Interesting.
How many gospel hip-hop albums do you buy in a year?
I don’t buy gospel hip-hop music – 58% (193 votes)
MAYBE one album – 19% (65 votes)
Between 3 and 5 – 11% (38 votes)
Between 6 and 10 – 6% (21 votes)
More than 10 – 6% (20 votes)
More than half of you folks said that you don’t buy gospel hip-hop. Period. So, now I’m wondering WHYYY…
Is it because you don’t like the style of music? Do you disagree with it completely, or do you just not dig it, personally? Is it that you don’t like the particular artists? Is it that you can’t understand the lyrics? Is it a bigger issue– like, you doubt the artists’ commitment to ministry?
Talk to me on this one, folks… definitely interested to know what’s up.
Anyone?
And make sure you head over to the sidebar to vote in the newest poll, which asks:
Picture your favorite gospel artist… about WHAT AGE is he/she?
I but at least one or two year. but ppl may not buy the whole album and they might just buy a song or two from the album. But oldr ppl def do not buy cuz they think its too raunchy lol. young ppl may not buy bc its not tht popular as drake or wayne.
@ EJ -Is it because you don’t like the style of music? Do you disagree with it completely, or do you just not dig it, personally? Is it that you don’t like the particular artists? Is it that you can’t understand the lyrics? Is it a bigger issue– like, you doubt the artists’ commitment to ministry? Ak - You sounded so perplexed there Ej looooooool in all honestly its all the above for me... so I've never really givne myself the chance to recieve of that style of 'music ministry'
I'll buy a Lecrae album or maybe a Da T.R.U.T.H. record...but many of the other albums that come out seem to be too heavily geared toward converting people who are in the hood bumping rap music (which is good, I guess...but since I don't fit in that demographic, I can't always relate...and I'm 20.) To me this a step down from mainstream rappers who make music that hits everyone no matter how degrading or ignorant. Not saying the style should be dumbed down, but musically I feel many of the records could be more far-reaching. Lecrae and Da Truth do this well.
I do not buy "gospel" hip hop albums or even listen to it because I don't believe there is anything "hip hop" about gospel. I truly believe what saved people back then can still save today. You can sometimes lose the message of Christ because people are jamming to the beat..not listening to the lyrics of the song (especially young people). I don't know...I just don't understand that style of music. ~JM~
Corny...corny...corny.
Cocobubb, You made some great points. When I let kids hear the different Christian Hip Hop artists, they are very impressed. Of course, the artists need exposure and more play on radio. Looking at the charts, there is obviously a growing audience wanting to hear it. From my experience, the mixed race churches and the predominately white churches are the most accepting of this genre. There are so many to choose from including: Lecrae, Trip Lee, Propaganda, Tedashii, Json, Theory Hazit, D Maub, K Drama, John Wells aka the Tonic, Sareem Poems, Pro, Willie Will and more!!
@Kiesha, who have you listened to? It used to be very corny at some point, but it has come a LONG way!!!!! You also have such artists as: Braille, KJ-52(he's a funny rapper), DJ Morph's CD "International", Von Won, Mouthpi3ce and more.
I can't speak for other people my age, but I always listen to lyrics. I always hear older people telling me that jamming to the beat is such an evil thing. That's like saying I shouldn't enjoy the violins in a song too much. The melody is actually the most powerful element in a song. If a song doesn't have a melody it's harder to remember...you hum it when you can't think of the lyrics, etc. This isnt really a response, I was just pointing that out.
KJ-52 is also pretty solid, I forgot to mention him...
@JesusMinded-- I hear you, but I'm curious-- what type of music are you referring to when you say "what saved people back then can still save today"? By "back then," do you mean in Biblical times? Because we don't sing that type of music now, either. If by "back then," you mean traditional gospel, do you not agree that THAT music was also radical and unacceptable in its time? Again, just curious.
@JesusMinded I truly believe what saved people back then can still save today Ak- Preach it JM....
Can't forget about Canton Jones
Thank you ejgaines! Music has always been contemporary at it's time...Gospel is no exception. Sing unto the Lord a new song! Not the song you used to sing 2 centuries ago...(not saying I don't like old stuff, but yeah...)
While I like Canton I think his work is a bit watered down most of the time.
I don't by the rap projects cause my brain and ears don't function in a way that allows me to catch what they are saying in real time, LOL. That goes for most rap. Now, back in the day, I could catch it cause most rappers had a slower flow. There are a few exceptions where what the rapper says is clear. But most often, I'd have to like stop everything I'm doing and concentrate on what's being said...and I don't really have time to do that. I don't have to work that hard to catch lyrics that are sung. So, if it doesn't make it to the pundit player, the nuthinbutgospel playlist, or bonnerfide radio, I prob won't hear it, lol. But, based on the charts recently, it doesn't seem like they're hurting for my support...Amen.
