Even Christians Hate Christian Rap 

I think Hip Hop fans also have a problem with Christian rap because while they, including myself, don't mind religious undertones no one wants to feel like there being talked down to or preached to. Perhaps the tide is changing however with more mainstream artists like Kendrick, Big Sean, and Chance making religion an integral part of their work.

The book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy are more gangsta than most of rap artists

"As soon as you decide to fully carry that cross, you never really fit anywhere." That is some church right there

We love to see this! We appreciate you taking a risk and speaking about our culture. Mad respect fam!

"You're not making Christianity better, you're just making rock and roll worse" -Hank Hill.

Justin awesome video today, never clicked on a video so fast. I'm a Christian and I love hip hop, and listen to both CHH and regular hip hop and I'm glad to see it getting covered and discussed on outside platforms. The trouble people have long faced trying to cross over is that most people in the Christian community believe that the music should be used to evangelize. And if the music doesn't have enough gospel in it, it usually gets criticized or dismissed. So the idea of a Christian just expressing themselves regardless of how that comes out is hard for people to align themselves with. And I think the idea that Lecrae can still spread the gospel through his life and relationships is lost on a lot of people who want him to be more vocal about it in his music instead.

I think the vigilant Christian is a troll channel

Oh and the reason Islam is so accepted by Hip hop imo is because hip hop was birthed out of the civil rights era. And people saw Christianity as the religion of the slave masters so many saw Islam as empowerment of blackness. Farrakhan helped with this a lot. 5% nation prevalence in New York and in prison also help. Although I think basically you handing in one set of chains for another.

"TEE-WHY Dollar Sign" lmao

I think Rap with Christian or Religious undertones is good, people need to be more spiritual and gain more empathy. If the music is good then it's good, it doesn't matter if it's religious or not.

“When you fully decide to carry that cross, you don’t ever really fit in anywhere!” Wow...so good

Hip Hop loves the "Nation of Islam" style of islam and tend to view it more as a sort of identity and political ideology more than a religion. There are exceptions like Brother Ali but I don't think there are that many devout sunni or shia muslims who pray five times a day toward mecca and make this a major part of their music.

every rapper got a Jesus piece chain or a cross pendant though. lol

Oh man this is a good one Justin! The Christian separation of outside culture was a lightbulb. Growing up in South Carolina, you grow to question an artists motivation or a person in generals conversion to Christianity. So many cats you know coming out of prison, start speaking the gospel, and for many, its legit, but often you see that hustler side, creeping up like an alligators eye above the water, when they start rising up in the church and getting that money. Maybe not rich, but more than they had before. And you saw it all the time, with musicians that couldn't cut it competitively in other genres like rock and punk, , you knew, they'd start coming around talking Christ, and they'd have the backing of the church, and start touring the Christian circuit, and many got famous. Off of little talent, and a lot of Christ name dropping. It worked. It was always seen, as a great hustle for punk and rock musicians who cant cut it. As it was stated in the video, it didn't matter if you were good, what matter is you said what they wanted to hear. South Park had a great episode on that. The rap is interesting, about the hesitance for Christians adoption of the art. This video made me click, something about South Carolinas omission from the southern hip-hop Renaissance. Coming up in the streets of South Carolina, from the inside of it, you saw clearly that South Carolina starting the civil war, and the spiritual and historical ramification of the slave ports in Charleston, left such an infrastructure crater, that Hip-Hop couldn't grow, the way it did the other southern states that followed South Carolinas lead in fighting the North. South Carolina is the birth of the Confederacy, but never had its Hip-Hop moment, equal to its role in southern or black history. James Brown is the DNA of Hip-Hop, but he created in Georgia, and went to prison in South Carolina. Rappers were more known to escape into South Carolina than out, one was Craig Mack, into the Christian cult world of South Carolina. Hell, upstate South Carolina was where the spiritually conflicted DMX went to escape. You got me really thinking Justin, how much the dominance of Christianity in post-Civil War S. Carolina inoculated it to Hip-Hop. As you'd say, I don't have the answers. Great video and discussion.

Why Hip-hop loves Islam? Would make a great segment next week.

