Before rappers had multimillion-dollar endorsement deals with shoe manufacturers and makeup companies, it was commonplace to see even the most mainstream emcees speak out on controversial issues. In the wake of Hip Hop’s commercial boom from the late 90’s through the early aughts, and the subsequent commercial drought we’re witnessing now, most mainstream emcees on major labels sidestep anything remotely controversial.
Moments such as Lupe Fiasco calling President Obama “the biggest terrorist” or Kanye West quipping, “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” are now generally the exception and not the rule. In an effort to create dialogue on issues many of the most popular and commercially successful emcees are afraid to touch, HipHopDX is launching a “Taboo Series” of editorials. Whether readers agree or disagree with the opinions brought forth, our hope is to play a small part in returning the level of discourse in Hip Hop back to the days when mainstream, major label, commercially viable artists weren’t afraid to tackle uncomfortable and thought-provoking subjects.
From September 5 through September 7, HipHopDX will post these Taboo Series editorials daily, addressing topics the top mainstream rappers no longer talk about. Do you agree with the choices? Do you agree that such subjects have become taboo for Top 40 emcees? Weigh in, starting today
Heaven And Hell: Hip Hop’s Difficulty With Christianity
Just a little over eight years ago, after leaving the game to pursue a higher calling, Mase released his third studio album, Welcome Back. Since then, the Harlem emcee, noticeably unable to decide between pulpits and popping collars, has resurfaced a few times on your favorite urban radio station. First alongside 50 Cent and his G-Unit constituents, then on a few remixes by Drake and Wale to name a few. And now, after a performance at Hot 97’s Summer Jam concert this spring, it appears the former Bad Boy may be down with M-M-Maybach Music (in my sexiest voice). While I don’t doubt Mason Betha’s love for Jesus Christ or even his road to Damascus conversion, he does appear to struggle with balancing Hip Hop and holiness.
Whether “M.A. dollar sign. E” continues to keep one Gucci loafer in the game and one out, the bigger question remains: Why are Hip Hop and Christianity mutually exclusive? What is so inherently bad about the genre that once rappers find God they must make their way to the nearest fluorescent exit sign? Fellow reformed Bad Boys Loon and Shyne also ran for the hills (literally) once they found salvation. It seems rappers aren’t able or given permission to continue making dope music with a different message. Admittedly, that might be a tall order given the climate of the culture. Hip Hop often, but not always, promotes living in the “Y.O.L.O.” moment with quick money, arrogance, promiscuity and dishonesty. While Christianity represents principles like self-control, love, patience, joy, honesty, humility and self-denial. It’s tough to reconcile the two.
A Paradox Of Rebellion And Religion
“I walked into church with a snapback / And they tellin’ me that’s a no-no / That’s backwards / And I lack words / For these actors called pastors / All these folks is hypocrites / And that’s why I ain’t at church / Truthfully / I’m just doin’ me / And I don’t wanna face no scrutiny / As long as the church keep wildin’ out / I can justify all my foolish deeds…” –Lecrae, “Church Clothes.”
My strong belief in Christ has led to many internal debates about my faith and if the things I consume with my eyes and ears are in line. Something seems off when my iPod goes from Meek Mills’ “Amen” to Donnie McKlurklin’s “Holy.” There is nothing godlike about the music I most enjoy. The Hip Hop I adore—the music I fell in love with in the ‘80s and bumped on my pink boombox in the back of chemistry class and lowered when my parents came into the room—was about being a rebel. It was about breaking rules, pushing boundaries and sometimes being disrespectful. And I’ve always had trouble bridging the gap between these things and my faith. Quite honestly, I think some rappers may have trouble with the paradox as well.
For an artist like No Malice of The Clipse (who as part of his recent re-dedication to Christ threw a funeral service retiring his former moniker, Malice) this kind of disparity will likely make it difficult to balance words on his new solo project, Hear Ye Him! It takes a lot of heart, courage and skill to spout a message of life to a culture largely drowning in death. But that’s what Christian rappers like Lacrae are doing in their music. Clear about their platform, these emcees have drawn the proverbial line in the sand, declared “Team Jesus” and aligned their verbs and nouns with the heart of God. But there are some emcees out there that are leery of the “Christian rapper” label and the lackluster sales and stigma often attached to the sub-culture? Even Lacrae, who for the record is super nice on the mic, is uncomfortable with the “Christian rapper” title, describing himself as just an emcee—authentically Christian and authentically Hip Hop. Jin, BET’s Freestyle Friday Hall of Famer and former Ruff Ryder, seems hesitant to officially adopt the title as well. He addresses the conundrum in a recent YouTube video. If you’re a rapper who happens to also be a Christian, does that make you a Christian rapper? I don’t think so. We don’t call Yasiin Bey (Mos Def), Beanie Sigel or Q-Tip Muslim rappers. They’re just rappers who speak truthfully about their experiences and beliefs—one of which happens to be the tenets of Islam. Why the double standard? Why the greater acceptance of Islam in Hip Hop? Perhaps Islam, a less mainstream faith in this country (one third of the country identifies themselves as Christian, while less than 1% identify themselves as Muslim) is viewed as a more revolutionary faith, which is more in line with what Hip Hop largely represents.
The Coded Language Of “Christian Rap”
“I been gone away from home for so long / Seems like everything I try to do without you go wrong / I’m confused about a lot of things / But not with my faith / So I’m depending on your Holy Ghost to guide the way / See I’m a sinner in the third degree / Ain’t afraid to admit it / ‘Cause I seen niggas worse than me…” –Scarface, “Someday.”
As a Christian who loves Hip Hop, I’ll admit that I’m not a fan of “Christian Rap.” In theory, Christian rappers should be appealing to me, but they just aren’t. I’ve never downloaded (legally or otherwise) one Christian Rap song. A Gospel song, yes. A Gospel song with a producer spitting a few bars, yes. But a whole Christian Rap song? Never. The genre, quite honestly, always seemed corny. There was one time, however, when I thought the meshing of my faith with Hip Hop could work. I was a junior in college when Kirk Franklin’s “Stomp,” featuring Salt of Salt-N-Pepa, hit the airwaves. I remember being proud that something, or rather someone, I loved was being recognized in the mainstream. God was cool and over 2 million consumers seemed to think so too. But I also remember walking into a club on my birthday weekend and witnessing men and women gyrating to the song. Huh…grinding to Gospel? Moments like that make me wonder if keeping things separate actually makes everything easier. Cleaner. DMX, who seems to be in a constant state of conflict, has been consistent in his message that he needs, believes and trusts Jesus to be his savior. Sure, he usually expresses this via one lone track on his super secular albums. But he’s comfortable and courageous enough to do what so many won’t. Rappers like Kanye West and Goodie Mob, who in their earlier works seemed cool ruffling feathers with talk about God, have largely moved on to sexier topics. In the end, I think it is easier to walk away than try and navigate through the “darkness.” Why submerge yourself in something that is largely contradictory to your belief system. In the Bible, Amos 3:3 asks, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Do recovering alcoholics hang out in bars? Certainly not the ones who have been able to maintain sobriety. By removing yourself from things that might not be inherently evil but provoke evil thoughts or desires, you give yourself a fighting chance at being righteous, being holy, being faithful.
