Ehh I like his point but for me I personally feel as though rap in general is its own genre so why put Christian in front of it? Russell Wilson doesn't label himself as a Christian football player, he just plays football and through his life you can tell he is a Christian.
+Jonathan Lowery If you don't mind, I will answer that simply; it is apples and oranges. A football player has gone into football as a profession to make money, win games, and pursue a career in sports. He can do it for the glory of God and proclaim the gospel, but it is a career or a job, not a ministry. No one goes into a job saying that is his primary mission field; they go into it to either pursue a career or make income to support himself and his family. This is entirely fine because we are to work unto the Lord (Ephesians 6:5-9, Colossians 3:22-25). Yet the rapper, if he is at Reach or Lampmode, etc. these are not just music labels making money; they are ministries. We know this because they have mission statements and they explain their beliefs. If you are at Reach Records, to say, like many of them have, that they are not Christian rappers because that label is turning the unsaved off shows they have a unbiblical view of ministry. We don't proclaim the gospel through our music by leaving out the gospel message, Jesus' name, and the label of Christianity. Now if the rapper is just going to a secular label to be an artist that makes money to support his family in the same context as a plumber or banker, then fine, but if you say it's a ministry, to be ashamed of the label Christian is the opposite of the unashamed label many of these rappers proclaim.
Eric Smith i agree, but I would also state that to have "Christian rap" instead if just "rap" sets it apart from the ungodly stigma that's associated with the genre. The Rap and hip-hop genre, for the most part, is largely characterized by everything the word of God is strictly against. If it was possible to completely divorce the artform from the characteristic, there world be no need to distinguish Christian rap at all. For example, reggae music and Country music has many different characteristics depending on the artist. In both genres there have been your artists that promote ungodliness and sensuality, and there have been other artists in each genre who speak a perspective that is somewhat Chrisitan in its content, you can say. But since the variety of artists have been so various for so long, there's little need for a distinction. However with rap and hip hop, the vast majority of the lyrical and video content is immoral. I've been a hip hop fan my entire life and can point to examples over the past 30 years to validate that claim if ever in doubt and no one would argue. Therefore, to maintain the same type of artform but through a Christian worldview that is evangelistic in nature and promotes the things of God, I think its appropriate to have a Christian rap subgenre label. Think about it like this, if someone referred you to a Christian plumber, or a Christian lawyer or doctor or a Christian salesperson, you would feel that if this person truly does love Christ, has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and had devoted himself to practicing carefully the commands of Scripture, there is at least a better chance that you won't get taken advantage of, they will provide quality work, and that you will be treated in fairness. It's only right to expect a level of righteousness from a Christian rapper that you wouldn't perhaps find in a rapper that isn't.
Better than what my pastor teaches on chh, which is nothing. Love my church but all I hear from mine is hillsonghillsonghillsonghillsong. This pastor is spot on.
Tsk tsk. This video is only creating the if factor gross. We need to stop saying if. Especially the stupid sayings like "God only helps those who help themselves" or even "if God's willing" both are not biblical as God promises it to us and we should speak things into existence so it's not if it's when.
Daniel Torres Actually, God willing is biblical. Apostle James said we should say Lord willing and not assume that we'll be around to do anything the next day, let alone the next 5 minutes.
Let's put it plain and simple: if you claim to be a Christian or Christian rapper but are not proclaiming it, or are vague about it, you are out for the fame, praise of man, and money! First thing to do when you are saved is to be proud of God and what you now stand for!
Based on how he ended his answer to the question, I don't think the pastor was talking about anyone specifically. Instead, he gave an "If the shoe fits, wear it" type of answer, with which I agree with his statements. With that being said, we have to be careful with what artists say and how we understand what they said. For example: "I am not a Christian rapper, but just a rapper who is Christian" does not mean the artist shuns the title "Christian" but instead means the genre of music that the artist creates isn't necessarily directly about God or accepting Christ, or uplifting (which is often the case with Christian/Gospel music). Instead, the artist may rap about anything they wish (such as world hunger, or crime rates). Listening to the artist's songs (especially uplifting/inspirational), anyone will know his beliefs(even if the artist never explicitly announces them...[Matthew 5:16]) because as a Christian, it is our job to witness to others in some fashion. In the uplifting songs, Christian artists usually choose to reveal the source of their strength in difficult times to be God or talk about God's grace instead of writing about how they dug themselves out of situations. However, if someone says "I believe in God/Jesus, but I'm not a Christian" or "I'm skeptical to call myself a Christian because of the stigma attached to the label..." then I believe this is the group of artists being referred to by the pastor. *I'm not trying to start a debate, just giving a little insight to encourage us to be sure before we point fingers*
When I became a believer it was finding about Christian rap that excited me, and their lyrics then were so deep but now the lyrics are so dry, am even tempted to unsubscribe Rapzilla (no offence plz)... I guess Christian hip hop is dead, they need a revival cz the worldly rappers are not afraid to boast about money, sex, drugs, wealth or even negotiation with anyone that disagrees with them, however some of the Rappers who are Christians ... Seem afraid to boast on the cross, to boast on Christ, His blood, I mean heaven and hell is real and the people listening to your music are real people! They need to hear about the light of the world more than anything else. Anyways am sure someone else has brought this issue up before and I hope am not in the wrong 🙈 #RevivalUsAgainLord
Well except them, they still hitting it hard along with Da truth, trip lee, Eshon Burgundy (the fear of the Lord album ), Alex from WLAK. The list can go on if I don't stop, however ... Snm. I wish Christ was more exalted in the music which Christians (who are ) hip hop artist make.
+Neliya Ange .. but u just listed a bunch of people who do and there are many more out there, but I understand what you saying even though u made the huge generalizing statement "Christian hip hop is dead".
I agree with the pastor on this one. At the end of the day we should not shun the label no matter what vocation or career it is because our goal is to glorify the father not us.
This guy has a GREAT Point, I totally agree. If you are not aware, years ago Lecrae himself said that his music isn't for non-believers and that it was for Christians, I was trying to find the video the other day. During that period, they (reach records) didn't have a problem with people calling them Christian rappers. It was until they started getting a bit more known among mainstream, then they started to dodge the "Christian" label. I still appreciate what they have done for the Kingdom, just not agreeing with them on this topic.
CyberShinobi yes - especially when in many circles "christian music" (of any genre) has been slang for "less good music". Openly proud Christian artists should be able to feel free to make great art/music without feeling pressured by the Christian community to label it as "Christian music". Just because a marketing department at a record label marks up an album as "Christian" doesn't mean it is... and just because a marketing department doesn't label it "Christian" doesn't mean it isn't! You judge a tree by its fruit, not by the advertising placed on it.