I think of Brother Ali when it comes to this subject, he touched on religion plenty of times in his albums without pigeonholing himself as a CHH artist

If anything we need more religious diversity in hip hop so people can see the entire spectrum of faith. I think Sundays by Aminé is a great song because it outlines like a 20 something year olds nuanced relationship with religion and what that is like with his family. It's something I can relate to a lot. Also, Mona Haydar (I believe that's her name) is making some controversial waves being a Muslim woman who raps. She is getting criticized from both islamaphobes but also very conservative Muslims. I believe rap is a better platform for speaking your truth than any other artistic form. Real will always recognize real, even if it takes a little bit to get there. I want to know what Hindu hip hop sounds like. What would a Buddhist rapper rap about? The culture can only grow by adding these into the mix.

Great article Justin. #You did your #research. You contacted key figures, instead of writing a muddy muddy presumptuous observation - as most media outlets have done the last few decades. #ReSpECT ✊🏾

This is great, you're really turning into an amazing journalist and cultural analyst.

A song that didn't make Coloring Book, "Grown Ass Kid" Chance said "everybody can say it out loud my favorite rapper a christian rapper". I wish that song made it on there The conversation would have had more dynamics in the mainstream especially since Chance is among the faces of the Millenial generation. Another dope episode of #TBDSHOW Justin thanks for content as usual and happy belated 44th birthday to Hip Hop!!!

DMX was the best at incorporating his Spiritual beliefs in his songs. Songs like, "Ready to meet him" "Let me fly" and all his prayers are right in line.

Sometimes I think you have the answers to those questions 🤔 Another fire breakdown btw

'Marginalized' sound like it's going to be an amazing series! Company Man is both the hero we need and the hero we deserve. Keep it up, Justin!

Great video glad to see that mainstream hip-hop is talking about chh. One artist you should've mentioned is Gemstones formally known as Gemmni from Lupe's FNF label. He was on the verge to being the biggest name in hip-hop against Drake at the time but he gave it up in 2008 once he gave his life to Christ. At frist he didn't mind the label Gospel rap but he saw how limited his music would be so he just call it rap. If you listen to his blind elephant album you see he blends conscious rap and Christian rap perfectly well.

I just wanna say that there are PLENTY of great CHH artists out there, but distribution is t e r r i b l e. Most artists have one or two songs out, maybe a 5 track mixtape, but most keep themselves to the church and conventions. Meanwhile, the CHH artists with easily accessible work tend to be lower quality. Their flows are lacking, their tracks over-produced and noisy, and there's always a distinct lack of depth in lyrics when, really, coming into contact with the Most High should produce some of the most emotional content there is. That's why I think Christian-leaning artist/artists who don't identify as a "Christian Artist" have more success getting the "Jesus Saves" point across than whoever you hear on 106.7 The Fish. The Gospel is about getting the word out through the way you live, act, and (occasionally) what you say in sharing your experiences--not necessarily through shoving Bible quotes down someone's throat. So, in my opinion, the Chances and Kendricks are better and more helpful than most CHH artists. Christianity is not a "members only" club--we are put here to help and the only way to do that is to go to the people we intend to help. The sooner we and most CHH artists realize that, the sooner we can shift our paradigm.

Hip Hop has no problem with Islam...but does Islam respect all of those rappers who identify as Islam? That's the question you have to ask. Especially if we're talking traditional Isalm. Don't wanna self promote but have quite a few long form interviews on my channel with Lecrae, shai linne, The Ambassador of Cross Movement and Christon Gray talking about this topic. As i said to you on twitter....we aren't supposed to fit in. We're supposed to be different. And Derek made grade points from a practical standpoint. Plus, in predominately black churches, Baby boomers didn't grow on Hip Hop at all, but they are the leaders, Pastors, elders, deacons etc at most of those churches. They were never in to hip hop from the start, even when they were younger (they were mid-20's early 30's when rapper's delight popped off), so they are never going to get with it anyway. Dope video even though I disagree with some of it. I appreciated hearing your perspective on it. Blessings to you G.

I'll quote a Christian rapper known as the Ambassador, who said, "rap is a bullhorn for anybody with a message". You should be free to talk about whatever you want to on your rap song. The problem a lot of CHH rappers have had is that they like jumping on whatever bandwagon is taking off. 15 years ago it was the cross movement bandwagon, today it's the reach records, Kendrick, Chance bandwagon. The shift has made a lot of guys look stuck coz they were never really doing this based on their own convictions but because it was a popular choice. This is not to say anyone is wrong or anyone is right. Lecrae has admitted that in the past his music was based off the convictions of others rather than his own (to paraphrase). It would seem he is now following his own convictions something which at the very least is best for him, I believe. That's fine, as a fellow believer, I want him to be as authentic as can be. At the same time, I can also see why some brothers are up in arms for one reason or another. That is also fine, as humans I believe that we will have differences in opinions, regardless of how much we like each other. What we should respect though is the fact that rap is a bullhorn that can be used by anyone for whatever they may want. On a side note though, I seriously question the mental capability of people who can call music made by a Christian rapper like Bizzle whack, while jamming to mumble rap.