Despite sometimes strong convictions, it seems most rappers who profess to be Christians are only comfortable sprinkling in a Psalms 23 here, a “God’s got my back” there and a shout out to “the man upstairs” at an award show. And I understand why. Like so many Christians who compartmentalize their lives (God on Sunday, sin every other day), I have somehow compartmentalized my music life. And I know it’s going to take more than just a change to my iTunes playlist to fix things. It’s going to take a change of heart.
Lakeia Brown is a freelance writer living in New York. Her work has appeared in publications and websites like Essence, The Atlanta-Journal Constitution, New York Newsday and TheRoot.com.
Wow, GREAT article.
As an ex-christian, I can relate to what you’re saying especially your last point. I remember trying to listen to more God focused emcees cause I wanted to escape the violence and misogyny of gangster rap. I couldn’t stand gospel and I thought Gospel rap was like the corniest most uncomfortable form of rap I have ventured my ears through. My ears finally found a home in christian rappers like Braille. I liked Braille because he was hip hop first before a christian. He was a real hip hop emcee who happened to be a christian. This is how someone described Braille on Urban Dictionary: ”
Braille is a caucasian MC with records like “Timeless” and “Shades of Grey.” If you appreciate a deeper form of hip hop, you should check him out. Except that he sings about God a lot for some reason.
Man did you see the Braille show last night? Fuckin SICK.” There are really good groups like Common Market. I could go on and on but Im not the type of dude who writes essays on the DX comment section.
And even though I am no longer a christian, I still listen to Braille because I can say okay dude you believe in God and Christ, I wont hold that against you cause you’re a decent lyricist who has a great taste in beat selection. I like the virtues he preaches as well. I rather have my siblings, nieces and nephew listen to Braille than all the garbage that’s out.
See, there is no God. Gods are merely false deities who are created to keep order in societies. There is no feasible explanation behind how there could really be a God. If God was real and truly ‘loved his people’ there wouldn’t be wars, or diseases. Thus if you are a creationist and believe that ‘the invisible faggot in the sky’ made us, you’re retarded. There is no God. Religion is bullshit.
GOD gonna handle that ass when he see you….
“Invisible faggot in the sky”??? How about the you being the invisible faggot behind a keyboard.
So basically you’re saying God can’t exist because He doesn’t fit your vision of what God should be. Sound reasoning.
If there “is” a God and he “loves” his people, why does he send a majority to them to a place full of burning, anguish, agony and pain such as hell? Also, study the Epicurean paradox and try and tell me otherwise.
“Either God wants to abolish evil, and cannot; or he can, but does not want to. If he wants to, but cannot, he is impotent. If he can, but does not want to, he is wicked. If God can abolish evil, and God really wants to do it, why is there evil in the world?”
im no expert but i think he can abolish evil and can control everything he does in our lives but doesn’t because he wants us to make that decision
15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms[b] of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!
that is your answer anonymous. Why is there pain and suffering? It is because of sin. The day is coming when Christ will straighten everything out until then, we must practice faith. Read Hebrews 11:6 when you get a chance.
THERE IS NO GOD,
YOUR WELCOME
SATAN IS A LIVING LIE. FOLLOW HIM AND YOU CONDEMN YOURSELF TO A LIFETIME OF SUCKING DICK.
NOW CONTINUE
Someone who doesn’t believe in God, doesn’t believe in Satan you fucking idiot.
Well written article. I’m agnostic which isn’t the same as an Atheist but creates a similar overlay between the too. But I do think we need to get people’s mind’s in check. We’re in a world filled with people. Talking about billion dollar homes and putting on huge expensive shows is not helping anyone. Yeah it seems the search for something positive is almost obsolete because the mainstream is too saturated for one thing and nothing is different anymore. The 90’s had different rap genres and now-a-days everything sounds like the South with 808’s and talking about mostly nothing that really truly matters.
I find this to be a total non-issue for the reason that religion is complete bullshit. As something that is by definition UNPROVABLE, I find religiously centered music garbage, because it espouses these beliefs that at their foundation are WRONG.
Theres nothing more annoying than hearing someone preach, even if it’s set to a dope beat.
Groups like Gangstarr made religious music that was dope. Even though I don’t agree with all the 5% philosophy, due to being a Christian I can definitely see the positive value of that music. Get your ignorant head out of your ass.
Wait…did you just say that you’re a christian, and then one sentence later call me ignorant? You are WILLFULLY ignorant of the world around you. You choose to ignore SCIENTIFICALLY VERIFIABLE FACT, and instead live in a fantasy world of lies and deceit.
Don’t even try to give me the bullshit about “Christian Values” being beneficial to society. These values (loving thy neighbor etc etc) have always existed. Christianity just likes to lie and say our society would be a shithole without them, yet another lie.
Wait…did you just say that you’re a christian, and then one sentence later call me ignorant? You are WILLFULLY ignorant of the world around you. You choose to ignore SCIENTIFICALLY VERIFIABLE FACT, and instead live in a fantasy world of lies and deceit.
Don’t even try to give me the bullshit about “Christian Values” being beneficial to society. These values (loving thy neighbor etc etc) have always existed. Christianity just likes to lie and say our society would crumble without them, which is obviously false.
I just loved your comment, “Cap”! Religion is so incredibly stupid, and a total waste of everyones time. People kill each other every single day because they have different imaginary friends. I have discussed religion with a lot of religious people, and it always ends up with me wanting to bang my head in the wall.. 😉
A lot of shit is unprovable. Even if you’re an atheist you still have to live your life according to a certain value system based on beliefs rather than facts. It’s like how people get all upset about separation of church and state, but “secular government” still likes to think it’s founded on principles like “equality” and “freedom.” But if you ask 10 people what those words mean, you get 10 different answers. Because those aren’t facts, those are just guiding ideas like a lot of what’s in the Bible.
The point being that no matter how fact-based and logical you think you are, at some point you still make decisions based on unprovable beliefs.
Great article! I love the contrast. I could not listen to any christian themed rap until I heard Lecrae, He’s not afraid to talk about Jesus, but also as you can hear on his album “church clothes” he is not afraid to call out the church. I don’t think that Hip-Hop and Jesus need to be exclusive, I just think that it takes an artist with a lot of talent and a lot of faith to create something positive and apeal to the general public. We humans are generally more attracted to the negative things in life, thats why the news is filled with death and destruction, because thats whats gets the highest ratings.