Well articulated; better to wear the label in your craft than removing the label to try to win the lost with the very label they will become if they get saved. Logically speaking, how do you win someone to Christ while at the same time implying that the label of being a Christ-follower somehow puts a barrier to winning those to Christ? It's also undercover hypocrisy. You want to point fingers at the "church" for not being loving enough in their mission to reach the lost while at the same time there is lack of love towards the church because you think you have a better way. And that better way always seems to sound like this: "I don't want to be theological, I want to be practical" or "I don't want to be labeled a Christian because the world has the wrong idea about it" or "I've been out there with the lost instead of the church and now I'm more mature in my faith because I'm more hands on than those in the pews." It shows the same lack of love and arrogance that many of these rappers accuse the church of, except its directed to the church. The true church of Christ is the body of Christ, washed by His blood. We need to be careful about criticizing the church in general unless its done through the lens of scripture. I find many of these rappers reject the critique of their ministry methods because many of those assessments are done by those that are using the Bible as their guide.
Thank you Pastor! For that same reason I can't listen to Christian rap. Oh I like it, but it's so much mixture of trying to sound like the world, so to break the confusion when ministering and even in my own life I put it on the shelf...unless y'all know some good artists that aren't trying to remix secular songs and beats.
@@simokojamesphiri7924 interesting view... He goes to my church is always there when not on tour so that's odd that you, a complete stranger not in Crae's life at all, has the audacity to say he is "isolating himself from the church." With all due respect, brother, you don't know Lecrae, don't know how involved he is within his family, his church, his community, and his city.
@@dankxng you wouldn't be making the mistake of assuming that your church is what I was referring to by saying "the church"? I could be doing good things at my local church whilst still distancing and isolating myself from "the church". So stranger I might be, but I'm speaking from the perspective of being in "the church".
Very sincere and articulate man. The issue is the heart. Once can wear a label like "Christian" and still have their heart in the wrong place. However, to catch fish, you don't tell show the fish the hook under the bait or they won't bite. POD, Chevelle and other groups have done it correctly. Sometimes folks just need to be under the anointing, hear the words of life and the Holy Spirit can do the work without anyone making a "name" announcement. FURTHER, Yahshua's last name was not "Christ" which was a term coined by a pagan empire and used to refer their entire pantheon of gods, idols and fallen angels as well as to Yahsuha whose name was NEVER Jesus. In fact the letter "J" wasn't even in the world until around 1300 AD; look it up. If we are going to talk about names, then, let's at least talk about them correctly. Messiah means "Anointed One", followers of Messiah could therefore, more accurately be called "Messianics". The moniker "Christian" is pagan at best. Yahshua Ha Moschiasch is about as correct one is going to get to actually address the Messiah according to the Hebrew name that He would have gone under as Yehudim living in the first century, albeit, spelling and pronunciation controversies aside.
I really wish people would actually watch some interviews and understand what Reach did. Lecrae said the Gospel is the POWER of God and therefore should not be boxed into a genre of music because it is much more powerful than that. I get it, Christians, yall afraid that the artists have abandoned the faith and loves the world but if you realize, they haven't ONCE endorsed sin, if they have please let me know. On one track called Fear, Lecrae said "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus to all of my haters to the ones that think I forgot Him and the one's that won't let me say it. I ain't scared no more". On Death of me, Andy said "I talk about You more than I talk with you" so the issue isn't whether they mention Jesus but the fact that they aren't giving bible lessons in their songs which is something you should be learning from your pastor or study for yourself but I gave a dude an Anomaly album and guess what? the dude had stopped watching porn. Yes, porn but imagine if God hadn't used me or lecrae...that's why I believe in 116, I can blast rap and not degrade women, or talk about drugs sex or money but get people to think about real issues and that's why I stand by them and not a label.
Who cares about labels? There is so much drama over this whole "being labeled" thing. It's not worth it! Let's just live like Christ and let our lives and words speak for themselves.
the man is dealing with motives. if you see the name Christian as a hindrance, something is wrong. these artists called themselves Christian rappers, that is how it started then with notoriety they want to drop the title. isn't it ironic that they only drop the name Christian after they get popular?
godslove0609 it's not getting old at all, and if you're a Christian it will never end. Your identity is at the core of your life, so if you're a rapper and you're Christian you will always face this dilemma
Dpiiiius Actually the debate is getting old. It has been going on for at least 5-10 years. I understand both sides of the debate and I do not believe either side is incorrect in what they are saying.
It's weird how people keep arguing this and questioning Reach'a motives. Meanwhile explicitly Christian hip hop artists like Ambassador & Da Truth committed adultery but that side is never questioned. How about the many who simply use CHH as a title to proclaim their righteousness as if it's rooted in a title. Jesus said to beware of parading around titles and other things that give off wrong impressions. I could care less if it's called CHH or hip hop or whatever. There's talented brothers on both sides but it's unfair to question Lecrae's motives if there's not other self-examination as well.
I think you misinterpreted my statement. I am ecstatic that these brothers have been restored. What I am saying is that these (and other) comment sections are awlays filled with dude's questioning Reach's motives as if their moves inevitably lead to wrong whereas for some (not all) broadcasting our faiths as a genre substitutes for true holiness.
Yeah but we need function more than identification. The name Christian was only used twice in the the Bible but the disciples evangelized the known world in less than 20 years. God cares much more about what you're producing way more than what you're calling it. Because if you call yourself a Christian student and make bad grades, your attitude suck and no one is being made disciples by you then you'll have to stand before God for make His name look bad. Fruit is the proof you're Christian, not the Christian name brand.
***** We're not saying we aren't willing to be called Christians. We are more than being called Christians. Title is different from identity. The bible doesn't actually tell us to be like Christ it tells us to be in Christ.(Ephesians 1&2) The Bible is so clear on this Jesus said you will know them by their fruits then He listed those fruits, then Paul stated fruits in Galatians...none of those fruits was telling people you're Christians, no one cares. The proof of your identity will be in your fruits thats how they know you're a Christian. Being called Christian is not enough.
thabiti has a point but i also see the other side of the issue where the title 'christian' has become so abused that its lost its true meaning, example someone who claims to be a hero then runs away like a little girl at the first sign of trouble, A true Christian will for whats True no matter what the outcome may be
These "Christian Artist" speak truth. You shouldn't have to label yourself, your an artist. someone who is really a Christian and living for Christ shouldn't have to label themselves because it will just come out and speak for itself naturally. To me being label in a way is pretty limited, I thought we are suppose to help spread the gospel and how can you do that if people turn away when they see the label gospel/christian. honestly if it wasn't for those artist that don't want to be label just "christian hip hop" I wouldn't be so strong in my faith. All I see is positive and talented artist living in a "secular" world but you still know who they live for. The outside world should be able to tell who and what we represent without having to say a word. We as Christian need to stop looking down at other Christians because they worship differently than us. Because that's how I feel sometimes because I listen to Christian hip hop, I feel a hurtful judgement energy from fellow brothers and sisters in Christ like I'm doing it wrong or something. but I don't know that's just me though, what do I know I'm still new to this. I'm still learning and growing everyday in my faith.