That demon tattoo fire tho...

Justin you deserve 👏👏👏 As an avid hip-hop lover and a Christian who has deeply studied theology, I find Christian rap to be entertaining at times. But I can't play it around every Christian I know because some it as devil music period. It's especially hard when you're a creative guy like myself who would even consider pursuing rap as a creative Avenue because of the religious repercussions that would follow because of it. I also listen to secular rap as well because it seems that their perspective allows them to have some more honesty than in CHH. Kendrick, BJ the Chicago Kid, and Chance the Rapper demonstrate this perfectly in their music. But when Lecrae tried to do the same back with The Anomaly, he got blowback. And yet Christians wonder why people aren't flocking to our Gospel🐸☕...anyway, before I get preachy, thanks again for making the video! Keep it up, Justin!

I RARELY comment on RU-vid videos, but there are TOO many gems in this...As a devout Christian who has been in CHH for sometime, who also enjoys mainstream Hip Hop, it's dope to see the internal conversations had in CHH, being exposed to the broader culture. Justin said it right "Damned if you do, damned if you don't". Here's to hoping, in the coming years, rappers of Christian faith will simply make great art without feeling the pressure to identify (or de-identify) as a Christian Hip Hop artist.

I enjoyed your perspective on this, especially as someone who enjoys CHH and mainstreamish hip-hop and I would the conversation has changed immensely over the last 3 years.

First of all, I love you man. I'm gonna go out on a limb and assume a book is in the works. Please. This shit is like Sat morning manna, bread in the wilderness. Urgent.

Let Us Pray Father in the name of Jesus, I thank you. Thank you for your spirit and your word. Thank you for your grace and coverage. Forgive me Lord, and wash away my sin; restore me and grant me mercy. Order my steps Father. Give me your peace. Lord, I write in prayer to you for the hearts of your children, servants and the lost. Anoint me with your spirit and speak through me. I surrender to your righteousness. To the accuser and every wicked demon; I rebuke you in Jesus name! I command you to flee! In Jesus holy name your assignment to attack this body is cancelled! Holy father I thank you for your word! Your majesty and mercy! Father I thank you for the authority you’ve given your children to overcome the wicked one and self. All power honor and glory belong to you. Be magnified! I know every good thing comes from you! You are right, you are holy. Thank you for extending your perspective through the holy spirit. Lord, I pray for the world tonight. I know you have no problem managing every instance, it only through your word we have being and move Hallelujah! Father I lift up my brothers in Christ; Lecrae, Derrick Minor, Andy Mineo, Trip Lee, Flame, KB, Marty, Fern, Tedashii, Eschon Burgundy, Sho Baraka, Propaganda, Gemstones, J Givens, Canton Jones, Selah, Datin, Bizzle, Sevin, Javon Rue, MC Jin and every saint called by the Sprit in the name of Jesus, to stand in the gap fighting for your glory. Father I too am a child called to serve, I submit to your will. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven forever and ever. Holy God, search the heart according to your perfect word as only you can. It’s deceitfulness is beyond us and I plead the blood of Jesus to strengthen, restore, correct, and guide as only you perfectly can. Father, I’m reminded of word; to seek the lost. You’re everlasting love commands us to be the light in the darkness. To be in the world but not of it, be ye wise as serpents and harmless as doves. May the feet of your church, this body your bride awaiting the king move in peace. Holy Spirit Move! Wash over the heart, granting holy sight, wash over the tongues granting authority, healing, and blessings. Move; wonderful counselor, seal us in the full armor of God. Everything I ought to do Lord is for your glory. In your infinite love and mercy you died to save me - knowing I’d fall short of your glory. Father be glorified by the life your children live for you. Your infallible word tells us to prepare for your kingdom - the enemy knows his time is come and he’s intent on murdering our faith, through lies he fathers; which he was from the beginning. Protect your children according to your word we will not be shaken and I thank you Lord. Father provide your sight; Lord expand our perspective. Speak to our hearts. Remind your children of whom the Dr attends. It’s not the healthy but the infirmed. No one goes in search of the found. Light that’s not in the darkness doesn’t benefit anyone. Father be glorified; I exalt your holiness; resting on your promises. seeking your will. You were accused of casting out wicked spirits in the name of Satan. Correcting the lost teaching; that a house divided will not stand, Glorifying the Father in heaven! Then if not in the name of the devil - then how! Glory! Thank you father, using us wretches; cleaned, and sustained in your Precious blood to reach the world. Father your call is for us to obey and abide in you. The world will hate us and do what it will to, even unto death I will follow you! Only you are worthy Jesus! Lord, I stand on your promise that our reward is great. Keep your spirit upon us; Let our lives show proof of your majesty. Empower us in the spirit, to pray, uplift, and support one another as the apostles did worshipping in spirit and in truth. Grant us your eyes Lord. Override this flesh-limited perspective; according to your word that which is contrary to the spirit will burn away. Father your bride waits in obedient - reverence and faith, Guided by your Holy Spirit give us discernment to see with the eyes of love. Lord - to the body, remove the veil from the eyes of the lost. The enemy is working in accordance to your will to pervert truth, steal hope, kill and destroy your love. Open the eyes of my heart. Father I thank you and praise you forever and ever. You are God alone, Lord of all. There is nothing greater than Jesus. You are worthy to be praised! In Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen.