KRS One’s Spiritual Minded should’ve been mentioned somewhere in this article. One, because he’s a legend who was known to rap contraversial lyrics about Christianity and two, it was #4 on the Gospel charts when it came out. However, this article at least brings up the subject in a way to spark conversation. I personally never had to deal with such paradox due to HOW I believe. But it is interesting seeing how this effects people from a Christian perspective.
Bottomline…Hip Hop culture is not Based and founded in Christianity…thats why its hard. Alot of stuff that Hip hop represents is not of GOD…more of satan…and now pulsating with demonic energy. Its hard to blend the two
Meh, it is more logical to just be an atheist
exactly my dude.
lmao
lmao good post
the lazy and easy way out…..to hell that this
Great article!
let’s not forget that christianity is a religion of oppressor same with islam. these religions ain’t black friendly, they hurted blacks really bad in the past centuries. here are same examples: blacks wasn’t allowed enter to church, christianity don’t allowed interracial marriage, whites used their god to excuse their wickedness.
your theory is flawed..you are wrapped up in humans perverting gospel and using it for WRONG. Don’t blame God, Jeusus Christ for what men do with his gospel. Did not Men crucify HIM for setting them straight and exposing them?
Islam not black friendly ? you be trippin’ then you have never heard about the Mali Empire around 1300, Sudan etc. they were muslim and are the proud of our black history
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article, however I would like to challenge Lakeia and those who read this article. Can the Gospel be portrayed through Rap in a way that isn’t “cheesey” and yet doesn’t water down the message? I for one say yes. Not only do I believe it can be done, but I am putting my money where my mouth is NY actually attempting to produce that music. God has given me a vision to release “Transition Music” that speaks the Gospel message in a way that those outside of Church can understand, relate to, and ultimately “transition” to the Church. I challenge Lakeia and those reading this to listen to my music and provide HONEST feedback. My music can be heard at http://www.jitaproductions.com I hope and pray that the music blesses you and that it can bridge the gap between the World and the Church. God bless.
Marcus “J.I.T.A.” Velazquez
http://Www.jitaproductions.com
Haha. It’s such a shame that a lot of rappers are religious.. It’s such a shame that religion exists at all. I’m certain there has to be some atheist-rappers, but they can’t say that they are, in fear of losing listeners. With USA being all christian and bullsh’t. I mean, that good rappers are christian just doesn’t make any sense, because to believe in God, you have to be stupid, and all rappers can’t be stupid! Right? :p
the only think stupid is your comment
Tyler the Creator is an atheist and isn’t afraid to admit it.
Ah, I didn’t know that, but unfortunately I’m not a fan of his. Look, you can say what you want, anyone can say what they want about religion, but the fact remains; There exists no evidence of any God or gods, and in our modern world to believe something like that is incredibly unintelligent. And if God created everything, who created God? SuperGod? And then who created him? I mean come on! To believe in God is like believing in Superman. Do you?
As a believer in Jesus Christ first and a Emcee second, I can agree with alot in this article. I love lyrics and a huge chunk of CHH artist arent really lyrical. Its hard to go from rocking Royce, Joe, Phonte, Lupe, and 3000 to something that doesnt give you the scrunch face when you listen to it. But these days their are so many ill emcees who rock for Christ, that I hardly listen anymore. Truth be told, the only reason I ever come to this site is to see if Buddens dropped something new. But truth be told, I dont listen to that music to celebrate it, I listen b/c it causes me to step my verses up. The majority of rappers who are in christian, but still rock secular music do so because the fear dripping with wack juice if they decided to use their gift to proclaim their faith.
Not true at all…Blu is a Christian, so is Shad K who beat Drake for the Canadian Grammy last year. Lecrae goes in but cats like Eshon Burgundy, J. Givens, Theory Hazit, Stephen the Levite, , S.O., Andy Mineo, Sho Baraka, Redd Lettaz, International Show, D-Maub, Omega Sparx, Glassez Tha Emcee, JB Real and a handful of other cats go in just as hard if not harder…
But lets be honest…the real reason yall dont rock with most Christian HipHop is the beats…I guarantee if you gave cats access to Arrab Muzik, Black Milk, Boi-1da and the J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, it’ll be a different story…
Fact is this…you dont lose your talent, or sacrifice your witty punchlines for a life following Jesus, you just gain a new perspective and subject matter, which is the Gospel of Salvation… Dont believe me? Check me out…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2EANtoHwik
Let’s not forget that all religion is complete bullshit that has no basis in fact or science. Shame in 2012 anybody believes in invisible people living in the sky. People need to get with the times grow up and get real.
and why should we take your advice? What makes your OPINION true?
^ Do you belive in that??? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA no serious, do you REALLY belive in angels??? LMFAO
… because science is the belief that you can always be proven wrong; religion is the belief that something’s are inherently true, making the second belief inherently ignorant.
Truth is, all of us are going to die, and Jesus Christ conquered death so that we could live forever. Why not, in your scientific mind, should you at least consider His claims? Some Scientists believe there are 26 dimensions, others 11. God is Spirit, and can exist right where you are at without you even knowing, because your senses can only come into contact with at few.
As a believer in Jesus Christ first and a Emcee second, I can agree with alot in this article. I love lyrics and a huge chunk of CHH artist arent really lyrical. Its hard to go from rocking Royce, Joe, Phonte, Lupe, and 3000 to something that doesnt give you the scrunch face when you listen to it. But these days their are so many ill emcees who rock for Christ, that I hardly listen anymore. Truth be told, the only reason I ever come to this site is to see if Buddens dropped something new. But truth be told, I dont listen to that music to celebrate it, I listen b/c it causes me to step my verses up. The majority of rappers who are in christian, but still rock secular music do so because the fear dripping with wack juice if they decided to use their gift to proclaim their faith.