Now, I don't buy some of the other hip-hop stuff...stuff that's not necessarily rap...for a few reasons. 1. Lyrically, it's usually for young people...and I ain't that young (physically or spiritually), lol. 2. If it's clubish/techno, I don't know how to dance to it and not look corny, lol. 3. If it's too "love zone-ish", I don't connect with it because...umm...I don't sing/talk sexy to God, lol. Maybe, that's just me... Adrienne Archie's last CD had some songs with hot hip-hop beats and GREAT lyrics...and a few cuts that fit #2 in the list above that I could've lived without, IMO. But "Strong", "Embrace the Future", "Extra Credit", and a few others are like WOW to me. Good CD.
Those are some interesting stats. My short answer: LAZY. The style of hip-hop in the gospel genre is simply LAZY. My coming of age years were when hip-hop started, when it was much more sociopolitical, e.g., Black empowerment, the early East Coast stuff. The genre never got a chance to figure itself out. And it's sad. I think gospel music has become LAZY. Gospel music/artists are supposed to be the trendSETTERS, not the copycats. I hear little distinction between gospel hip hop and hip hop in general. It's the same beats, the same dances/movements, the same style of clothes/dress. And someone said it upthread about the importance of the melody. Good point but here's the trouble: so much time is spent on the beat/melody, nobody's listening to the lyrics. I WILL NEVER buy into the message that the church has to mimic what the world is doing in order to win today's young people. That's a LIE from the pit of hell. BIG SHOUT OUT to Kwartema who said it best here: "I truly believe what saved people back then can still save today".
I have purchased a Canton Jones CD, but I also purchase unknown local Gospel Hip-Hop artists to support their ministry. I have no hate against Gospel Hip-Hop, It's just not my taste in music.
I listened to a lot of christian rap, with that being said, I don't listen to all the artists that come out. In fact, I am very particular to who I listen to because some of it is watered down. Everyone keeps saying that people tend to listen to the beats but a lot of the time I read comments of people saying how positive the lyrics are. True, a lot of the time the beat is more important than the lyrics but that doesn't necessarily mean you're not hearing the lyrics (back when I'd listen to secular rap, I heard the lyrics loud and clear). Another thing is even though it has evolved a lot, some of it is still corny but that doesn't mean all of it is.
Tam Tam: There are some artists that will redo too many secular songs and I think that's a waiste of talent. To say that no one is listening to the lyrics is not true. I listen to the lyrics for any type of song that I listen to. I love a good beat and melody, and I believe that many of you on here love a good melody also. Also, many of these Christian Hip Hop artists love Hip Hop and do not want to rap for the world. They want to represent God in their lyrics. It is a little frustrating when so many church folks turn a deaf ear to them and do not give them a chance. Do you know that many people did that to Edwin Hawkins, BeBe Winans and even Commissioned? I have talked to several young people teaching in the church and in education. Most of them admit that they do not only listen to the beat. If they only listened to the beat, then they would not quote all of the lyrics. I LOVE Gospel, CCM, and more, but I believe that Christian Hip Hop has its place.
Also, have any of you who do not like it ever heard some of these guys testimonies? Do you know that people like Lecrae, JSON, Japhia Life, Sho Baracka, etc are witnessing to those who are lost?
@Dwayne Lacy "If they only listened to the beat, then they would not quote all of the lyrics" THANK YOU! After I wrote my post, I thought the exact same thing. All those artists are above are amazing and I'd also like to add Shai Linne, Stephen the Levite and Hazakim. Their music is without a doubt christ-centered music and is filled with good doses of theology. Flame is another good christian rapper to add to the mix.
Hi EJ: I guess what I am trying to say is that it use to be that we didn't worry about the music, it was all about Worship. We concentrated on the words that we were uttering to God. All they needed was there foot to pat on the floor. We still do that in our Church today; which is great. I was just stating that my spirit won't allow me to listen to things that remind me of secular hip-hop or rap. So songs start out so crazy, I don't even care what the song is about, or what the lyrics are because of the opening of a song. Yes, if you are tryng to reach the younger generations, there are ways to do that. But I don't believe you have to scarafice the true Word of God. God is the same today, yesterday, and forever more. We are the only ones that are changing things... I'm not sure if I'm being clear or not. I don't want to try so hard to make my point that I over state it...if that makes sense. ~JM~
I hear you and respect what you're saying as clearly you're closer to the style than I am. And I'll take you at your word that more are giving attention to/listening the lyrics than I had believed. So noted. However, this does not change my overall statement that I think gospel hip hop (and much of gospel music in general) is LAZY. Are the lyrics the ONLY thing that sets gospel hip hop it apart from hip hop in general? If it is, then oh well. To me, that's not enough.
I own a couple of christian rap CD's that my younger friends exposed me to is (Tedashii, Trip Lee, LeCrae, Flame, Da' Truth, etc) but I have never been a rap music fan in general. I agree that we have to spread the Gospel and God can use whatever music he desires. But I belive this comes from a personal preference standpoint. Just as much as I don't listen to all christian rap, I don't listen to all gospel music artists. Some gospel artists are whack to me but they still minister to people. I can't find anywhere in my bible that says that a certain music "saved" anybody. I recall music changing atmospheres and lifting spirits but "saving" someone, that's not the role of Music!
People listen to lyrics, whether subconsciously or consciously...there's a place for up tempo songs with joyful and hype beats...and there is a place for stripped down worship songs also. As long as it all brings glory to God and not to self.