Sechaba Paneng They've kinda held back from saying anything of the sort. Even Lecrae has already asked in "It Is What It Is": "Some like: I ain't really feeling that, bruh. I ain't with religious rap, bruh" Meaning he accepts the label and what people think of it. Obviously, you haven't heard some of their current music. Church Clothes 3 was pretty much all about being a Christian artist and the struggles that come with that label, and Lecrae's resolve to redefine that label. Andy has held back from saying much on the subject recently as far as I can tell. Tedashii and Trip Lee never stopped, though They both jumped on the bandwagon when Lecrae was speaking out the strongest. The last CHH artist I can think about that might have agreed with the sentiment might have been Sho Baraka, but in the Narrative, he calls out Christians that live passive more than once, so I don't think he's followed the same path. This discussion is over, and the artists are changing their approach. I get that it needed to be said, but it's pretty much beating a dead horse compared with the response from CHH artists...
I don't think the problem artists have is being called a christian... It's being called a christian rapper. That name has been tarnished by what was seen as "corny" at it's inception. I said it before, but again, these terms need proper defining. If I say I'm a Christian rapper, there are things I probably won't be allowed to talk about or be looked at sideways for talking about because with that label it becomes taboo... But if I'm an artist in general, generally an artist, no one can say too much if I'm not just talking about Jesus DIRECTLY. There are artists with religious affiliations, but you don't hear them calling themselves whatever it is they are in conjunction with their music right? You have to look up a biography on them to find out what they are, why? Because they are part of a GENRE, not genre AND religious affiliation. Look at Kendrick Lamar or J.Cole, two guys who believe in Jesus, and that shows in their music (Though the language is questionable you can't deny a lot of the content is not, see Crooked smile by Cole and Alright by Kendrick). However, they're not one dimensional. That may or may not be something that flies if you wear the Christian hip-hop label or whatever you want to call it, because everyone who listens will be expecting to hear Jesus name every 3 lines, or christian cliches and jargon like the Pastor was saying. What if I want to make a song beneficial to the body, but gets people moving, like Social Club's Pineapples or maybe Summer of George? That would be, I believe more quickly acceptable in the world rather than Christian hip-hop, or christian music fans in general. They don't care if you're a Christian, "do you make good music?" is what they're asking.
Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be HID. Neither do men light a candle, and put it UNDER A BUSHEL, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. I want to know who I am listening to and what I am listening to. If it's gangsta rap, I want to know. If it's conscious rap I want to know. If it's Christian Hip Hop, I want to know. God always divides his people from the rest of the world. And it says in the bible that friendship with the world is enmity with God. I am separate and I am willing to speak out like John if I see wrong going on. True I do not constantly say that I am a Christian. Though Lecrae is on a higher platform. He is it seems like hiding the term Christian. Everything I do I would that God would be involved. Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Truthfully speaking I want to know did Lecrae make this decision or was he lead by God. Because we know that God is the Truth and that Lecrae just as any other man can lead us in the wrong direction. But does Lecrae's decision line up scripturally. Like I said elsewhere, it seems like Lecrae is putting the term Christian in the closet while the homosexuals are coming out of the closet. Keep your eyes open brothers and sisters, keep your eyes open. Peace.
I personally don't feel that "Christian Hip Hop" should be a genre/label. "Hip Hop" is Hip Hop! When you go to iTunes you don't get a "Christian Hip Hop/Rap" section..and if you did most people wouldn't touch it. I consider Hip Hop artists who are Christian's and display their walk with Christ in their music, just Hip Hop artists. A lot of Christian's who Rap grew up on Hip Hop and was into the culture, and influenced by the Biggie, Tu Pac, NWA, Jay, Dre, OutKast etc. As long as an artist is not ashamed to speak the truth? And not conform or waver with his or her's message and actions? Then I don't think there should be that separation! I used to produce and record music in the past and one of my team members is still producing, engineering and rapping. I pulled away and got my life back on track with God. I lost the desire to listen to the negative music that I used to. I don't stand for that anymore! But my friend asked "what makes it Christian?? Why is it Christian Hip Hop??" He's turned off by the label no matter how good the music sounds. That actually got me thinking.."Why do we need to put a label on "Christian Hip Hop"?? All that does is keep the wedge separating Hip Hop and other genres. I would loosely compare it to putting Eminem in a "White Hip Hop" category. If you have a hot beat and you can spit?? And your lyrics are annointed?? Then you're just "Hip Hop"!! God gave us our talents! Soo..technically all music is from God! It's just that our God-given talents are perverted and used for evil due to the fall bringing sin into this word.
the title Christian hip hop was placed on the music by the rappers themselves so why the need to change now. Gangster rap is a title that I see no one running from. so, this proves that there are distinctions within rap. if I go to iTunes I would love to be able to a Christian rap section. I could check artists and not go through anything else. As far as people not wanting to touch it, even your friend. It is not the label, it is the heart. if it is good, then there should be no problem. what is true is that some in the world don't dug Christian rap music. that's another issue, all the same.
well rap, rock, pop, anything else in it's self is not Christian it's the people doing the music that's Christian what their in to gos in the music non-Christian it's about sex, murder, drugs, everything else anyone can say they are a Christian artist have songs about God look at ray Boltz his gay he's been gay he's whole life it's not the label that makes you Christian it's how you live your life and we all do sin at times I know I do all the time with our words and thoughts I do still call them Christian raper we get in a habit of labels
CyberShinobi Same here. Ive always had a problem with listing to just christian music. I dont always read christian comic books or watch christian movies. When I listen to music i dont wanna be preached at 24/7. When i want real music I gotta listen to non christian music and the vary few christians who actually do make real music.
Actually real music is that which is done by Christians al else is just noise pollution. When I got closer to God and further from religion God continues to educate me and pull me away from that garbage into the real music scene. The Gospel says we are warriors for Christ, and must be in prayer twenty four seven brah, so that means even if we have to be preached at twenty four seven them that's what must be done if we are gonna be true Christians. Now there are no dangers avoiding labels as labels are of this earth not of God. The Gospel again shows us that we are aliens on this earth. So like me and my wife we are Christians who do music. Our music is just a bunch of words with no physical body so they lack the capability to sin and ask Jesus for forgiveness.
Daniel Torres i completely agree with the pastor too. People need to know that we are here. Whatever happened to UNASHAMED? It seems now that they are extremely ashamed of being labelled Christian. And for what? To get a couple worldly people to cosign and shoutout their music in the clubs and concerts? ??? Be bold in your Christianity!!!
Que Gaming so then while we are at it we should embrace the world? The pastor is wrong labels aren't of God they are of the world. You hear our music and you know we are Christians. Flyleaf was a band that Christian and they showed it on all there albums. All around me on the first album and even Cassie showed that. Remember To Live Ep, Memento Mori, New Horizon albums so yeah these people are true Christians. Skillet shows there passion for Christ and don't by such ungodly things. The Fray, Anberlin, Demon Hunter, the list goes on. Pastor Trip Lee and even Andy Mineo don't by that garbage and yet they show how unashamed they are. So like I said and as an Evangelist/musician/producer/manager, I disagree.