I enjoyed this quite a lot. As a college age Christian I see a lot of young Christians listening to CHH. The arguement about who some artists associate is kinda sad. Reminds me of Andy Mineo's song "Wild things" when he says "I'm with em because my life's the only bible that theyve ever seen." I recommend lookin it up. Great article. CHH is still alive.

Very thorough, BUT... I can't believe you didn't add "Spiritual Minded" by KRS1 into this discussion. He was the first one to make me realize that (at that time) the Chriatian Rap message wasn't wack. It was the messengers.

With all due respect globally speaking Christianity is growing not shrinking

Justin, I think one line you spoke sums up the whole issue with CHH: it's made only for people who understand it, i.e., Christians. People listen to CHH and think it's wack because they either don't understand the message or they don't agree with it. So how can artists like LeCrae or Derek Minor or Andy Mineo etc. reach the hip hop culture if the product they're making is only tailored and accessible to one audience? I think Christians miss this point when they expect LeCrae to evangelize with his music but then get angry when he starts collaborating with "secular" artists. He can't evangelize if he's making music solely for those already saved! When LeCrae dropped Anomaly Christians got upset because of the social content (Welcome to America) and the fact he didn't say "Jesus" 20x every song. Yet that record also included songs about faithfulness to and respect for women (Runners) and how God can help people overcome trauma and tragedy (Good, Bad, Ugly). This is still evangelizing yet he made it accessible to a wider audience, yet Christians demonize him for it. My brother can't win because if he leans one way or the other he's called a sell out by ignorant people who don't understand hip hop or who don't understand Christianity.

I would LOVE to hear your full breakdown on Islam in Hip-hop, especially its lasting impact on newer artists like Kendrick and Kodak

Change is inevitable. Most people have a hard time adjusting so they may lash out at artists, innovators, true seekers, and forward thinkers. They hold tight to the zeitgeist of the 20th century (weed, gays, and rap are all bad / meat, police, and church are all good). And the notion of the hip hop culture (in it's purest form) being a saving grace of humanity (due to its unveiling honesty and unifying qualities) got the religious sector going into self preservation mode, and avoiding those daunting questions about their faith, instead of (at least) trying to understanding and embracing this paradigm shift. Change is a slow process, that may take generations...yet still inevitable.

I admire lecrae and the discipline he has to keep making positive music. He doesn't cuss you out or say the n word. But he still reflects on society and the community.

Hammer's first Christian Hip-Hop song was "Son Of The King" on the "Let's Get It Started" album! I still play it sometimes!

Justin goes fucking deep yet again, bravo ma man

"Broke into the vatican and strangled the pope with his rosary" - vinnie paz Yeah Islam definitely does not have a problem accepting hip hop.

I think the issue with Christian rap is the rap at its core supposed to be honest and embrace yourself. Talk about your honest feelings and that isn't what Christianity is. Too often you asked to deny your actual thoughts and desires. But the under tones of religion will always be there because Again hip hop is about yourself and religion is apart of the journey we as a people are forced to go through.