@ Tam Tam: It's not just the lyrics that seperate them, but it is also their responsibility that they are showing to their listeners. The lyrics are HUGE. Do you know the lyrics of some of the secular artists that are out? WOW!!! If you read some of their lyrics and read some of the Christian rappers lyrics, you would see a HUGE difference. You need to hear some of the songs. Believe me, the youth are listening to many of these secular artists. They are MAD talented, but most of them spit out some poisonous lyrics . I do believe that some of the CHH rappers are trying too hard to emulate some secular rappers, but that is happening less and less. Remember that they are growing in the Lord. We all are.
@Mia_v4c : You are hilarious! Your blogs are always on point. I want to let you know that CHH still needs a LOT of support. @Tam Tam: I am so wrong but here it goes. I am getting my pre-release of Israel's new CD next week!! I am excited!!
The Word of God saves people, and a lot of time people takes scripture and change it into a song. So yes, music can save lives, as long as it speaks the Word of God. ~JM~
EJ, Thanks for putting this poll up. As a Gospel DJ I see and understand a lot of the points that have been stated. I didn't grow up in the church, got saved 7 yrs ago, but i grew up steeped in Rap and R & B. God has granted me balance to be able to see both sides of the fence. I love gospel music. From traditional clap your hands/stomp your feet all the way to the neck snapping beats of Gospel Rap. I agree with some of the points that have been stated above but there's a lot more to Gospel Rap than few may have been exposed to. Gospel Rap is now where near as advanced as it's secular counterpart. Only in recent years have the quality of Gospel Rap been on par or better than secular stuff. Gospel rap as with any other segment of gospel is plagued with it's own challenges and issues.It's true some gospel artists are lazy and secular copycats. A lot of gospel artists (sans beat) bring God centered/glorifying lyrics. That in some cases relate more to the unchurched than the churched. Gospel rap isn't for everyone but it doesn't mean it's wrong. If gospel rap got the exposure(more radio and video play)they way other music does even secular then i guarantee the numbers in EJ's poll would be different. Think about it why do so many people in the church listen to/know about secular artists? EXPOSURE. look at the ipods and cd players of the church and I guarantee you'll see a Beyonce,Jay-Z,lil Wayne or the other hot artist of the moment in there. EXPOSURE IS THE KEY.
There are many other artist out there: Brinson, Viktory, Canton Jones, Rhema Soul, Applejaxx tune into http://www.rapzilla.com
Nothing wrong with jammin' to a beat. Most Christian rap is Christ centered..
Corny? Like who? Because I listen to a lot of great music: Trip Lee, Tedashii, Applejaxx, Lecrae, Bobby Bishop
Its more solid rappers than "watered down"!! Positivity is cool if its biblical positive. Something that stems from the bible..
"and there is a place for stripped down worship songs also" What does this mean? Stripped down from what? Or, stripped down TO what?
I dont think its just those artist as well. Let me name some: Viktory, Braille, Humble Beats, Sho Baraka, Trip Lee (new album is trend setting) Applejaxx ( who just released Jesus High)
Tam Tam, sounds like you havn't heard Gospel Hip Hop artist.. there are more than a couple that are trendsetting
I want to know how many of these people who don't buy gospel hip-hop albums buy every Lil Wayne album or every Drake album? I bet there are a lot...which begs the question, do we christians love the truth like we claim to? Do we want truth in our music? If we "only listen to the beats", do we care what the lyrics are? Are we concerned with God being glorified at all? Idk, it just frustrates me to see all these proclaimed christians knocking on christian music while supporting the crap and lies that all these other artists are putting out....
I buy it, I listen to it and I love. After all it is the lyrics not the beat. People make me sick talking about what gospel should and shouldn't sound like...the same ones who are in the clubs, and bumping "secular" music on ipods etc.
Wow, I'm not surprised by those results at all though...however 80% of the purchases I make are Christian Hip Hop. I was raised on Commissioned, The Winans, Andrae Crouch, ect. But I like what I like. I don't listen to secular hip hop that much, but I do know good music when I hear it. These artists are VERY talented (Lecrae, Trip Lee, Flame, Canton Jones) i encourage anyone reading this, if you haven't done so already check out their music.
I'm just not into hip hop music, whether it be gospel or not.
Excellent counterpoints... they have me thinking.... You're right that there are SO many talented singers and rappers and so on but the gifts aren't being used for God's glory. That's another conversation though. And your point here: "some of the CHH rappers are trying too hard to emulate some secular rappers, but that is happening less and less. Remember that they are growing in the Lord." Very well said and insightful. That touches upon my point a bit about the LAZINESS in gospel. But hopefully these artists (and all of us) grow in the Lord. Excellent point. And I'll also say that there's nothing wrong with these CHH rappers being who they are. There's nothing wrong with genuine self-expression in the Lord. It's the copying of the secular that annoys me to the fullest. The music sampling, the dances, the dress, etc. It's confusing.
