Lil Zay Osama enters 2026 with a well-publicized baptism video and a personal reset, embracing faith and committing to saying goodbye to street life and practicing music.
Just after New Year’s Day, a video of the Chicago rapper standing in a small outdoor tub and soaking with a minister began circulating on social media. The video showed him praying solemnly before briefly immersing himself in the water, leading many to believe the baptism was meant to ring in the New Year.
But according to Osama, born Isaiah Dukes, the actual baptism took place months ago.
“I was baptized in April 2025,” he clarified in a social media post, calling it one of the most meaningful moments of his year.
Still, the resurfaced video has struck a chord online. Some view the baptism as a sign of spiritual growth and an escape from his past legal and street-related troubles. Others questioned whether his music would reflect his new direction.
Lil Zay Osama isn’t leaving it to speculation. In a lengthy New Year’s address, he candidly outlined his goals for 2026.
“I’m truly grateful for every year of my life that went from wrong to right that made me who I am today, and every year has been a lesson and a learning experience for me,” he wrote. “In 2026 I won’t be dissing any OPP, making no-drill music hits, just real music. Focus on building a stronger connection with my kids, focus on making money straight away, not being a street thug.”
He added, “I come to you and you come to me, I won’t do anything extra for anyone and don’t do it for me, be nice to the un##### and b######, be cool, be friendly, it’s all over, buy all the properties in 2026, build businesses and investments and work out in the gym and get closer to the sisters of God!”
Lil Zay Osama highlights his New Year’s goals and talks about wanting to improve himself 🎉🌟 pic.twitter.com/R4P9CPVRTe
— The Chicago Wave (@TheChicagoWave) January 3, 2026
The change in tone comes on the heels of his generous move to cap off 2025.
Lil Zay Osama has teamed up with Ceasefire to support Corshawnda Hatter and her children, a Chicago family who was violently attacked outside their school.
He surprised them at Ceasefire’s Calumet Park headquarters with “tons of gifts,” including an Xbox, dolls, clothes and a $650 check to pay for the festival.
Hart said the gesture made Christmas “really brighter” and allowed her to feel supported by the community after the traumatic incident left her permanently injured and her son hospitalized.