Thank you for talking about about this. Seriously, so insightful. I just wrote a Medium piece about Lecrae being bashed to death. Appreciate all the insight you give bro!

Should've saved this episode for Sunday. Preach on brother.

The irony of course is that hip-hop is by and large dominated by Christians (as well as Muslims), and a lot of positive / conscious music stems from a Christian (or, if not that, religious) underpinning (common, kendrick, mick Jenkins, pac to a certain (complicated) extent, brother Ali ect ect)

This new series is gonna be amazing, very much looking forward to it.

I stay waiting for these videos every Saturday

Aye Justin I see you still breaking it down...but I highkey miss you on HipHopDX fam

Thank you for doing this, I once mentioned Lecrae and Justin responded that he had something on the way. Man, im grateful for the insights you gave and for getting to know this branch of Hip Hop and making it a bit popular, I mean pushing it to the mainstream culture. Man, God bless you, what more can I say, ya feel me? 😂

Justin, you're the man!

This is very important, because for me, I came from hip-hop and the black culture. When I later became a Christian I started rapping about Christian things because Jesus became the number one person in my life. But that doesn't mean I stop being a rapper, I still made music that did not talk about Jesus exclusively, Can that music be considered Christian? I never felt like any of my friends who knew me when I was not a Christian would stop listening to my music because at the end of the day i'm still that guy who grew up with you rapping in the cafeteria.

Every video I see from you I respect you more, mate. Much respect. Love to see interesting, articulate stuff like this. :)

Best video essay yet!

NF is dope AF

HEH UP Justin.Enjoyed the show.As Hip Hop is a black culture and that Black America is one of the most religious people Religion is always going to be the mix somewhere.Its very rare to read a rappers thank you shouts in the CD notes (we don't get them Streaming and I miss them)and not see God get a shout.Any way great show.See ya next week

"DMX will pray on his album, but he will also rob you." Lol that was kinda deep.

You finally have your own channel so I don't have to sort through hip hop DX to find these . Thanks!

So I tried to get into Christian rap and it's not my cup of tea. Few good songs but it comes off too preachy. Saw two Christian battle rappers on KOTD and it was a hard watch. But as far as Islam and Hip Hop I think Islam gets more respect because it's more marginalize on a USA scale than Christianity is which is why the Culture seems to respect it more.

As an agnostic, Pray is one of my favorite songs by MC Hammer.

I'd bet the reason why Prince let Hammer sample from "When Doves Cry" is because it was for "Pray". For everything that Prince stood for, the Bible was incredibly important to him.

This video really made me think, cuz when I stopped being a christian I kinda stopped bumping christian rap too. I feel like I should go back and just appreciate the bars instead of putting them all in a box

This is really interesting. Rappers who are Muslim didn't set up a subgenre called Muslim rap or Muslim hip hop they just participated in hip hop culture. Christian rap set up a subgenre to separate themselves and then set up all these rules in that subgenre for artistic expression to control how things are done, most of these rules are just man made if they are 100% honest and that's why right now with lecrae becoming so big in seeking to come out of that bubble and go beyond that subgenre there's so much backlash he's facing The biggest problem is they treat their Christian hip hop subgenre as if it is synonymous with Christianity and if you chose not to define yourself by it and abide by their rules you're treated by many as if you are abandoning the Christian faith which isn't the case for a lecrae. That subgenre has become an idol to a lot of it's fans. The self-righteousness in there puts a lot of people off. They cling to it for their identity and if you go against CHH a lot of the fans of it feel threatened and lash out defensively.

First off, congrats, Justin, on doing a great Breakdown on a subject thats rarely talked about in the mainstream. But I need you to bare with ne and read this comment even though its gonna be long. I don't have your email or I would've sent this to you that way. Being a Christian, this topic hits close to home with me. I've always identified with the dichotomy of people like Pac's raps where he talks about the struggle with wanting to do what God wants, but still feel that street life calling to you, also. You spoke about No Malice and mentioned DMX, but Pastor Troy is another artist who always had some borderline Christian songs that I still love. But about No Malice, there is a song called "Life Change" that was on one of the Clipse albums where he talks about needing to change and be a better man/husband and such. To me, thats where he went from Malice to No Malice, right there in that one song. I would like to hear your opinion, though.

lol a demon on his chest and a bath tub full of weed.