Daniel, I do not listen to hip-hop or rap music. I take very seriously what I put into my hears. So to answer your question, I do want and seek the truth in my music, what I read, or do in my daily walk. I try to make sure (sometimes I fall) that God is glorified daily. ~JM~
Awww, D, how you gonna play a sistah like that?!?!? ***starts rocking back and forth in my office chair for strength*** LOLLL!!!! I hope it's good! Please let me know! :-)
I totally disagree. What saved my 82 year old grandma did not save me. the person WHO saved her (Jesus) saved me but not the what. Music has evolved and I love the evolution. James Cleveland's No Ways Tired is not what is reaching the younger generation. If you listen to the lyrics then you will see the same Jesus message. You said that people are jamming to the beat and not listening to the lyrics what is the difference in Artists such as Kim Burrell and Jessica Reedy when they do their runs? People listening to the runs and not the message. Christians can't put God in a box, and that seems as if what you have do.
"Are the lyrics the ONLY thing that sets gospel hip hop it apart from hip hop in general? If it is, then oh well. To me, that's not enough. " The LYRICS are the only component that separates gospel from ANY type of music, period. What else is there? It's not the organ & tambourine that make a song gospel. Secular songs can have an organ in it too (i.e. Beyonce's "Ego")
Aww...thanks, Dwayne! I promise to support it if someone starts rapping my story. I've never slung anything but a few 'bows from time to time, lol. I grew up in the county in a functionally disfunctional family, lol...like most folks. By the time I moved to the 'hood (a few steps up from "da streets", lol), I was 10 and I REFUSED to go outside or even say "hello" to the other kids...who were boys...'til I was 14 and smitten, lol. Hence the reason I was known as the bourgeoise chick on the block. I've always been in church. I doubt that my "struggles" have made it to a rap song yet, lol. I really don't think I'll be able to relate to most of it...maybe I'm wrong. As much as I believe in supporting gospel music in general, I ONLY support it financially if it fits suits my tastebuds...or if I'm gifting it. Sooooooooo...lol. Yeah. Prob won't be buying any CHH rap CDs anytime soon. I'll support it in prayer though! :-)
Was your grandma 82 when she got saved? It really doesn't matter what age one is when one confesses and accepts Jesus Christ as Lord. The music doesn't do that. It's the MESSAGE of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the music, or the writing, or the preaching, or the teaching, or the rapping, or the sign language, etc. Downthread Bro Edwin made a good point about EXPOSURE. The popularity of secular rap? REPEATED EXPOSURE. He's right. So watch me flip the script: You said "James Cleveland's No Ways Tired is not what is reaching the younger generation." Why? LACK OF EXPOSURE. Why the lack of exposure? That's a whole 'nother conversation. But how about this: when the Hawkins Family started their thing, I was barely born. But my mama played those records whether I wanted to hear them or not. And today I have a greater appreciation for that music. So it starts in the home. There has to be a BALANCE. We couldn't listen to everything growing up. CHH or gospel hip hop or gospel rap whatever it's called at the moment has its place. It's not the ONLY way to expose young people to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As you encourage us to check out the music of the different artists you've named here, it would be nice to get a head start about which tracks/CDs to give a listen to... so that you guide us to the best of their best.
No definitely not. I have listened to songs from all the artists you listed above. I'm really enjoying Between Two Worlds actually.
@ Tam Tam and all, that "Back the day comment" almost ran Clara Ward, James Cleveland, Andrae Crouch, the Clark Clan, Kirk Franklin and the Hawkins (including Walter) out of the church because of "tradtionalists" think that adding a rock and roll beat is not of God. These gospel hip hop artists are an alternative than the stuff that is heard on secular radio today. I
@ Tam Tam and all, that "Back the day comment" almost ran Clara Ward, James Cleveland, Andrae Crouch, the Clark Clan, Kirk Franklin and the Hawkins (including Walter) out of the church because of "tradtionalists" think that adding a rock and roll beat is not of God. These gospel hip hop artists are an alternative than the stuff that is heard on secular radio today. I rather have my child listen to Canton, Lecrae, or even Dedrick than those artists that sing about money and sex.
I have a few of Group1Crew's song they are the only gospel rappers I listen to. Their beats are good and the lyrics are just as good. A lot of these gospel rappers are just rappers that couldn't make in the secular world so they came over to the gospel music world. (yes I know that some non gospel rappers have done the same thing). Most of the gospel rappers are corney, one of them did a song called "crank dat Jesus" which was the gospel rendition of "crank dat Souljah(sp) Boy".the original was already stupid so why did we need to have a gospel version of it? Most of them aren't original and can't flow. Then you have those that want to get in front of people and call out secular rappers for how they dress and talk but they come to concerts or get on tv dressing and talking the excat same way.
It's the SPIRITUAL PLACE/SOURCE from which one "creates" (I'm sensitive about using this word because the Lord Jesus Christ is really the only Creator) their craft. Which is why (at least in the past) the LIFE/LIFESTYLE of the (gospel) artist mattered, to an extent. Example: 1 Samuel 16:23 "After that, whenever the bad depression from God tormented Saul, David got out his harp and played. That would calm Saul down, and he would feel better as the moodiness lifted." David's lifestyle: a WORSHIPPER.... He had to repent for a lot of things but he was still a worshipper. What does gospel hip hip do for its listeners? Calm? Empower? Excite? Think? I'm sincerely asking.
