Christian Rap: The Highs and Lows of a Growing Genre.

Okay,
So I left Christianity about seven years ago. I'll reserve my reasons for another blog, but I will say that I did do a little Christian rhyming in my hay day. It felt weird at times however. Maybe I was to introspective, but at that time, I thought doing Christian rap would be a great way to pull non-believers in the fold. But in hindsight, when I was a Christian, I didn't listen to Christian rap at all. Ironically, I listened to good ole, standard hip-hop. Why?

Well, for one, no non-believer in Christ wants to be preached to (for the most part) about their hideous ways. In addition, no one wants to hear affirmation of them going to hell because of the booze, blunts, and premarital sex (common sins that are mentioned in Christian Hip-Hop). After all, Even Christians have premarital sex, and engage in sinful activities everyday. So no, as I rolled down the avenue in my hay day, I didn't enjoy hooks like "Christ is the only way, He will save the day, you got to pave that road and he will make away." I'm not hating-I'm just saying. Exhibit A:


In contrast, wouldn't it be better to to listen to Christian rap without being bombarded with the "Get your act together, Christ is coming" mentality? Some hip-hop listeners are open to Christ in fact, but some of these emcee's can push you away from Christianity with their super religious and over zealous approach.

I propose that Christian emcee's should write their rhymes as if they were building a relationship with a non-believer. The problem is alot of them right their rhymes as if they are submitting it to their pastor. If you've ever been a Christian, you know that the typical non-believer does not want to be apprehended with "your going to hell if you don't change," and "Jesus is waiting for you...etc." The only way to convince people of the truth of your belief in Christ (speaking to the emcee's) is to live the life. This transcends your music.

Therefore, you don't have to mention religious terms every line. You are to simply encourage your fellow Christians, and more importantly, trying to reach those who are not of the same mind! Talk to them when you rhyme. That means your hip-hop shouldn't be to far removed from worldly hip-hop. I'm not saying Christian emcees should sound like 50 cent by far. I'm just sayin when I hear songs like the previous You Tube clip- I turn the dial. Why? Because how will the non-believer relate to you if you present yourself as a saint (and we all know you're not). He on the other hand is caught up in quicksand. The emcee is on the edge of the bank and instead of just helping you-he asks: "Are you ready to accept Jesus? Otherwise you might as well go head and sink." Doesn't seem right does it? The next exhibit demonstrates the direction of where Christian Hip-Hop should go. It's more effective and can impact more people.