Not true at all…Blu is a Christian, so is Shad K who beat Drake for the Canadian Grammy last year. Lecrae goes in but cats like Eshon Burgundy, J. Givens, Theory Hazit, Stephen the Levite, , S.O., Andy Mineo, Sho Baraka, Redd Lettaz, International Show, D-Maub, Omega Sparx, Glassez Tha Emcee, JB Real and a handful of other cats go in just as hard if not harder…
But lets be honest…the real reason yall dont rock with most Christian HipHop is the beats…I guarantee if you gave cats access to Arrab Muzik, Black Milk, Boi-1da and the J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, it’ll be a different story…
Fact is this…you dont lose your talent, or sacrifice your witty punchlines for a life following Jesus, you just gain a new perspective and subject matter, which is the Gospel of Salvation… Dont believe me? Check me out…
the gospel is peanut butter, it i was made to spread
so i live by the words that my savior said/
was raised from dead after taking punishment for all/
and the same that wrote our lyrics wrote the writings on the walls/
yeah the Father is a spirit but he is no ghost dad/
so when facing Dizaster i aint gotta pull the note pad/
i know that in Hims where my love, peace, and hopes at/
so every day i wake im proud to put on my toe tag/
that mean ya boy die daily like a hair stylist/
all I do is spit the blood, no Gingevitis
truthfuly i was so unworthy/
but before ye and pusha who the one showed mercy, Huh?/
Now my appetites for whatever my master writes
So Ill strip any Harry Potter when gripping this Magic Mic/
Yet Im still called a Fisher-man like Derek/
Cause a Mills just the tip of what the Meek shall inherit/
Amen
As a believer in Jesus Christ first and a Emcee second, I can agree with alot in this article. I love lyrics and a huge chunk of CHH artist arent really lyrical. Its hard to go from rocking Royce, Joe, Phonte, Lupe, and 3000 to something that doesnt give you the scrunch face when you listen to it. But these days their are so many ill emcees who rock for Christ, that I hardly listen anymore. Truth be told, the only reason I ever come to this site is to see if Buddens dropped something new. But truth be told, I dont listen to that music to celebrate it, I listen b/c it causes me to step my verses up. The majority of rappers who are in christian, but still rock secular music do so because the fear dripping with wack juice if they decided to use their gift to proclaim their faith.
Not true at all…Blu is a Christian, so is Shad K who beat Drake for the Canadian Grammy last year. Lecrae goes in but cats like Eshon Burgundy, J. Givens, Theory Hazit, Stephen the Levite, , S.O., Andy Mineo, Sho Baraka, Redd Lettaz, International Show, D-Maub, Omega Sparx, Glassez Tha Emcee, JB Real and a handful of other cats go in just as hard if not harder…
But lets be honest…the real reason yall dont rock with most Christian HipHop is the beats…I guarantee if you gave cats access to Arrab Muzik, Black Milk, Boi-1da and the J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, it’ll be a different story…
Fact is this…you dont lose your talent, or sacrifice your witty punchlines for a life following Jesus, you just gain a new perspective and subject matter, which is the Gospel of Salvation… Dont believe me? Check me out…
I completely agree with you on that note @mr cutright…. to be honest JB Real for me is even better than most of the secular cats including Lecrea, and yeah Christian rap or whatever it is, is not wack as some may claim, you can’t judge the genre by listening to one Artist…. And to those who defend wrong doing.. what good is wrong doing for you???? What don’t come out of your senses and see why the world is like this today… You people need to get a life!!! Cuz you ain’t got IT, i’m out!!!
PEACE
Reasons why Christian rap will never catch on is simple, you have Gospel music and what is Gospel music really? Gospel music grew out of enslaved folks trying to endure their captivity and ‘endure’ is the key here, not to revolt against said captivity. In North America , the reason to remain passive and endure are several and would demand much space whereas in other parts of the world black leaders used the oppressors religion and transformed into a weapon ( e.g. Voodooism ). I’ll build on that if anyone cares to respond. Now, the article mentions the principles of Christianity as self-control, love, patience, joy, honesty, humility and self-denial: When? Where? By whom. Christianity’s number one principle is hypocrisy, look throughout history. Martin Luther went against the church for his own reasons, moved the common folks to go against the church/nobility then witnessing how uncouth the common folks were and the damages they were causing, he demanded that the authorities kill and murder those same folks he riled up with his treatise. Granted I believe black folks have lost their bearings but it did not start today, it started a long time ago. I mean if going to church/mosque can help a few knuckleheads, good but it should not stop there, true spirituality does not come with organized religions or cults, It starts with one self and no organized religion will teach you that or would want you to learn that.
p.s. Jesus if that was his name and if he existed was not meek. This was a rebellious leader trying to overthrow a system and recover his heritage, using weapons, guile, violence et al. to attain his goals. Go read the so-called Holy Bible.
PEACE
Maybe you should take your own advice; the Bible says none of the things you claim about Jesus. In fact, Jesus refused to let his own people make him king, and he never attempted to overthrow the ruling power of the time. I know this of course because I have actually read the Bible.
PREACH!!!!
Christianity was a driving force behind both the abolition and Civil Rights movements. Being passive and being non-violent aren’t the same thing.
So in your view Martin Luther King is good and Jesus Christ is bad. Did you know Dr. King was a Baptist pastor?
I miss the time when every rapper was a Nation of Islam member.
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going to that website made my wee wee hard
Why should HipHop have such a hard time with Christianity? Well it is revolutionary and has (had) science as a major plus
“While Christianity represents principles like self-control, love, patience, joy, honesty, humility and self-denial”
Well and intolerance and genocide.
Let me quote; intolerance (MT 15:21-27):
“24 He answered, I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.
25 The woman came and knelt before him. Lord, help me! she said.
26 He replied, It is not right to take the childrens bread and toss it to the dogs.
27 Yes it is, Lord, she said. Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters table.”, Jesus compares non-Israelites to dogs.
Stupidity: Earth created in 7 days (well, yes God could have created the entire universe with all the proof that the universe was older… but really?)
b) Jesus was born during [2:2] the census of Quirinius and before [1:5] the death of Herod. The census was in 6 CE, but Herod died in 4 BCE… Nice.
Genocide: All the (INNOCENT!) first born sons of Egypt, the flood, Sodoma, Gomorrah…
“bout Gods I don’t believe in none of that shit, your facts are backwards” – Nas (back when he was the best rapper)
The God in the Old Testament and the God in the New Testament are like two completely different people… doesn’t really make any sense…
@Sky, finish the story, you cut it off just when Jesus rewarded her faith.
Several “Gentiles” came to Jesus throughout the Gospels and received healing. Jesus even told a parable about the rich man throwing a party for invitees, and when they refused to come, he invited the vagabonds, the rejected of society. Hence, the Gentiles!
The entire message of the Gospel is offering salvation for mankind, not just the Jews. But you cut off the story and drew your own conclusions, which is deceptive and untrue.
Eh no… I just pointed out that Jesus called non-Israelites dogs. I can add the rest. It won’t make him look better:
“27 Yes it is, Lord, she said. Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters table.
28 Then Jesus said to her, Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted. And her daughter was healed at that moment.”
So… He accepts her only after she degrades herself and takes upon her his degrading racist comments. Basically once she does the Coon Show it’s all love…
As for the second part: for mankind? Really? Well.. let me check that one:
“41 Then he will say to those on his left, Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.” seems like eternal fire is just a tad cruel for not opening your house to a stranger
(ironic: most people I know who do these things are not Christian; most people I know who claim to be Christian do none of them).