Your keystrokes would have been better spent guiding me to those gospel hip hop artists that are trendsetting instead of assuming what I haven't heard. Not the best look for the genre right here.
I've be devoutly saved since my kids were small. I am a Missionnary I have a women group every 3rd Friday of the month ,I am the vice for the Youth department. My kids are 19,16,14 and whenever they hit Norfolk,Va.Beach area we are they supporting our brothers and sistas in the Lord.Canton Jones ,Mr. del ,Da Truth, (Jr) ,Sean Slaughter, Mona J,The Cross Movement, Mali music , Papa San.. etc. ect. They just didn't ask the right people and some people are ashamed to say in fear of what others might say. Maybe you should have asked them how many of them are still listening to Luther,Marvin and Patty??God bless you
No definitely not. I have listened to songs from all the artists you listed above. I'm really enjoying Between Two Worlds actually.
LOL, actually your story kind of reminds me of Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s My Story in the sense that he was raised in the church and never engaged in criminal acts. Actually, from what I've heard he wasn't even big on rap and he actually realized he could rap making fun of it with his cousin.
I've seen that happen many times. I've heard people criticize Christian rap saying it's ungodly yet they bump secular rappers like Jay-Z without any conviction.
And the same people who are critical of Christian rap did probably listnened to Motown And Stax and even listened to rock and roll and their parents were critical of contemporary gospel artists.
I'm responding since I'm named here. You NEVER read me to say that gospel hip hop doesn't belong. In fact, I said it has its place. What I've consistently said is that it is LAZY because, as it has been said, a lot of these gospel rappers emulated secular rappers, which, I can understand to an extent because they had no mentors to look to or to get support from, which is very similar to the point you're making about Clara, James, Andrae, etc. That when something sounds "different", the traditionalists want to keep it out. I understand all of that.
What I also said is the necessity to have balance. I don't know what gospel music you're listening to that focuses on money and sex to such an extent. I do not understand the relevance of that in this conversation. I think it is important to be exposed to a wide range of gospel music. My mom played that quartet music every Sunday morning and I couldn't stand it! It's not my gospel subgenre of choice today either, but I can appreciate it for what it is. Let me add this, too: I grew up COGIC...in Detroit at that. COGIC paved the way for the "beat" in much of gospel music today. My father played the drums. My uncles and my brother are church organists/keyboardists. I can handle a beat in my gospel music. That's why I can't stand sampling, either. There's plenty of creativity in the Holy Ghost. These gospel artists just got to get on their knees in PRAYER to tap into it.
I don't agree with the idea that most christian rappers are like that. That's just a generalization. I do agree that some of them are like that though. In all arenas of gospel music, there are people whose motives aren't genuine, not just in christian rap. I'm extremely careful of the Christian rap artists I listen to because you're right, a lot of it is nonsense but I don't think that should get in the way of taking notice of the ones that are genuinely talented and christ-centered artists.
Exactly. Christian rap has a lot of solid artists. People are often amazed that rap can have positive lyrics that give glory to God.
The difference: Motown and Stax were TRENDSETTERS. They did something so different that they generated a name for their movements. The criticism is not about the CONTENT of the music. It was/is, I think, about the QUALITY. What does much of gospel music do? Follow behind the trendsetters like a sad looking puppy dog copying what the trendsetters did so they can get some popular attention. Gospel hip hop is looking the same way right now. But some of the passionate folk on this thread are hoping against hope in support of HIGH-QUALITY gospel hip hop. That's a good thing.
Thank you...that's all I was trying to say... ~JM~
I think that any style of music that exalts God and talks about the Gospel is fine. But we should be mindful that a lot of the Christian rap artists are embracing the Hip Hop culture. They're bringing all the latest trends that the secular rappers do into churches. That's why a lot of people don't like the music. It's the culture behind it. As far as buying albums, all the music sounds the same. I find some of it to be enjoyable, but it's like all the beats sound the same and there's no variety. I honestly don't think Christian rappers are creative enough from a musical standpoint. Fans don't really but a lot of CD's because a really good albums only comes out every now and then.
I am a 47 year-old wife and mother and I LOVE Christian rap! I hear more WORD in their lyrics than I do from many gospel artists. Go figure. Based on some of the comments here, I wonder which Christian rappers some of you have been listening to. Certainly not Lecrae, Trip Lee, Flame, Tedashii, Thi'sl, J'son, Cross Movement etc. Biblically sound lyrical content all the way around. I've often wondered why it seems that they're not accepted in certain Christian circles. NONE of their raps speak of prosperity as it relates to money or of all the "haters" they have (which is diametrically opposed to secular rap) and are always very Christ-centered. Funny too, because in my experience, I've seen them have more acceptance from the CCM community than gospel one. Interesting since all of them are African-American. Next week I'll be attending the Legacy Disciple-Making Conference at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, where many of them will gather. www.legacy-conference.org. The theme is Solus Christus (Christ Alone). No hype. Just Jesus.