Daniel Torres labels aren't of God? Jesus calls us his sheep, Paul calls the Church the Bride, the Bible says we're marked and sealed by God with the Holy Spirit, I think labels isn't a worldly invention.
Putting the word Christian in front of something doesn't make you holy. There's a lot of folks that do gospel music or call themselves Christian rappers but their hearts aren't in the right place. It doesn't matter if you don't call yourself a Christian rapper as long as you're doing the Lord's work. Labels don't show holiness, it's about your lifestyle and how you live shows how much God is in your life. You don't go around saying that you're a Christian husband, or you're a Christian train driver or you're a Christian baseball player, putting Christian in front of your occupation don't make you holy or more unashamed than anyone else. CHH fans and Christians need to stop dictating and controlling what the artists do, if they don't wanna be labeled as a Christian rapper, it doesn't make them a heathen. It's about being a light in the world and Jesus didn't care about labels or titles, it's a heat matter and we need to change lives outside of the CHH scene.
It hit me! christian that happen to rap is just another politically correct term for society. Like I'm not a student i just happened to go to classes. There are way more labels in life we are much more willing to accept than the christian one. Being called a nerd is cooler than being a christian. Its all psychological but whatever have you alternate reality people.
Mario Stacy Not really, it depends on your goal. If you're a rapper explicitly rapping to reach Christians or evangelize, it makes sense to say Christian rapper, that's it's own genre. But if you're an artist or entertainer in general... Why would you say Christian rapper? There needs to be a better way to define these terms honestly.
Is that ever the case tho? Lest talk about the real. The christian label basically black balls you. So to appeal to a certain audience you get rid of it....But when its all said and done the same people who don't listen to the music before won't listen now. Those that already listen to it will continue but you lose some in the process.
Call yourself a Christian rapper is like starting a new job and I'm walking up to everybody and say hi I'm such and such and I'm a Christian. People are automatically going to put you off. I don't know who this guy is but I'm pretty sure he is nowhere associated with hip hop
Yawn this is getting old, like seriously. Why does it matter to you what he claims himself as? He's a rapper that's his job which he makes money off of. When you fill a job application out and they ask previous jobs you don't put Christian doctor or christian teacher you just put teacher and doctor a label is exactly what it is. Its just a label anybody can claim to be Christian but not follow the guidelines and believe in god a label is just as pointless as me labeling you black or white. What's the point what purpose does it serve? I could claim to be christian but worship and follow Muslim beliefs. All these people try to come at lecrae Andy mineo and other rappers about there title when people themselves don't identify as a Christian(insert job or profession here) its hypocritical and makes you yourself look bad. Not to mention they rap about more then just christ. Like seriously I don't get you people, in your job you dont only speak and promote Christ you do as your boss tells you and get the job done . on top of the fact that Christianity has so many different branches within itself as it is. I am one who follows and believes in god and Jesus christ. Not a catholic worshipping the virgin Mary or a baptist so b4 you jump to wanting to label someone remember that there's more then one Christianity branch and question yourself on if you wear that label above all your jobs.
Disagree... If his main point is to wear the badge of 'christian' within this culture, especially american culture is to denote yourself as being one with the goals and processes that are involved in the death and slavery of peoples across this planet, that derive specifically from American culture and mindset in general.. They are interlinked with politics, the state and having a 'family' that cannot function even when they get together and pray I'm not saying he is not a good and godly man but that he needs to get out of the States, remove the 'mantle' of pastor, get humble and go help those that this culture have severely damaged. Or just plant a garden.
Daniel Torres I don't see the problem with labels, they just need to be accurate. Stereotypes are the problem because they box you in and force you to behave in a cookie cutter type of fashion.
EagleZtoTheGrave eh but think about how many kids committed suicide because of a label that was correct. For instance, yoy could label a kid emo, ok that may be accurate but mext thing yoy know he commits suicide. The only good i saw from a label ever, was when the hippies created rock thats Christian. Because of the attitude it carried yoy know the whple throw it in your face attitude that you're a Christian etc etc, people called them Jesus Freaks as a derogatory comment and lavel which was later turned positive.
Daniel Torres But what is Emo really...? This is my point. Different people see and hear things differently when they hear certain words. When I see Emo, I picture a goth, and I'm pretty sure some wear the emo title as a badge of honor, or will tell you they prefer the term goth. It's like the whole geek vs nerd thing... Another discussion I won't start :p Partially it comes down to intent behind why people are called what they're called and a general consensus which probably will never be reached in this world...
EagleZtoTheGrave honestly i always thought emo meant yoy were an emotional person till somebody told me that i was naove lol and told me it meant somebody who hurts themselves or cuts. Truth is like Skrip said "the human race is highly illogical" P.s. mot to start a convo on the subject but i was somewhere and saw a sign that said "be nice to nerds because they will be your boss later" lol
Daniel Torres I think that definition is more accurate, but like me, many probably get a different picture because it gets thrown around frivolously which is unfortunate for any word really... Confusion, confusion everywhere... :P Which is why it's vital to know what we mean when we say "christian hip-hop". "Truth is like Skrip said "the human race is highly illogical" Indeed... That sign makes sense to me lol
![[TH] 2024 PMWC x EWC Main Tournament Day 2 | PUBG MOBILE WORLD CUP x ESPORTS WORLD CUP](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/TgEFw285vXA/mqdefault.jpg)
Ehh I like his point but for me I personally feel as though rap in general is its own genre so why put Christian in front of it? Russell Wilson doesn't label himself as a Christian football player, he just plays football and through his life you can tell he is a Christian.
+Jonathan Lowery If you don't mind, I will answer that simply; it is apples and oranges. A football player has gone into football as a profession to make money, win games, and pursue a career in sports. He can do it for the glory of God and proclaim the gospel, but it is a career or a job, not a ministry. No one goes into a job saying that is his primary mission field; they go into it to either pursue a career or make income to support himself and his family. This is entirely fine because we are to work unto the Lord (Ephesians 6:5-9, Colossians 3:22-25). Yet the rapper, if he is at Reach or Lampmode, etc. these are not just music labels making money; they are ministries. We know this because they have mission statements and they explain their beliefs. If you are at Reach Records, to say, like many of them have, that they are not Christian rappers because that label is turning the unsaved off shows they have a unbiblical view of ministry. We don't proclaim the gospel through our music by leaving out the gospel message, Jesus' name, and the label of Christianity. Now if the rapper is just going to a secular label to be an artist that makes money to support his family in the same context as a plumber or banker, then fine, but if you say it's a ministry, to be ashamed of the label Christian is the opposite of the unashamed label many of these rappers proclaim.