And not to forget: Jesus affirms EVERYTHING in the Torah: “17 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”
@Skylivedk, you are another example of someone who has never truly studied the Scriptures and take things for face value without understanding the background, mindset, etc of what was being said. Had you been a person that looks beyond the surface and studied Jesus’ sayings before & after this particular account you related, you would know that Jesus did not literally mean this woman was a dog. In fact, throughout his ministry, he revealed himself to & performed miracles for non-Jews multiple times, before he revealed himself to his own people. Jesus’ ancestry even included a non-Isrealite woman, Rahab, who was a prostitute before she changed & served the God of Israel. He associated with those afflicted by demons and loathsome diseases, prostitutes, and others considered the scum of society, not to encourage any wrongdoing, but to preach to them. But of course, people like you will still see things the way that you do, which I respect, but be sure to fully research & understand something before you knock it.
I have studied it. I have read the Bible from front to back 3 times. No, I do not apply the ways of interpretation deemed correct by the church, but why would I? They are mere mortals themselves and their methods are depending on historic contexts that do not correspond to my world or daily life. Most of the errors in the Bible are fabrications of the church in the first place.
I do not make excuses for Jesus. His good actions at one point does not excuse his terrible actions at another. I’m not going to say “he didn’t mean it that way” whenever he says something horrendous. I know a lot of people who has done all the good you mentioned without being religious, without the fear of judgements. That’s a way more morally upright person in my opinion.
And why the God of Israel? Why condemn all those people who just didn’t grow up in the Middle East? Or at least: why force them to only hear about the gospel of God through 5th hand sources, well-knowingly that the Word would be manipulated by power-hungry men. It just seems extremely odd to reveal God’s will and then afterwards let the message get lost in translation and transcription.
Plus you never made good on why killing babies was such a swell idea. An omnipotent God could equally well make the Egyptians understand through methods less crude and cruel.
No, I do not believe in organized religion, and yes, I will oppose this teaching of double-think as often as possible.
The first problem is that “Christianity” isn’t even biblical. the religion itself was born out of Constantine and St. Augustus who are nowhere listed in the Bible. Look it up Yeshua, never called Himself a Christian, only the Son of God. These labels dictated by worldly systems, ironically, enslave and divide people. So one can never feel comfortable making music for people because of earthly divisions.
The second problem is that genre’s were created by men, the music itself should state its purpose not the genre. THere are some “Christian” rappers who are not edifying Christ’s message but tainting it. There are some “secular” artists that actually do so. The Word said “we are in this world but not of this world” so the things it glorifies we must know the difference that we do not become what it represents.
The last problem is we have to understand what entertainment is and draw the line where real life is. Gospel music is music for real life and what does gospel mean? “Good news” any music that tells “good news” is gospel. Judge the message NOT the artist. We all are people some of us are trying to change while others aren’t. Focus on the message and how it makes you feel. If you feel tainted leave it alone. Simple. Shalom
CO-SIGN BROTHER!! God speakin through you you can tell. I’ve had this problem forever because of my Faith, you HIT this on the head on SO many levels bruh. When people ask my “Religion” I tell em….Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior you give it a label, I KNOW what I am! Love the comment fam. Peace to you bro.
Jesus also never called himself son of god, the apostles did
concise G, well said.
How could Jesus be a Christian when the word means “Believer of Christ” which is completely biblical. How is Christ gonna call himself a believer of Christ? I know all that Constantine stuff too but that’s for the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH only. Other than that, CO-SIGN BROTHER!
I think you made a mistake, it’s not St. Augustus, it’s Augustine. Try reading his work “City of God” if you have a chance. Constantine did not make Christianity the state religion, that was the work of Theodosius 1, google him if you have never heard of him
Also, good article. Ms Brown.
Thanks for your offering.
Lol, no pun intended.
ha. Thanks!
I really enjoyed this article. My two cents…Jesus was a rebel, he rebelled against the sanctions of the Jews and Romans in power… Hip Hop needs to follow suit.
Would have been better if Lakeia mentioned the memphis devil rap of the 90’s. That was the shit
I noticed a common theme here: a lot of people dislike Christianity because of the hypocrisy they’ve seen from SOME so-called Christians, whether they’re church leaders or not, and then they decide to lump EVERY Christian in that same category. Now let a white person say they hate blacks because of bad experiences with black folks, and that person would be super ignorant, intolerant, etc. In principle, all this hate toward the Bible and Christianity is not different.
Hate it all you want, but how can you deny principles such as the Golden Rule (treat others the way you want to be treated), love your neighbor as yourself, etc? They’ve always been correct, so those principles don’t lose value if even someone that claims to follow them does not. For those that say the Bible doesn’t agree with science, the Bible is not a science book, so it won’t cover all scientific matters, but even still it harmonizes with science in ways that many people don’t realize. For example, the Bible actually described the earth as being round and hanging on its own axis hundreds of years before this was discovered by scientists.
As for hip hop, no hip hop artist can claim to be Christian but create music taking about thuggin, hoes, b****, who they shot up, what they smoke/snort/sip, etc. It simply is not possible to live/encourage that lifestyle and still be considered God-fearing, period. As for Christian rapping, I’m sure those guys are sincere, but really they’re making serving God lose its dignity and honestly more people look it as a joke more so than a serious attempt to draw people towards Christianity.
Well stated!
I don’t disagree with everything in the Bible. I just disagree with enough stuff for it to be a bad guide to living a good life in my opinion. (and yeah I like the Golden Rule formulated in the negative way better: One should not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated”).
It is the unhealthy garbage the Bible brings along that I’m against. Not the sounds principles. But if you are cherry-picking anyway then why claim this silly old book to be holy in the first place?
Well written article overall. I think maybe 5 years ago the writers’ argument would have been valid about Christian rap being “cheesy”. That Kirk Franklin reference was so old it really isn’t relevant. Lecrae, Dre Murray, Eshon Burgundy, Tedashii, Andy Mineo, Derek Minor aka Pro, Viktory, Theory Hazit, etc. Those MC’s just listed are on par with the top lyricists in the game today, you just have to actually listen to the music and give it a chance. P.S. It’s “Lecrae” not “Lacrae”.
The two aren’t mutually exclusive. I know many Christians who watch R-rated movies for the themes and stories and enjoy them. It’s the same with hip-hop. I’m a Christian who enjoys both secular and Christian rap, and I don’t have an identity crisis because of it. Also, I agree that a lot of Christian rappers are corny, but Lecrae isn’t at all. He’s at once Christian and cool.
I enjoyed this article. I am a Christian but also a big Hip Hop fan. One thing I think we all get mixed up in is religion, more than anything be a Christian is your personal “relationship” with Christ. I believe GOD holds us accountable by how we live in our own personal lives and not more so in the aspect of religion.
Excellent! We may need to talk about this on our show on Saturday. Great article. Very honest.