Honestly, I haven't given it a chance. There was an artist you featured earlier on your website last year sometime and I was gonna check it out, but just haven't. It's probably b/c I'm not into HipHop music period like I used to be back in the day (I'm 32 yrs old). I have a hard enough time trying to figure out what gospel music I'm gonna buy right now LOL.
Christina, I LOVE Group 1 Crew, but they get compared to the Black Eyed Peas. G1C are a great group in their own right and I have all of their CD's and the new EP. Check out LA Familia Muzick's "Greetings Earthlings", "Rhema Souls' "Dope Beats and Good News" and "Fingerprints, "Trip Lee's "Between Two Worlds".
and Amen goes right there!
Ditto. I'm 24 and I believe in the Scripture that says, "Inquire of the old paths that were once delivered unto the saints." Yes there is some gospel music w/a new school feel to it, but hip-hop to me is a street music and will always be. It began in the streets and that's where it should stay. Too many ppl try to mix the two in order to "bring people to Christ" but I've heard my own friends who are in the street and come into the church say that they take Christian rap as a joke and it's easier for them just to not even listen to any kind of hip-hop at all because they want to be truly saved. Now if a sinner is saying that, then what's up with the saints who are trying to make everything and anything alright?
I don't by the rap projects cause my brain and ears don't function in a way that allows me to catch what they are saying in real time, << LOL! true!
As a Christian hip-hop artist, I feel a need to respond to this as I found my crew's name (Hazakim) in the replies while doing a google search. Those who see what we do as nothing more than an attempt to "hook the kids" by mimmicking "the world" are making BROAD generalizations. While there are plenty of "Christian rappers" of whom this is true, Hazakim (and many others) seeks to be creative and as musical as possible while exalting Yeshua the Messiah. I would challenge any of you to search Hazakim, Shai Linne, Stephen the Levite, etc in Youtube and tell me that we are "copying the world" or that our music is a generic version of "secular rap". By God's grace, many Christian hiphop artists seek to make their music so chuck full of doctrinal truth, I doubt that many of your bishops and pastors teach as much in a whole sermon as many of us do in a single song. I say this giving thanks to God, but simply stating the facts. Tony - Hazakim
And as for the G Craig Lewis-ites.....I really dont know what to tell you...dialouge, as I have learned, is futile.
In general, I don't listen to much of any music, because it is too noisy; I don't like gospel rap, but I know that my little cousins like it and it's something for them to be encouraged with--and so I can understand that Overall--I think we have to be cautious, I agree with G Craige Lewis that gospel hip-hop is what's wrong because of other influences that this musical style is harboring...but gospel rap could be used for God's glory or for kids
I grew up in the inner city as a church boy listening to Hip Hop and loving it. Therefore when Gospel Hip Hop hit the streets I couldn't help but sample it. I dare say i'm hooked... I only listen to Gospel Hip Hop. I've got all of the volumes of Holy Hip Hop, T-Bone, Flame, Truth and Lecrae. The lyrics are tight, the bass is kickin and it's all about bringing the Gospel to lost. I love how God is using this art form to bring the Gospel of His Son; Jesus the Christ to a lost generation. I think I'm going to check out te 10th Annual Flavor Fest at Crossover Church in Tampa, Fl where it all started. I just started listening to some Underground guys including Rawsrvt out of Miami. Getting Crunk for Christ!
Hello. While I respect your hustle to bring something new and innovative to gospel hip hop, what's NOT a good look/sound (and it occurred more than once in this thread from some gospel hip hop fans) is the comparison and seeming hypocrisy about what other types of music people-- who have legitimate concerns and criticisms--listen to. You've done it here with the claim that you doubt "that many of your bishops and pastors teach as much in a whole sermon as many of us do in a single song." This kind of ungodly proud attitude does NOT draw me to want to listen to your music so hopefully you don't speak for all of the gospel hip hop artists out there.
I agree with you that there are a few artists (Da T.R.U.T.H., Shai Linne, Stephen the Levite) and others you may have mentioned that bring something unique to the table and really . But you can't say that most of the Holy Hip Hop artists don't embrace the secular Hip Hop culture. Why else do you think kids in the church want to krump, do all the worldly dances, and bring all the new fashion trends in the church? It's because there are artists that influence them in such a way that they think these things are acceptable. There's nothing wrong with simply rapping about God, but Christian rappers have to be mindful that we can't embrace worldly cultures.
Tam Tam....sorry if you misunderstand me but my point stands. So much of black gospel caters to "what God brought me out of"...which is all good....but you have brothers like Shai Linne dropping SOUND THEOLOGY & the black church rejects it without even listening, ie making an informed decision. It is what it is.....hearing sermons every Sunday about how he brought you out or how He wants us "blessed" will not give you adequate answers when your faith is tested.
Lastly Tam Tam....to speak condescendingly about an entire genre that proclaims the gospel is the epitome of "puffed up pride". Pot calls the kettle black indeed. Just do me a favor....expand your mind and google Stephen the Levite or Shai Linne. And then come back on here and post your opinion about Christian hip hop artists. As for "lazy"....23 musicians (including classically trained symphony musicians) on an album is hardly lazy....you are uninformed.