Eric Smith i agree, but I would also state that to have "Christian rap" instead if just "rap" sets it apart from the ungodly stigma that's associated with the genre. The Rap and hip-hop genre, for the most part, is largely characterized by everything the word of God is strictly against. If it was possible to completely divorce the artform from the characteristic, there world be no need to distinguish Christian rap at all. For example, reggae music and Country music has many different characteristics depending on the artist. In both genres there have been your artists that promote ungodliness and sensuality, and there have been other artists in each genre who speak a perspective that is somewhat Chrisitan in its content, you can say. But since the variety of artists have been so various for so long, there's little need for a distinction. However with rap and hip hop, the vast majority of the lyrical and video content is immoral. I've been a hip hop fan my entire life and can point to examples over the past 30 years to validate that claim if ever in doubt and no one would argue.
Therefore, to maintain the same type of artform but through a Christian worldview that is evangelistic in nature and promotes the things of God, I think its appropriate to have a Christian rap subgenre label.
Think about it like this, if someone referred you to a Christian plumber, or a Christian lawyer or doctor or a Christian salesperson, you would feel that if this person truly does love Christ, has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and had devoted himself to practicing carefully the commands of Scripture, there is at least a better chance that you won't get taken advantage of, they will provide quality work, and that you will be treated in fairness. It's only right to expect a level of righteousness from a Christian rapper that you wouldn't perhaps find in a rapper that isn't.
Better than what my pastor teaches on chh, which is nothing. Love my church but all I hear from mine is hillsonghillsonghillsonghillsong. This pastor is spot on.
Amen my brother...Don't be incognito about being a Christian Rapper, be Explicit about it!!!
Eh this pastor is wrong and might as well tell us to embrace the world.
Daniel Torres Hit that replay button bruh, because u obviously didnt get it the first time.
Flame On I totally agree with u
Tsk tsk. This video is only creating the if factor gross. We need to stop saying if. Especially the stupid sayings like "God only helps those who help themselves" or even "if God's willing" both are not biblical as God promises it to us and we should speak things into existence so it's not if it's when.
Daniel Torres Actually, God willing is biblical. Apostle James said we should say Lord willing and not assume that we'll be around to do anything the next day, let alone the next 5 minutes.
Let's put it plain and simple: if you claim to be a Christian or Christian rapper but are not proclaiming it, or are vague about it, you are out for the fame, praise of man, and money! First thing to do when you are saved is to be proud of God and what you now stand for!
Real talk!
very well put, no other explanation needed! embrace it...
You speak the truth.
Lecrae needs to learn this and stop being scared
I see this as a very rooted, matured, and seasoned pastoral perspective on this issue. It may not win the day, bit it has roots that last.
Love this!!! Thank you Pastor Thabiti!
WORD UP!! This is definitely en pointe
Based on how he ended his answer to the question, I don't think the pastor was talking about anyone specifically. Instead, he gave an "If the shoe fits, wear it" type of answer, with which I agree with his statements.
With that being said, we have to be careful with what artists say and how we understand what they said.
For example: "I am not a Christian rapper, but just a rapper who is Christian" does not mean the artist shuns the title "Christian" but instead means the genre of music that the artist creates isn't necessarily directly about God or accepting Christ, or uplifting (which is often the case with Christian/Gospel music). Instead, the artist may rap about anything they wish (such as world hunger, or crime rates). Listening to the artist's songs (especially uplifting/inspirational), anyone will know his beliefs(even if the artist never explicitly announces them...[Matthew 5:16]) because as a Christian, it is our job to witness to others in some fashion. In the uplifting songs, Christian artists usually choose to reveal the source of their strength in difficult times to be God or talk about God's grace instead of writing about how they dug themselves out of situations.
However, if someone says "I believe in God/Jesus, but I'm not a Christian" or "I'm skeptical to call myself a Christian because of the stigma attached to the label..." then I believe this is the group of artists being referred to by the pastor.
*I'm not trying to start a debate, just giving a little insight to encourage us to be sure before we point fingers*
When I became a believer it was finding about Christian rap that excited me, and their lyrics then were so deep but now the lyrics are so dry, am even tempted to unsubscribe Rapzilla (no offence plz)... I guess Christian hip hop is dead, they need a revival cz the worldly rappers are not afraid to boast about money, sex, drugs, wealth or even negotiation with anyone that disagrees with them, however some of the Rappers who are Christians ... Seem afraid to boast on the cross, to boast on Christ, His blood, I mean heaven and hell is real and the people listening to your music are real people! They need to hear about the light of the world more than anything else.
Anyways am sure someone else has brought this issue up before and I hope am not in the wrong 🙈
#RevivalUsAgainLord
You must be sleeping on Flame & Shai Linne good music for ya
Lightskizzlez CHH sleep on Shai and its sickening.
Well except them, they still hitting it hard along with Da truth, trip lee, Eshon Burgundy (the fear of the Lord album ), Alex from WLAK. The list can go on if I don't stop, however ... Snm.
I wish Christ was more exalted in the music which Christians (who are ) hip hop artist make.
+Neliya Ange .. but u just listed a bunch of people who do and there are many more out there, but I understand what you saying even though u made the huge generalizing statement "Christian hip hop is dead".
I agree with the pastor on this one. At the end of the day we should not shun the label no matter what vocation or career it is because our goal is to glorify the father not us.
This guy has a GREAT Point, I totally agree.
If you are not aware, years ago Lecrae himself said that his music isn't for non-believers and that it was for Christians, I was trying to find the video the other day. During that period, they (reach records) didn't have a problem with people calling them Christian rappers. It was until they started getting a bit more known among mainstream, then they started to dodge the "Christian" label. I still appreciate what they have done for the Kingdom, just not agreeing with them on this topic.
There is a distinction between your music being labeled as Christian and you being labeled as Christian.
CyberShinobi music can be Christian without being labeled Christian lol. their just labels..right? xD
CyberShinobi yes - especially when in many circles "christian music" (of any genre) has been slang for "less good music". Openly proud Christian artists should be able to feel free to make great art/music without feeling pressured by the Christian community to label it as "Christian music".
Just because a marketing department at a record label marks up an album as "Christian" doesn't mean it is... and just because a marketing department doesn't label it "Christian" doesn't mean it isn't! You judge a tree by its fruit, not by the advertising placed on it.
Thats real, simple & plain.
This was really good. I agree with him.
Well articulated; better to wear the label in your craft than removing the label to try to win the lost with the very label they will become if they get saved. Logically speaking, how do you win someone to Christ while at the same time implying that the label of being a Christ-follower somehow puts a barrier to winning those to Christ? It's also undercover hypocrisy. You want to point fingers at the "church" for not being loving enough in their mission to reach the lost while at the same time there is lack of love towards the church because you think you have a better way. And that better way always seems to sound like this: "I don't want to be theological, I want to be practical" or "I don't want to be labeled a Christian because the world has the wrong idea about it" or "I've been out there with the lost instead of the church and now I'm more mature in my faith because I'm more hands on than those in the pews." It shows the same lack of love and arrogance that many of these rappers accuse the church of, except its directed to the church. The true church of Christ is the body of Christ, washed by His blood. We need to be careful about criticizing the church in general unless its done through the lens of scripture. I find many of these rappers reject the critique of their ministry methods because many of those assessments are done by those that are using the Bible as their guide.