Tee Why Dolla Sign 😂😂

I'm a Christian, and I do not like Christian rap mostly because they try to market off Jesus's name. Most of them aren't actually Christians, and it is just all screwed up.

This was super interesting. Great work Justin!

You're a real G. Thank you for this video.

Justin, I love your videos and look forward to them every week - but I can't believe you did one on this obscure subgenre! I've been listening to CHH since like 2002 and I've been able to watch all of it develop, and now in many ways its really happening in a big and public way for the first time ever. I was stoked to see Derek Minor - I honestly think he's been the most notable CHH artist of the five years in his own ways, and I love his early stuff especially. Your whole thing was on point and I really appreciated your perspective. Keep up the great material.

Another good video, insightful. Keep em coming! Some suggestionts (not demands) 1. Golden age of Rawkus Records, what happend? 2. Hot beat or hot rhymes, what is the more important? 3. Why Rakim is THE goat

Am Christian, can confirm

Excellent analysis as usual.

I don’t know NF is the best thing to come along in Christian rap even though he isn’t really a Christian rapper.

yo justin, another great vid as usual. seeing that the topic of ghost wrting has been sterred up this week by kendrick rolling stone feature i think you should make a vid about ghostwriters who shaped hip pop. in other words ghost writing legends for example the D.O.C

Great video Justin! Have you considered doing a breakdown on A$AP Mob especially with two upcoming projects ontop of Cozy Tapes Vol 2? Would like to see your unique input on that. Cheers.

I appreciate your work bro. Nice vid

I would think Islam is considered more respected than Christianity because in modern times, Christianity is mainstream relative to Islam and Muslims are arguably more persecuted and outsiders since Hip-Hop was birthed out of an outsider culture that has no music to call their own.

Malice was always the one who made Clipse sound more legit and outstanding. Initially you'd think you were in for hard beats and hard rhymes, but as you listened you'd sudden realize you were being dropped some real knowledge by Malice. It was interest and a bit refreshing to watch his growth. I don't personally identify with his lack of negativity in his lyrics for his current persona, but I appreciate what he's trying to do with the talent, time and resources he has at his disposal. Same with Justin and TBD. One of the few weekly subscriptions that I eagerly anticipate, right next to Game of Thrones and Dragon Ball Super! Lol Thank you and keep up the good work!

It ain't a Kanye West GOAT piece but it'll do for now lol. Great vid!

I wouldn't want the label of being called a Christian rapper because then I would be pigeon held to only rapping about things pertaining to Christianity. I want the freedom to express my full creativity and rap about all aspects of life. That's why DMX was able to do a robbery in one song, then pray and have a conversation​ with God in the next.

Great vid Justin!! Glad I found the breakdown a few months ago such good quality content

This new format is awesome. Please make this a topic series!

I just feel where people of hip hop come from a place of negativity and when you see shit from the hood it's a lot harder to feel and understand god... to add kids are the movement of hip hop and where it goes, with that being said how many 13-18 year old really represent their religion and are deeply involved in it to that degree?? Take chance his first two projects weren't religious at all!! .. most 16 year olds don't even know themselves let alone their religion, but they know they wanna turn up... hip hop is about feeling free and liberation from rules and conformity, religion is based on rules and conformity

I don't know if this was mentioned previously in the comment regarding the Prince releasing his samples...I just wanna mention "Wanna be a Baller" by Lil Troy contains a sample of "Little Red Corvette" by Prince...

Deep

I was a Christian who was a hip hop fan. As my growth in faith grew I couldn't except where much of where hip hop was going. I was feeling a shaking in spirit. But I started tuning into brothers back then like new wine and gospel gangsters as well as LP. I found my self again in hip hop. I love Lacrae, bizzle, Trip Lee, Tedashii, NF among others. I bears are sick for real and the lyrics are always on point. If you feel they are talking downto you it maybe your feeling convicted.

If there was a white christian rapper, it would probably wouldn't be an issue. It would be seen as revolutionary & modern.

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 breakdown Justin and can't wait to see the new series

I can't stand rappers like chance or Kanye that will front a Christian message and then boast about sinning the next verse. Even though I like some tracks from these artists I feel that if you are going to represent a religion do it right. What they're doing is misleading and wrong.