The Bull.....I wholeheartedly agree that too much of Christian HH is a cheap alternative and that, while I respect many of these rappers as "missionaries" I do not respect them as "artists" nor see their whole style as encouraging individualism. I hate that believers in Jesus wait for the secular market to sanction a style or trend before many in Christian hh decide to do it. HOWEVER....being that most of the people on here do not dig any further than the popular Christian HH groups their youth pastor brings in, they generalize WAY to much about a genre they are generally ignorant about.
Lastly, EJ....what is your point bro? In the past month, praise the King, 3 Christian hiphop albums have claimed top 3 spots on the SECULAR itunes hiphop chart: "The Church: Called & Collected" by Lamp Mode Recordings (#1 for nearly a week-above Drake), "Between 2 Worlds" by Trip Lee (#1) & "City Lights" by Json (#2 -Second only to Rick Ross - still up there!).. But we do not gauge success by this...we praise God that the Word is being declared. But just what is your point in these polls? So fans of traditional black gospel ignore Christian hiphop? They were never really our audience to begin with and we dont expect them to understand or listen. ???
the reason gospel rap aka gospel hip hop isn't popular is because it's a watered down version of the real thing. You either wash with Tide or walmar'ts great value brand. Unfortunately great value isnt poplular. I saw a documentary on youtube a while ago and the youth tought gospel rap was whack because they were acting like the secular artist but just throwing a few jesus and god in there with the same dance moves. In all it's not popular because it's not original it a cheap version. Why do u think even in regular gospel music you rarely hear new material it;s always a remake of whats was done in the 50,s and up...
PS i'm not against Gospel rap b/c it does have it's place and it can reach some. the issue is when you dodn;t do you and only do what has and is being done then why by the lesser. you want a rolex or a folex?
It's evident that instead of owning or at least acknowledging the weaknesses of the genre you apparently love and desire to defend, you choose to deflect with the inaccurate accusation of condescension about the entire genre. So unfortunate. The root of the matter that LAZINESS is present in (some aspects of) the genre and my observations were confirmed by others throughout this thread. Do you a favor and expand my mind? What mockery. Again, your approach here is winning neither fans nor souls.
I think that if more Christian rap artists stop trying to embrace secular cultures and be original with their craft and keep their lyrics in line with then it will gain more appeal within the church and more people will buy the CD's.
I meant to say in line with the scriptures...sorry.
What point have you made in which to stand? Your posts have mocked those who are less than enthused about gospel hip hop, challenging the intellect and the quality of pastoral leadership without merit. And I quote what you said: "I doubt that many of your bishops and pastors teach as much in a whole sermon as many of us do in a single song. " If ^^THAT^^ is the bitter and mocking spirit in which you generate your music, God help your fans.
I do not buy Hip Hop gospel because it simply is not my taste. I never was a fan of Hip Hop anyway, I think the lyrics are trash and most of it consist of sex, drugs and money. Also, I listen to anything that sends a good message, and most Hip Hop music do not send a good message. As far as gospel hip hop, see that is the biggest problem I have. Why must we mix secular with the church? It just seems like is okay because it is still gospel,. but you have to be very careful with what you listen too. It does not matter if some lyric is talking about Jesus, it could send a mixed message,everything that ends with Jesus does not make it right. Do not get wrong,I know that gospel comes in all forms, in fact contemporary gospel is my favorite because I can relate to it better than most genres. I do not buy Hip Hop music, because I don`t care for Hip Hop in general and saying gospel Hip Hop is not going to make much of a difference. On the other hand, I have enjoyed some artists who are Hip Hop gospel, if I can hear the message of the song than it is no problem. Furthermore, I think you have to look at the content in songs, everything that says it is gospel does not mean it is gospel. I am willing to accept anything that sends a good message, but Hip Hop is not my taste in music no matter what form it comes in.
Agreed... I have followed the holy hip hop scene for a very long time, I respect their hearts & desire to do what they do. I have countless albums/mixtapes, attended concerts & I'm also friends with many of the artists. But eventually & unfortunately, over the past few years I have stopped listening to it as often because of the almost (keyword) identical similarities to mainstream hip hop, which I cannot look past. And for me, those similarities go beyond just the music alone. I am not against gospel rap in itself. However, I am against not having at least some type of originality that isn't limited to lyrics alone, especially when God is supposed to be at the helm of it all, that goes for every artist that I listen to in gospel. And not all gospel rappers are the same, but at the same time everyone can and should be able to STAND OUT just a little more, and be a step above the average. The above words are my personal thoughts. I am fully aware of the impact that holy hip hop has among certain people, audiences, etc. And that's a great thing. But I honestly do hope that one day it can reach more than just those "certain" audiences & appeal to a greater number of "many".