Amen brother!
Honestly l think he has shed light and truth on the current discussion on Christian rappers wanting to drop the christian label...its a heart issue
I absolutely agree!!!
good word!
I see your point but I dont completly agree.
Thank you Pastor! For that same reason I can't listen to Christian rap. Oh I like it, but it's so much mixture of trying to sound like the world, so to break the confusion when ministering and even in my own life I put it on the shelf...unless y'all know some good artists that aren't trying to remix secular songs and beats.
Should we tag Lecrae on this?
.... Really? Go look in the mirror and rethink what u saying
in a word, yes... because I genuinely feel that more and more, he is isolating himself from the church
@@simokojamesphiri7924 interesting view... He goes to my church is always there when not on tour so that's odd that you, a complete stranger not in Crae's life at all, has the audacity to say he is "isolating himself from the church." With all due respect, brother, you don't know Lecrae, don't know how involved he is within his family, his church, his community, and his city.
@@dankxng you wouldn't be making the mistake of assuming that your church is what I was referring to by saying "the church"? I could be doing good things at my local church whilst still distancing and isolating myself from "the church". So stranger I might be, but I'm speaking from the perspective of being in "the church".
YESSSSSSSSS
I know everyone's tired of this debate, but he made some solid points, we should be proud to display Christ in any environment we enter.
He betta preach!!!
Amen.
Very sincere and articulate man. The issue is the heart. Once can wear a label like "Christian" and still have their heart in the wrong place. However, to catch fish, you don't tell show the fish the hook under the bait or they won't bite.
POD, Chevelle and other groups have done it correctly. Sometimes folks just need to be under the anointing, hear the words of life and the Holy Spirit can do the work without anyone making a "name" announcement.
FURTHER, Yahshua's last name was not "Christ" which was a term coined by a pagan empire and used to refer their entire pantheon of gods, idols and fallen angels as well as to Yahsuha whose name was NEVER Jesus. In fact the letter "J" wasn't even in the world until around 1300 AD; look it up.
If we are going to talk about names, then, let's at least talk about them correctly. Messiah means "Anointed One", followers of Messiah could therefore, more accurately be called "Messianics". The moniker "Christian" is pagan at best. Yahshua Ha Moschiasch is about as correct one is going to get to actually address the Messiah according to the Hebrew name that He would have gone under as Yehudim living in the first century, albeit, spelling and pronunciation controversies aside.
Hmm... thanks Thabiti
agreed
I really wish people would actually watch some interviews and understand what Reach did. Lecrae said the Gospel is the POWER of God and therefore should not be boxed into a genre of music because it is much more powerful than that. I get it, Christians, yall afraid that the artists have abandoned the faith and loves the world but if you realize, they haven't ONCE endorsed sin, if they have please let me know. On one track called Fear, Lecrae said "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus to all of my haters to the ones that think I forgot Him and the one's that won't let me say it. I ain't scared no more". On Death of me, Andy said "I talk about You more than I talk with you" so the issue isn't whether they mention Jesus but the fact that they aren't giving bible lessons in their songs which is something you should be learning from your pastor or study for yourself but I gave a dude an Anomaly album and guess what? the dude had stopped watching porn. Yes, porn but imagine if God hadn't used me or lecrae...that's why I believe in 116, I can blast rap and not degrade women, or talk about drugs sex or money but get people to think about real issues and that's why I stand by them and not a label.
A lot of these Christian rappers are going down the wrong road with this issue. It's going to be harmful in the end
Who cares about labels? There is so much drama over this whole "being labeled" thing. It's not worth it! Let's just live like Christ and let our lives and words speak for themselves.
Guillermo Ruiz Amen.
the man is dealing with motives. if you see the name Christian as a hindrance, something is wrong. these artists called themselves Christian rappers, that is how it started then with notoriety they want to drop the title. isn't it ironic that they only drop the name Christian after they get popular?
People who need to watch this video > Lecrae, Adrian Stresow and Kaleb Mitchell
Sigh. Not this debate again. I thought this debate was over. The am I a Christian rapper or a rapper that is Christian debate is getting old.
godslove0609 It's just getting started.
godslove0609 it's not getting old at all, and if you're a Christian it will never end. Your identity is at the core of your life, so if you're a rapper and you're Christian you will always face this dilemma
Dpiiiius Actually the debate is getting old. It has been going on for at least 5-10 years. I understand both sides of the debate and I do not believe either side is incorrect in what they are saying.
It's weird how people keep arguing this and questioning Reach'a motives. Meanwhile explicitly Christian hip hop artists like Ambassador & Da Truth committed adultery but that side is never questioned. How about the many who simply use CHH as a title to proclaim their righteousness as if it's rooted in a title. Jesus said to beware of parading around titles and other things that give off wrong impressions. I could care less if it's called CHH or hip hop or whatever. There's talented brothers on both sides but it's unfair to question Lecrae's motives if there's not other self-examination as well.
Kevin Garcia Wow that was over six years ago. Are they still stuck way back there. I could imagine if you used that same judgement on Moses or David.
I think you misinterpreted my statement. I am ecstatic that these brothers have been restored. What I am saying is that these (and other) comment sections are awlays filled with dude's questioning Reach's motives as if their moves inevitably lead to wrong whereas for some (not all) broadcasting our faiths as a genre substitutes for true holiness.
Gotcha. Make sense. We shall see the fruit it bares.
Should i label myself a Christian pediatrician now? Hmmm.
***** and you ? What profession do you have and do you label yourself as such?
I'm a 'Christian Criminal Justice student'.LoL
Yeah but we need function more than identification. The name Christian was only used twice in the the Bible but the disciples evangelized the known world in less than 20 years. God cares much more about what you're producing way more than what you're calling it. Because if you call yourself a Christian student and make bad grades, your attitude suck and no one is being made disciples by you then you'll have to stand before God for make His name look bad. Fruit is the proof you're Christian, not the Christian name brand.
Stephen Maddox Should you label yourself a pediatrician? I mean thats what you do for a living so are you limited to what you do for money?
***** We're not saying we aren't willing to be called Christians. We are more than being called Christians. Title is different from identity. The bible doesn't actually tell us to be like Christ it tells us to be in Christ.(Ephesians 1&2)
The Bible is so clear on this Jesus said you will know them by their fruits then He listed those fruits, then Paul stated fruits in Galatians...none of those fruits was telling people you're Christians, no one cares. The proof of your identity will be in your fruits thats how they know you're a Christian. Being called Christian is not enough.