PEACE
Christianity does not equate knowing God as a matter of fact, it has nothing to do with Christ or Jesus (two different ideas); Catching the holy ghost is euphoria at best. Problem is people saying Christ this, Christ that sin worse than most because you believe in a personal redeemer and a personal enemy. Most preachers I have heard call out Satan’s more than they do God’s. Satan will lead you into this…into that. Wow. Satan is really that powerful. This imaginary being pushes you to cheat on your wife/husband/ to molest your kids/ to become a drunk etc.. In the great hall of judgement, every one’s heart will be weighed and I pity the soul of the unrighteous as he travels through Amenta. The journey through Amenta is described in the Bible. Revelation/Apocalypse, the most misunderstood book in the bible is all about the journey of the soul.
p.s. Most of what is in the Bible comes from Egyptian sources and those were lessons on how to live life and prepare for death. Subtract all the fake history as concocted by a tent-maker in the employ of Caiaphas and you have a beautiful book about spirituality.
So-called science in the Bible is erroneous at best-you have to dig deeper.
PEACE
Co-sign
Stop going to churches where they blame everything on the devil. That is Flip Wilson theology (google him if you don’t know who he is).
The Bible says there are two other enemies besides Satan- the world and the flesh two tangible things.
Theres a satanist running rampant in this comment section using multiple accounts. Pray for him.
typo: Satan’s name….
PEACE
If you are referring to yours truly as a a satanist,either you cannot read and due to low mental capacity does not understand that when you are typing fast sometimes you make clerical mistakes (such as typos, not adding your name…). Again, so somebody sells you a hot ‘item’ you buy it knowing it’s ‘hot’ and when the law snatches you up you feign ‘ignorance’. Ignorance will not save your soul on the day of judgement. Your acts will testify for you. Really, humble, yes, but a sheep I will not be. You need to pray for your own ignorant self, bruh. I am at peace with myself and ready for what is to come. Can you say the same?
PEACE
Mase was fake. We all know that. There are others like DMX who seem spiritual, but not religious. They believe there’s more out there for them than the trappings of the hip hop industry, yet when it’s time to back it up, they can’t do it. Personal beliefs aside, you either believe or you don’t. There is no middle ground where you can pretend to be something you aren’t. Hip hop music like anything else is a choice. If you’re a Christian and listen to it, or watch R Rated movies, that’s your choice. Whether it’s right or wrong depends on how strong your faith is for what you believe in. It’s really that simple. Choice.
I have a question for all the non believers of religion or high powers “myself I dont follow a religion I believe in Jesus as God’s son”. If there is no God explain how did man become to dominate the world and no other animal we can call equal? remember this all living creatures from a Scientific point of view crawled onto land.
I don’t even understand the question fully; you mean why do we dominate the earth? We evolved to the circumstances and the combination of three crucial functions allowed us to surpass our animal kin: thumb, abstract thought and communication.
Or do you mean why we became different? As in: do you mean why is all life not the same on Earth?
Either way I think you’d gain tons on reading about evolution from a rationalist point of view. The banana isn’t created to suit into our hands and taste good to us. We developed to be able to grab the banana and eat it.
Ok, at what point in evolution did the separation of microscopic to large, walking to flying to swimming, vegetation and animals take place if scientifically evolution is fact? Are you saying all these decisions where made by underdeveloped or absent brains? I want to know where I can read about that.
The problem with rappers trying to be Christian is simple: It’s a White man’s religion.
Do yourself a favor and study the origins of Christianity…it’s a Semitic religion birthed out of the Middle East. It progressed in Europe, true, but the origin is in the Middle East, not a white man’s area. And besides, Yeshua Ha’Maschiach died so that you could live, brown, black, white, yellow, red- what ever skin pigmentation.
I dug this article, it’s nice to see someone really exploring these issues. And it reflected up a lot of my own thoughts on the topic.
It is funny how there’s a label “Christian rapper.” I mean, you can know someone at your job or whatever who’s a Christian but that’s not how you define them, you can still talk about sports or TV or whatever and it’s fine. But an openly Christian rapper who follows their beliefs just seems…awkward.
I think the problem is that hip-hop culture isn’t just not Christian, it’s actually opposed to Christianity. Cursing, violence, misogyny, substance abuse, gang culture are all integral hip-hop aspects of hip-hop. Sure, it’s a lot more than that and I know I’ve defended hip-hop against those attacks plenty of times by bringing up, “Well you just need to listen to Talib Kweli or A Tribe Called Quest.” But honestly, what’s hip-hop without Wu-Tang, Biggie, Redman, Dre and Snoop, NWA, Jay-Z, Mobb Deep, 2pac, etc? If you take the sin out of hip-hop you’ve lost it’s core.
I’m not Christian but if I was and I was devoted to it, I don’t think I could remain a hip-hop head. I get frustrated as fuck hearing Scarface rap about God one track, then talking about snitches “Fuck him in his ass, feed him dick a pound a day” on the next one. You can’t have it both ways.
As an art form, there’s no problem. There’s no reason Jesus and dope beats and rhymes can’t mix. But as a culture, I see Christianity and hip-hop as being pretty much incompatible.
Bruh, I don’t know you, but I’m a Christian Rapper/Producer and devoted to being better as a person. You just hit a “Grand Slam” with what you just wrote. I applaud you. You are actually smarter than you may ever give yourself credit for. Well said, big ups homie!!!
*slow clap* well put, sir!
Much obliged.
For the most part this will be a touchy topic that many will be against. But first I would like to hit on the point of being a Christian it isn’t a religion. Religion is man striving after or trying to please God with our work. Christianity is like no other “religion” God came down to us took on flesh an died for our sins. I too had no interest in an Christian rap at all I too only liked gospel music. The first “Christian” rapper that I ever listened to was Andy Mineo. And right off the bat I thought he was fire he shared the gospel and told the truth. I’ve been called by God to give up secular music, but that is just me i can’t say to other people that you too have to give it up. This is what is truly different from the Christian faith an other faiths. God might call somebody to give up something, but He won’t call someone else to also do the same. It’s all about your relationship with Him. I had a hard time actually giving up music by people like Kanye West, Kid CuDi, Common, J.cole, etc…… But God laid something on my heart to give it up and now I have a strong dislike for rap of that nature(wordly). I feel that Hop hop made by the people above go against the word of God. Galatians 5:16-21 ESV
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Rappers who make music that go against the word of God I don’t listen to.
So who swaggajacked who on the intro LAKIEA Or OMAR?
