a lot to say about Bieber, who they feel is anti-weed. But others have interpreted the post as Bieber having his ideas on freedom of choice and religion.
Past his talk about salvation and church, Bieber has long been vocal about religion and his life with God, including a semi-regular involvement with the Churchome community, which is headed by preacher Judah Smith.
Legal, Weed, and a New Album in Bieber’s Life
Whatever the case may be, Justin Bieber is also feeling more freewheeling in his life about recreational drugs. In fact, in the past few months, Bieber has posted images of himself puffing on bongs and enjoying smoke.
Fans have been alarmed, or at least concerned, but it must be pointed out that weed is 100% legal in the state of California, where Bieber lives with wife Hailey Bieber and their newborn son Jack Blues Bieber.
Whatever social media is saying, a Bieber rep has shot down previous rumors that he has been caught abusing any illicit drugs this year. In February, his representative told TMZ, “The recurring narrative that Justin is using hard drugs is not true. Justin is in one of the best places in his life.”
His rep added that he’s happy to focus on being a dad and his new music. “Justin is in a great place,” the rep concluded. “He is focusing on being the best dad he can be and also working on new music for his fans.”
The rep also made it clear that Bieber has been in the process of some soul-searching. Justin Bieber is ending friendships this year.
That’s a year-long journey that has led Bieber to end multiple friendships. Those are not just social connections, but also business relationships. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Bieber’s rep had this to say: “Justin has made some tough calls this year when it came to letting go of people who were in his inner circle for the majority of his life.”
The singer’s rep told the Los Angeles Times that his “values have shifted.” His new life is not only about social and business relationships, but also his music. In July, Bieber dropped his seventh studio album, Swag, to very positive reactions.
The album has many of the same topics as the rest of his catalog, including introspection and love for Hailey. But the latest album is more focused on his relationship and new role as a father.
The new project also includes commentary, in the form of comedy, with social media comedian Druski. The Atlanta-born Druski riffs on a series of “therapy sessions” with Bieber. It’s an unusual fit, but it’s a dynamic that works, making Swag a record that could add to Bieber’s reflection — or possibly deflect it.
A tour for his new album?
Justin Bieber has not confirmed any tour for his new album. The best word on any tour from Australia is that no official details have been released. After being contacted by Rolling Stone, Frontier Touring told us: “We have no information regarding this.”
Justin Bieber has not announced a tour of Australia since the sudden cancellation of his Justice World Tour in 2022. He pulled out halfway through, citing health reasons at the time. A new tour is no sure thing for Australia, but a new album, a new parent, and man, all make sense to jump back into touring again, with the new material.
But until then, Bieber will have to settle for the DMX “therapy session” that started a similar argument in 2013. Judging by the quickness of the internet to latch on to anything drug-related with Justin Bieber, the pop singer managed to make the internet talk about drugs without actually posting anything remotely drug-related. At least, that’s one interpretation of the photo that the pop superstar shared on Instagram on Sunday.
It’s also true that Bieber posted the IG video of DMX without any mention of the photo. That has made the photo take on a life of its own, just as Bieber has done with his seventh studio album and most of his music for the past decade.