😪
thabiti has a point but i also see the other side of the issue where the title 'christian' has become so abused that its lost its true meaning, example someone who claims to be a hero then runs away like a little girl at the first sign of trouble, A true Christian will for whats True no matter what the outcome may be
These "Christian Artist" speak truth. You shouldn't have to label yourself, your an artist. someone who is really a Christian and living for Christ shouldn't have to label themselves because it will just come out and speak for itself naturally. To me being label in a way is pretty limited, I thought we are suppose to help spread the gospel and how can you do that if people turn away when they see the label gospel/christian. honestly if it wasn't for those artist that don't want to be label just "christian hip hop" I wouldn't be so strong in my faith. All I see is positive and talented artist living in a "secular" world but you still know who they live for. The outside world should be able to tell who and what we represent without having to say a word. We as Christian need to stop looking down at other Christians because they worship differently than us. Because that's how I feel sometimes because I listen to Christian hip hop, I feel a hurtful judgement energy from fellow brothers and sisters in Christ like I'm doing it wrong or something. but I don't know that's just me though, what do I know I'm still new to this. I'm still learning and growing everyday in my faith.
Lecrae, Reach and some artists out there need to rethink excluding themselves from the CHH label
Sechaba Paneng They've kinda held back from saying anything of the sort. Even Lecrae has already asked in "It Is What It Is": "Some like: I ain't really feeling that, bruh. I ain't with religious rap, bruh" Meaning he accepts the label and what people think of it. Obviously, you haven't heard some of their current music. Church Clothes 3 was pretty much all about being a Christian artist and the struggles that come with that label, and Lecrae's resolve to redefine that label. Andy has held back from saying much on the subject recently as far as I can tell. Tedashii and Trip Lee never stopped, though They both jumped on the bandwagon when Lecrae was speaking out the strongest. The last CHH artist I can think about that might have agreed with the sentiment might have been Sho Baraka, but in the Narrative, he calls out Christians that live passive more than once, so I don't think he's followed the same path. This discussion is over, and the artists are changing their approach. I get that it needed to be said, but it's pretty much beating a dead horse compared with the response from CHH artists...
I don't think the problem artists have is being called a christian... It's being called a christian rapper. That name has been tarnished by what was seen as "corny" at it's inception. I said it before, but again, these terms need proper defining. If I say I'm a Christian rapper, there are things I probably won't be allowed to talk about or be looked at sideways for talking about because with that label it becomes taboo... But if I'm an artist in general, generally an artist, no one can say too much if I'm not just talking about Jesus DIRECTLY.
There are artists with religious affiliations, but you don't hear them calling themselves whatever it is they are in conjunction with their music right? You have to look up a biography on them to find out what they are, why? Because they are part of a GENRE, not genre AND religious affiliation. Look at Kendrick Lamar or J.Cole, two guys who believe in Jesus, and that shows in their music (Though the language is questionable you can't deny a lot of the content is not, see Crooked smile by Cole and Alright by Kendrick). However, they're not one dimensional. That may or may not be something that flies if you wear the Christian hip-hop label or whatever you want to call it, because everyone who listens will be expecting to hear Jesus name every 3 lines, or christian cliches and jargon like the Pastor was saying. What if I want to make a song beneficial to the body, but gets people moving, like Social Club's Pineapples or maybe Summer of George? That would be, I believe more quickly acceptable in the world rather than Christian hip-hop, or christian music fans in general. They don't care if you're a Christian, "do you make good music?" is what they're asking.
Matthew 5:14-16 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be HID. Neither do men light a candle, and put it UNDER A BUSHEL, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
I want to know who I am listening to and what I am listening to. If it's gangsta rap, I want to know. If it's conscious rap I want to know. If it's Christian Hip Hop, I want to know. God always divides his people from the rest of the world. And it says in the bible that friendship with the world is enmity with God. I am separate and I am willing to speak out like John if I see wrong going on. True I do not constantly say that I am a Christian. Though Lecrae is on a higher platform. He is it seems like hiding the term Christian. Everything I do I would that God would be involved. Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Truthfully speaking I want to know did Lecrae make this decision or was he lead by God. Because we know that God is the Truth and that Lecrae just as any other man can lead us in the wrong direction. But does Lecrae's decision line up scripturally. Like I said elsewhere, it seems like Lecrae is putting the term Christian in the closet while the homosexuals are coming out of the closet. Keep your eyes open brothers and sisters, keep your eyes open. Peace.
I'm sorry,who is he again?
I personally don't feel that "Christian Hip Hop" should be a genre/label. "Hip Hop" is Hip Hop! When you go to iTunes you don't get a "Christian Hip Hop/Rap" section..and if you did most people wouldn't touch it. I consider Hip Hop artists who are Christian's and display their walk with Christ in their music, just Hip Hop artists. A lot of Christian's who Rap grew up on Hip Hop and was into the culture, and influenced by the Biggie, Tu Pac, NWA, Jay, Dre, OutKast etc. As long as an artist is not ashamed to speak the truth? And not conform or waver with his or her's message and actions? Then I don't think there should be that separation!
I used to produce and record music in the past and one of my team members is still producing, engineering and rapping. I pulled away and got my life back on track with God. I lost the desire to listen to the negative music that I used to. I don't stand for that anymore! But my friend asked "what makes it Christian?? Why is it Christian Hip Hop??" He's turned off by the label no matter how good the music sounds. That actually got me thinking.."Why do we need to put a label on "Christian Hip Hop"?? All that does is keep the wedge separating Hip Hop and other genres. I would loosely compare it to putting Eminem in a "White Hip Hop" category. If you have a hot beat and you can spit?? And your lyrics are annointed?? Then you're just "Hip Hop"!!
God gave us our talents! Soo..technically all music is from God! It's just that our God-given talents are perverted and used for evil due to the fall bringing sin into this word.
the title Christian hip hop was placed on the music by the rappers themselves so why the need to change now. Gangster rap is a title that I see no one running from. so, this proves that there are distinctions within rap.
if I go to iTunes I would love to be able to a Christian rap section. I could check artists and not go through anything else.
As far as people not wanting to touch it, even your friend. It is not the label, it is the heart. if it is good, then there should be no problem. what is true is that some in the world don't dug Christian rap music. that's another issue, all the same.
well rap, rock, pop, anything else in it's self is not Christian it's the people doing the music that's Christian what their in to gos in the music non-Christian it's about sex, murder, drugs, everything else anyone can say they are a Christian artist have songs about God look at ray Boltz his gay he's been gay he's whole life it's not the label that makes you Christian it's how you live your life and we all do sin at times I know I do all the time with our words and thoughts I do still call them Christian raper we get in a habit of labels
Can't say that I agree with him.
CyberShinobi Same here. Ive always had a problem with listing to just christian music. I dont always read christian comic books or watch christian movies. When I listen to music i dont wanna be preached at 24/7. When i want real music I gotta listen to non christian music and the vary few christians who actually do make real music.