Hip hop and christianity can coexist this is attested by the fact that their emcees that are christian. No doubt the core principles of hip hop are rebellion standing up for what you believe in right or wrong. However u make yourself heard it has to e real and authentic and you. That being said if u believe in a God and thats a big part of who u are and your not comfortable with bringing that out then surely thats false representation. And thats wats up with so many artists nowadays they are addicted to what i like to call the “first date syndrome”. Thats when u meet someone on the first date and u play a role and present the authentic you and we all do this,no exceptions! However lots of rappers get stuck on the first date and although playing a role is good for two or three dates the real you has to come out at some point but they keep playing te same role through out their careers. The best artist are those that can reconcile topics like these put them to wax and put across their opinion without being judgmental and let us the consumers decide. A wonderfully written article and great topic
I think listening to Lecrae’s new album “Gravity” in full which has been posted on this site answers every question
go and listen to it and come back and read this article and comment: https://hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.21008/title.lecrae-gravity-album-stream
if you can say this music isn’t dope and is cheesy then the writer of this article has a case but Lecrae and many others who have been mentioned are authentic christians who are truly skilled emcees, even better than some mainstream rappers
Lecrae is on course to topping the billboard charts as a number one album. It shows that christian rap has a market.
here is the link again to “Gravity” by lecrae go and listen to it! https://hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.21008/title.lecrae-gravity-album-stream
This is a crossroads I’ve come to more than once in my life. At one point I boxed up all of my non-Christian rap and threw it out, only to re-buy close to half of that collection starting 6 months later. I was raised a Christian and raised on hip-hop music and culture too. I have always enjoyed hip hop with a variety of themes and topics, especially lyrics that affirm belief in Jesus. But music specifically about Jesus probably never will be the only music I listen to. Once I started really trying to erase sinful behavior from my life, some messages just weren’t right to feed into my mind and soul. So maybe everything I listen to isn’t Jesus-centric, but I try to make sure it doesn’t dishonor the way he instructed Christians to live. So I haven’t cut out all “secular” hip hop or music; but I do take time to think about and critique what I listen to for its message, and if it’s not good for me then it doesn’t make it on the iPod. Now if Snoop’s “Bs Ain’t S***” or Bone’s “Mo Murda” comes on, will I probably still bob my head and remember the lyrics? Unfortunately, I might…but I don’t feel the urge to bump those songs like I used to. And I think that’s what Jesus wants from Christians – not rote rule-following, but a change of heart. Am I wrong? I would love to hear from other dedicated believers.
I went through the same thing. I threw out all my non-Christian rap, but for me i never turned back. God called me to give it up and im fine with that. I actually think thats one of the awesome things about being in a relationship with God and also our faith. I once thought that all Christians shouldn’t listen to non-Christian rap, but i was wrong for that because God has called us for different things. i actually have a strong dislike for worldly rap, but mostly because i feel like i was feed a lie by these rappers. I thought it was cool and ok that someone could rap about money, sex, and God in the same song. Now i think back to that point and say to myself its not possible. But continue in your growth with the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit!!!
you gotta listen to Theory Hazit
you gotta listen to Sivion
To Lakeia I think the problem with christian hiphop is what lecrae has said “their is no infrastructure meaning there are thousands of wack non christian artists in hip hop on soundclick, cdbaby etc. but they don’t make it on a grandstage in Chh the wack ones will be lined up with the good ones which is a problem. 2 most secular cats and christians like you who don’t buy or download christian rap haven’t heard enough of it if you got an underground chh is buried underneath that underground. I went through tons or artists before I found any gems and they’re are quite a few. Three the point the chh artist is trying to make is that the rebellious tone isnt all there is to hip hop there is a difference between dela stakes is high, snoop’s doggy style, and these artist should have the right to say whats on theire minds regardless.
they’re not fond of that label because non believers pigeon hole them as gospel only “message of christ” as if that’s all they will say on a track, they want to talk about other things like relationships, politics etc. christian artists usually were people who spit the same get money, hoes message but became christian if your good at spitting or producing that doesn’t mean should stop just redirect your philosophy.hip hop is an artform just like painting or sculpting is why not use it to glorify god or help others to live better
LISTEN TO THE MESSAGE B4 U SHOOT THE MESSENGER I’VE HEARD MANY UPLIFTING SONGS BY PEOPLE U ALL WOULD CONSIDER NOT CHRISTIAN
LISTENING TO GOSPEL MUSIC OR NOT HAS NO BEARING ON HOW RIGHTEOUS U R LET’S KEEP IT REAL HERE
ANYBODY HERE ANTICIPATING THE NEXT AL GREEN ALBUM FOR THE NEW “LET’S STAY TOGETHER”?
U DELETED EARTH, WIND, & FIRE BECAUSE IT WASN’T GOSPEL?
WOW
LMAO
MARY J’S “KEEP YOUR HEAD” IS VVS TABERNACLE GOSPEL
GREAT READ MAMI
U DELETED LUTHER’S “ANYONE WHO HAD A HEART” BECAUSE IT WASN’T ABOUT ISA?
SAME MESSAGE
I HOPE U TOOK THE RIGHT PATH @ THAT CROSSROAD QUEEN
The Bible is bullshit and contradicts itself so much that it has spawned countless religions which all claim that their way is the right way. How can a perfect book, the word of god, be interpreted so many different ways?
First of all americans are so quick to insult another persons beliefs.I don’t call atheism BS or the Qur’an so show some respect you sound like those angry atheist I went to school with I call them “Les miserables” always beefing with people who don’t believe as they do they’re no better than the christians, or religious they claim are so intolerant.I believe in it because of people like prof norman geisler and ravi zacharias they went through thoroughly what people think are contradictions. What you saying isn’t new to christians in the past or now they new that misinterpretations and denominations would spring up if everyone was allowed to interpret scripture but free will allows for this that doesn’t mean their isn’t a right way to study it and see who’s full of it and who isn’t.a proper interpretation can be found it takes perseverance if someone really cares about it
That’s why the bible without the spirit is dead and it will kill you.
“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenantnot of the letter(Bible) but of the Spirit; for the letter(Bible) kills, but the Spirit gives life.” 2 Cor 3:6
God knew that there were going to be errors in all translations of the bible. That’s why we have the holy spirit who leads us in all truth. You will not understand the bible void of the holy spirit.
If he didn’t know people were going to add and take away from the bible he would not have said this
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.” Rev 22 18-19
The “Christian rap” is cheesy stigma must be killed. Lecrae, Tedashii, Andy Mineo, Propaganda, etc.. have some of the most polished, professional, and ridiculously dope music I’ve ever heard- Gospel, secular, whatever.
Truth.
PEACE
My brother, the Holy Bible is not bullshit, actually, it is a beautiful puzzle which has to be decoded. The contradictions came form men trying to re-arrange certain truths, if you will to fit their goals. A certain Paul did that, this tent-maker most likely bribed by Caiaphas ran around murdering, killing an torturing the disciples of Yeshoua-whom basically was entrusted with teachings from his Nazorean/Essenian society but had his own objective in sights.Objective which had nothing to do with founding a new religion but had to with re-establishing the lineage of David and who basically claimed the titles of Priest and King at the passing of John the Baptist.