Different music for different people. I used to be a really big secular hip hop head, and then I crossed over to the gospel hip hop...I used to think it was corny, but it's really great. I actually believe that gospel rap has a lot more content than gospel R&B, choirs, groups, etc....When I heard Flame do a song breaking down the Holy Trinity, I was convinced. I admit that a lot of the mainstream gospel rap is corny...but the ones that you don't hear are the ones that I buy. Trip Lee, Sho Baraka, Lecrae, Phanatik, Da Truth, Cross Movement, and the list goes on the others Then again it's not everyone...
I am not the biggest fan of hip hop, sometimes because I don't like the lyrics, sometimes because I cannot understand the lyrics (just because you can rhyme, does not make you a rapper) and sometimes because the production is terrible and that is just generally speaking. There is a musical structure that people seem to think they can neglect. I look for: good storytelling, a catchy hook, an infectious beat, a rapper/emcee who knows how to deliver and who the music/message are REAL to. I don't think I am hard to please, but most of the christian hip hop artists I have heard don't tell a cohesive story, can't deliver their lyrics, aren't believable and lack the ability to really connect with me. I could go on and on, but I won't.
Exactly Melly Welly...I just believe that most of the christian hip hop that most people have been exposed to is the mainstream, wannabe like the world music. Those are the videos that they play on tv. I would recommend going to CrossMovementRecords.com...Flame314.com....ReachRecords.com...Lampmode.com Serious men, with a passion for lost souls in the hip hop community. In the world but not of the world. To say that Hip Hop rapping cannot be used, then that's like saying gospel country can't be used, or gospel r&b can't used...(Kirk, Mary Mary, J Moss)....
Hey there, my brutha! I understand this is probably a very sensitive and touchy subject for you...understandably so. But I think that the point of this blog (polls included) is to keep folks informed and generate dialogue about all things gospel...music, that is. I can imagine that some of these responses are hard to read. If you know that what you do is genuine, creative, etc., rest in that and try (I know it's hard) not to take this stuff personally. Unfortunately, whether you agree or not, folks are entitled to even their "ignorant" opinions. Don't allow your frustration to cloud your valid points. :-)
Reach Records.com----Lampmode.com----Crossmovement Records.com----- Please do your spirit a favor and check out the artist belonging to them! All negative thoughts and opinions about the genre will change forever.....
Am with Ricky on this one Christian hip hop has grown Lamp mode, Reach records , Cross movement records. They are labels that define genre today.
What saved people back then is the same thing that saves people today - the blood of Jesus and the receiving of the Gospel message (the Good News). I'm almost 44 and some of the Gospel music produced today is very weak theologically. I'm impressed with the Biblical strength of people from 116 and CMR - these guys actually study and preach the truth in their music. I buy very little music today - but when I do it is more than likely from these artist. If the message is flawed - no matter how great the performance - its not the Gospel - it's just religious music. Amazing Grace - biblically sound - 116 album 13 Letters - biblically sound. Other popular religious music called Gospel because of the style (not the content) not biblically sound - and can create a lot of spiritual problems.
It's really bad because most of the Popular Gospel music only wants to talk about money too!!!! I think rappers like the 116 clique and CMR are a welcomed breath of theological fresh air. It's time the Gospel came back to Gospel music - instead of 50 ways to get your blessing.
I believe that a lot of us get caught up with style. I think people need to actually understand the history of music to understand that style is not gospel. Gospel is the good news. THE WORD. BIBLE! The Words are an important factor to gospel. No matter what style you put on it, it will be gospel if it is biblically sound. Traditional gospel was shaped from secular music back in the day (blues, soul, R&B). A LOT OF TRADITIONAL GOSPEL SONGS WEREN’T BIBLICALLY SOUND! Today’s secular music is hip hop and it is just a repeat what happened back then. I wish Ministers of Music would teach their churches about the history so that style doesn't get confused with gospel. People should understand history and see how music played a big part of what was going on in that time. Ok now Look at TODAY. Technology, Computers, Internet, and etc. Come on guys. LET’S THINK! LETS BE OPEN TO MUSIC!!!! WE ARE EDUCATED, WE ARE FREE!!!!
Contemporary "Gospsel" music is one of the biggest offenders of being unscriptural. If the theological truth of the Lordship of Christ is not there - it fails as "Gospel" music. I have a varied taste in music (I'm called an audiophile - when it comes to music, because I do listen to the technical expertise of the sound engineer and things like imaging, soundstage and such), but before it can get to that stage for me, before a song "relates" to me - I listen to its relation to the scriptures. If it's off there - It's off my player. I agree with listening to the content of the song - that's why I can enjoy music from each "gospel" genre. I love to hear the truth :) !
Agreed! Excellent post. There are many worship differences from the North and South as well as the origins of "Gospel" music. I believe worship leaders should learn music history. Many do not realize that King David introduced about 400 musical instruments to tabernacle worship not perscribed by God.
I am glad that God looks at the heart and is not ungraceful as humans are. I believe that if it glorifies the Lord, He is pleased with our efforts!!! I am a big fan of inspirational music. If the message is a positive message, and the person claims the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior, I don't complain!! Nor Do I Judge!!!!! As a minister of music, I notice that people want to hear music for their own selfish needs. Our job is to witness to people and bring people to Jesus. If they like a certain style, at least I will be open and smart enough to attempt to appreciate it!!