This was great. I'd like to share a few things. As a Christian, there was a phase in my life where I despised Christian rap. But not for any of the reasons mentioned here. Rather, all I listened to growing up was gospel music, jazz, and Christian rap/pop/rock. My parents only let me listen to that stuff. As I got older, around 5th grade, I started to get into other genres of music that weren't those previously mentioned. Most notably hard rock, classic rock, and metal. My entire life I was in a box listening to Christian music and was missing out on this fantastic "secular" stuff. But as I ventured deeper into other music, my parents would still look to buy me Christian stuff and force it upon me. They weren't the overtly "that's the devil's music, stop listening to secular stuff" parents. But it was just annoying how they did little things to let me know that they didn't agree with what I was listening to. It's not like I turned my back on the old stuff, I just wanted something more cus I loved music too much and they didn't realize that. One can also only listen to TobyMac, Cross Movement's entire roster, etc, for so long before it grows tiresome. That's how I got turned off to Christian rap for a while. I was still aware of the hits that Kanye, 50, T.I., Avril Lavigne, Fergie, etc. we're putting out during this time I might add. The only reason I was though was bc of the radio, TV, movies, my cousins, etc. I can go on and on, but that's just a bit of my story. As for the Christians that despise rap or any other secular stuff, they're not real Christians. Jesus didn't only hang out with Christians. He helped everybody. Prostitutes, tax collectors, slumlords, etc. That's one of the primary reasons people hated him and is a foundation of Christianity. To love and help all people. The fact that they forget that when it comes to secular stuff shows how blind they are to what they (think they) believe in.

Perfect coverage. I listen to bands like Oh, Sleeper. August Burns Red. Heavy screamo metal rock. They are also people that are Christian's that make music. Me as a Christian deal with that sorta stigma like "that heavy metal music is the devil!!" Even though they lyrics also speak about Jesus. But like your boy said "these are man made rules" I 100% agree. I think it'll take a few generations to get over that hump. I'm sure all the genres deal with the same issues, except that select few. This conversation can go hours haha!

I think hip hop loves Islam because it's not the slave trader's religion

Being raised in a christian home, traditional christians, or more so the older generation of christians, weren't down with any other genre of music except gospel. They'll play Kirk Franklin all day but would just as quickly never bring his feature on the Life of Pablo into the conversation. Now for the younger generation who actually identify as christian, which I don't anymore but I still carry some of the beliefs, who grow up in an increasingly hip hop dominated society, I think there's still an element of hesitancy to give someone like Lacrae his fair dues for what he's doing and how he wants to portray his art but will accept him more readily than older people would. To ask if religion belongs in hip hop, I think its unavoidable. When you have people spilling their soul through beats and rhymes, their individual beliefs are going to be clear. Looking forward to the new series. Would love to hear you talk through the struggles of the different labels of hip hop.

As a Christian and big fan of CHH, I'm so glad you covered this and gave your perspective. I agree with you that Christian hip hop is an island with no nation, largely because the Christian fan base thrives on music that stylistically and lyrically tickles their fancy. That's why they will devour their own faster than anyone in the mainstream will. An interesting point that you covered was how Lecrae derived from Cross Movement Records. When CHH was still coming into its own, there was a sharp division between groups like Cross Movement, who took the 'preachy' approach, and groups like the Tunnel Ratz that had a distinct LA-styled battle rap approach. When Lecrae took that baton from CR and then spread so much influence through his legacy he created a prototype for all of CHH to imitate, in style and in subject matter. When people only saw Christian hip hop through that light, any deviation seemed like betrayal, when it was really just a shift in approach. Props for shouting out the homies John Givez and Derek Minor. Always appreciate the insight.

Definitely touch deeper on this brother. A part 2 is needed. Especially me being a Christian artist myself

It is interesting that good music is usually evil and bad music is usually good.

I was around when CHH was somewhat embraced. During that time the artists I listened to had lyrics that were Christ centered, had speaking parts where they broke down a certain scripture, etc. Then a shift happened that led away from that and it started to sound more like secular music. That’s when I knew who to listen to and who not to.

As a Muslim- I used to rap, but I thought best to leave it alone, but that's just me... I love hip hop. But if my intentions are souly to praise God, I PERSONALLY don't see *consistently* doing that over a kick and a snare while tryna get paid as the best kind of worship homie. But if youre talking about your life and your genuine struggles/blessings and your faith in God is another element in there, then I can dig it. On the flip side, if youre just talking that regular street stuff... or don't even believe in God and you're just throwing some islamic arabic or biblical references in there to try and sound more deep/spiritual/cultured, then I ain't with it.