PEACE
Peace
Actually Yeshoua bin Joseph king of the jews-the left pillar and Yacob bin Joseph-Son of God-priest-the right pillar. James-Yacob united both titles when Jesus-Yeshoua disappeared.
“Hip hop and christianity can coexist”
In many ways it shouldn’t. I heard a Christian rap song once and it was embarassing because it sounded like the rapper was just trying to appeal to a demographic instead of just being real.
Listen to this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Hc8AeWlHQM (Lecrae-Sacrifce)
Also, listen to the song “Rejects” by Lecrae.
hey search this group BABYLON FEAT. YUNG RIDAZ ‘FLY HIGH’
The entire Maybach Music group is filled with religious rappers nothing new and we’ve even come to accept it unknowingly.
First of all great article Lakeia. Hope to see more from you soon. Coming from someone who does not believe in the bible or god for that matter, this is something that I feel is wrong with religion. The reason Mase has “one Gucci loafer in the game and one out” is because of the fear of doing wrong in god’s eyes. The constant watch of a “supreme being” is actually oppressive. In the eyes of god, Mase has a choice, but then he doesn’t. He can go back to the “old” Mase but know when judgement day comes, well, he might not like where he’s going. Or, god might forgive him when or if he decides to go back to the pulpit. And so the dilemma. The spiritual lock and chain for religious people is never ending because of the doctrines in it. Can Christian rap be cool? I think it can given the right artist and marketing anything is possible. Is hip hop pure? No. We all know that. But I feel in order for a person to be truly comfortable in his decision, religion would only harm not help. Unless, that person is right with himself in making a firm choice in his respected religion. In which case it would be that man making a decision on his own instead of a god making it for him with a spiritual remote control. Rappers who claim “Christian” claim it because of various reasons, but let’s face it they’re not. It’s all about looking good because at the end of the day, they just want to be who they are under no control of any deity. (god or devil)
Having no limits and claiming a moral standard or a standard of living as Athiest did to me is hypocritical “the should, You should, this is good always made me wonder how by what reasoning” what they always posed to me became worthless especially when I asked why. And forcing others to do as they do when I was in college by atheistic professors and students is why I’m not an atheist. the constant watch of a diety could be seen as paranoia but gives an answer to the why, not a culturally relativistic answer we have a reason for a 35 yr old man not to have sex with a five year old thats not based in culturally norms or that countries policy of doing things or why bestiality and window shopping for prostitutes just doesn’t cut it. when an atheist says morally it’s wrong it means nothing and just becomes a numbers game like how many liberals think this is wrong or how many republicans sanction this behavior we enjoy the limits because they aren’t harming us the limitless or less limited I would argue are being harmed with a constant push for freedom of this and that or “non oppression”. Also I know rappers who are christian and they are very much genuine believers who grew up in hip hop cultural and disagree with the ills of it based on what they believe is true in scripture not because some one is hovering over us with an axe(they’re fake ones of course looking for money but much won’t be found there and they’ll be found out eventually you can only pretend for so long)
Beautiful Eulogy and Lecrae are a new class of Christian MCs.
Most definitely.
wow great article. One with a topic that I have often thought about being a christian myself. I agree that having Christianity and hip hop separate can be a good thing because I don’t want someone to believe that a rapper who seems to be a good christian by what they rap, also glorifies sinning. I listen to a lot of hip hop and am a huge fan with Snoop’s Doggystyle being my all time favorite album but since I don’t get influenced by them, I think the only issue with that is the time that I spend listening to it when I could be praying, reading the bible or whatever
Oh I forgot to mention, Bushwick Bill from Geto Boys has converted to Christianity or become a born again believer and ignoring the criticism, surprisingly made an entire christian album the other year. I think this is good in hip hop but if he was making christian songs juxtaposing with his horrorcore that would be a definite no-no.
Listen to these rappers: Eshon Burgundy, Dre Murray, Swoope, Christon Gray, Alex Faith, Bizzle, and Thi’sl.
You are right on point bro. The rappers you named hit the message hard, i’ll throw in a swoope, jgivens, propaganda and a whole lot more who are repping it for the King of Kings. Music is from God be it Rap, Hip-Hop, R&B call it any name. If it is glorifying the Lord then it’s of the Lord. Everything wrong in the world today was only corrupted by the enemy. Right from the beginning the enemy and continues trying to corrupt all the God has made. So if you love Hip-Hop or Rap there are a lot of Christian Hip-Hop out there that give glory to the Lord, pass a positive message and you can also bang your head to.
Wow, what a great article. I know exactly what you’re saying. You have a great gift. I think you’re right about the whole “do alcoholics hang out in bars” thing. It will take more than just a change in the iTunes playlist to change things. I’m struggling with this too, I recently had a conversion/realization experience, but I love rap so much. I guess we just have to commit to it huh.
I’m an rising artists and I’m a follower of Jesus. I was thinking about trying to get sign by a Christian rap label but the more I learn about life and the ways of this world, I want to enter mainstream hip hop and tell the truth bc this world is getting more and more dark everyday. My question is will it be be possible for me to do in mainstream hip hop to talk about my relationship with God and how much we are in need of him
The medium of hip-hop is evil. I’ve studied the origins of hip-hop and many of the doctrines it is comprised of. In prayer and earnest, just tell the people straight up. Use the bible, for it is a sword that divides truth from lies.
People wonder why the Babylonians are winning the war. You can’t tell the so-called-Christians from the Pagans. Christians are supposed to remain as separate from the world as possible, but now a days the lines are blurred and there’s no distinction. All the deluded people who thinks the pagan practice of tattoos, adultery, and everything else your gods promote, this includes including the writer of this article, are all on that wide road leading to destruction. That;s like the football player who puts on a display of praise saying a prayer after making a touchdown, then after the game goes on a f!@#, spree fueled by ecstasy. Hollywood is Babylon the great, and all of its stars, you know the one you muhf!@# be worshiping, are idols. Before you start tripping on my dirty words, make sure you know the difference between cussing, cursing and swearing.
PS Yeah I wrote a novel trick. Read it and learn something!
Christian rap does not agree with my spirit and it actually vexes me terribly. I am trying to figure out why Christ followers feel its viable to mix holy with unholy? Pay attention to the words of Jesus!!!
Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because[a] narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Also, Isaiah 43:19 is taken out of context and allowing people the green light to mix the profane with the Holy. It says, “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”
I say if your putting god first it’s going to be ok you no right from wrong nobody’s perfect just do t forget to pray and don’t focus on negative lyrics and keep it real who made the rules of Rajasthani belive in Jesus and repent I think I’m going to do music cuz I enjoy it from my heart I’m I kno I’m talented so I guess just pray god loves us and forgives forever just keep him first