Actually real music is that which is done by Christians al else is just noise pollution. When I got closer to God and further from religion God continues to educate me and pull me away from that garbage into the real music scene.
The Gospel says we are warriors for Christ, and must be in prayer twenty four seven brah, so that means even if we have to be preached at twenty four seven them that's what must be done if we are gonna be true Christians. Now there are no dangers avoiding labels as labels are of this earth not of God. The Gospel again shows us that we are aliens on this earth. So like me and my wife we are Christians who do music. Our music is just a bunch of words with no physical body so they lack the capability to sin and ask Jesus for forgiveness.
Daniel Torres i completely agree with the pastor too. People need to know that we are here. Whatever happened to UNASHAMED? It seems now that they are extremely ashamed of being labelled Christian. And for what? To get a couple worldly people to cosign and shoutout their music in the clubs and concerts? ??? Be bold in your Christianity!!!
Que Gaming so then while we are at it we should embrace the world? The pastor is wrong labels aren't of God they are of the world. You hear our music and you know we are Christians. Flyleaf was a band that Christian and they showed it on all there albums. All around me on the first album and even Cassie showed that. Remember To Live Ep, Memento Mori, New Horizon albums so yeah these people are true Christians. Skillet shows there passion for Christ and don't by such ungodly things. The Fray, Anberlin, Demon Hunter, the list goes on. Pastor Trip Lee and even Andy Mineo don't by that garbage and yet they show how unashamed they are. So like I said and as an Evangelist/musician/producer/manager, I disagree.
Daniel Torres labels aren't of God? Jesus calls us his sheep, Paul calls the Church the Bride, the Bible says we're marked and sealed by God with the Holy Spirit, I think labels isn't a worldly invention.
Putting the word Christian in front of something doesn't make you holy. There's a lot of folks that do gospel music or call themselves Christian rappers but their hearts aren't in the right place. It doesn't matter if you don't call yourself a Christian rapper as long as you're doing the Lord's work. Labels don't show holiness, it's about your lifestyle and how you live shows how much God is in your life. You don't go around saying that you're a Christian husband, or you're a Christian train driver or you're a Christian baseball player, putting Christian in front of your occupation don't make you holy or more unashamed than anyone else. CHH fans and Christians need to stop dictating and controlling what the artists do, if they don't wanna be labeled as a Christian rapper, it doesn't make them a heathen. It's about being a light in the world and Jesus didn't care about labels or titles, it's a heat matter and we need to change lives outside of the CHH scene.
It hit me! christian that happen to rap is just another politically correct term for society.
Like I'm not a student i just happened to go to classes. There are way more labels in life we are much more willing to accept than the christian one. Being called a nerd is cooler than being a christian. Its all psychological but whatever have you alternate reality people.
Mario Stacy Not really, it depends on your goal. If you're a rapper explicitly rapping to reach Christians or evangelize, it makes sense to say Christian rapper, that's it's own genre. But if you're an artist or entertainer in general... Why would you say Christian rapper? There needs to be a better way to define these terms honestly.
Is that ever the case tho? Lest talk about the real. The christian label basically black balls you. So to appeal to a certain audience you get rid of it....But when its all said and done the same people who don't listen to the music before won't listen now. Those that already listen to it will continue but you lose some in the process.
Mario Stacy It is a double edged sword...
jesus is the center label it what u want to, but I WON'T GO BACK TO LISTENING TO EMINEM OR WAYNE OR DRAKE. JESUS IS MENTIONED AND WORSHIPPED I'M GOOD.
Call yourself a Christian rapper is like starting a new job and I'm walking up to everybody and say hi I'm such and such and I'm a Christian. People are automatically going to put you off. I don't know who this guy is but I'm pretty sure he is nowhere associated with hip hop
Yawn this is getting old, like seriously. Why does it matter to you what he claims himself as? He's a rapper that's his job which he makes money off of. When you fill a job application out and they ask previous jobs you don't put Christian doctor or christian teacher you just put teacher and doctor a label is exactly what it is. Its just a label anybody can claim to be Christian but not follow the guidelines and believe in god a label is just as pointless as me labeling you black or white. What's the point what purpose does it serve? I could claim to be christian but worship and follow Muslim beliefs. All these people try to come at lecrae Andy mineo and other rappers about there title when people themselves don't identify as a Christian(insert job or profession here) its hypocritical and makes you yourself look bad. Not to mention they rap about more then just christ. Like seriously I don't get you people, in your job you dont only speak and promote Christ you do as your boss tells you and get the job done . on top of the fact that Christianity has so many different branches within itself as it is. I am one who follows and believes in god and Jesus christ. Not a catholic worshipping the virgin Mary or a baptist so b4 you jump to wanting to label someone remember that there's more then one Christianity branch and question yourself on if you wear that label above all your jobs.
Disagree...
If his main point is to wear the badge of 'christian' within this culture, especially american culture is to denote yourself as being one with the goals and processes that are involved in the death and slavery of peoples across this planet, that derive specifically from American culture and mindset in general..
They are interlinked with politics, the state and having a 'family' that cannot function even when they get together and pray
I'm not saying he is not a good and godly man but that he needs to get out of the States, remove the 'mantle' of pastor, get humble and go help those that this culture have severely damaged.
Or just plant a garden.
Eh this pastor is wrong and might as well tell us to embrace the world.
Daniel Torres I don't see the problem with labels, they just need to be accurate. Stereotypes are the problem because they box you in and force you to behave in a cookie cutter type of fashion.
EagleZtoTheGrave eh but think about how many kids committed suicide because of a label that was correct. For instance, yoy could label a kid emo, ok that may be accurate but mext thing yoy know he commits suicide. The only good i saw from a label ever, was when the hippies created rock thats Christian. Because of the attitude it carried yoy know the whple throw it in your face attitude that you're a Christian etc etc, people called them Jesus Freaks as a derogatory comment and lavel which was later turned positive.
Daniel Torres But what is Emo really...? This is my point. Different people see and hear things differently when they hear certain words. When I see Emo, I picture a goth, and I'm pretty sure some wear the emo title as a badge of honor, or will tell you they prefer the term goth. It's like the whole geek vs nerd thing... Another discussion I won't start :p
Partially it comes down to intent behind why people are called what they're called and a general consensus which probably will never be reached in this world...
EagleZtoTheGrave honestly i always thought emo meant yoy were an emotional person till somebody told me that i was naove lol and told me it meant somebody who hurts themselves or cuts.
Truth is like Skrip said "the human race is highly illogical"
P.s. mot to start a convo on the subject but i was somewhere and saw a sign that said "be nice to nerds because they will be your boss later" lol
Daniel Torres I think that definition is more accurate, but like me, many probably get a different picture because it gets thrown around frivolously which is unfortunate for any word really... Confusion, confusion everywhere... :P Which is why it's vital to know what we mean when we say "christian hip-hop".
"Truth is like Skrip said "the human race is highly illogical"
Indeed...
That sign makes sense to me lol