Christian Rap?

[biggbran8]

hello, i am new here and trying to learn my way around.This looked like a good place to start.

 

[writer_for_God]

Why would anybody want to listen to Christian lyrics in the form of Rap? I don't get it. To me it just doesn't fit. But, if thousands of Christians can worship and get saved by this ahem, music, then hey, tell me, what am I missing here? It just does not sound good in my ears. :note: :note2:

Peace!

Your brother in Christ Jesus!

it depends on what you listen to. Rap, country, gospel, rock, any kind really. And yes, rap may have started out bad. But rap brings in a lot of people especially teens. And they understand what the words are. It's like this:If you use something secular like rap and put Christian words in it, then the songs aren't secular but Christian. And people usually get led to God through Rap by finding that it's Rap, hearing Christian words.

What matters most is that they get the word in a way they like, and it's worship!

 

[Legacy]

Just as Jesus saves man, Jesus also saves music. What was meant for our bad is made good through Jesus christ.
Me personally I love Christian Rap. I love Da Truth, Crossmovement, Flame and Phanatik amongst a few. They speak lyrical truths and levitate the soul to a higher aspiration which is Jesus Christ. You show me a man who limits himself to one part of christ and ill show you a person who is content with their postion in christ and the beauty which he has. If i was to say I love rap, Punk, gospel, R and p ( rhythm and praise) and choir music i would seem not to care about the race or former history of the music but what it produces in me and thats a picture of christ.
For good christian rap
[edited by Yeshua no LINKS are to be posted without Chad's permission]

 

[Bobinfaith]

This is probably the least popular thing here, but I don't listen to any type of Christian music. I do however listen to mainstream, undergound, old hip/hop and rap music though. My favorite artists are Tupac and Eminem. Yes, they cuss a lot, but who the heck cares? It's therapy for them, you say 'but, Eminem talks about killing his mother!" Well first of all have you heard "Cleanin' out my closet"? Go check it out. He's already made this point, that he can get so angry sometimes, that if he doesn't write about it, he might actually do it. Oh, and I'm so glad Kanye West did a song called "Jesus Walks", of course some of you would say "but it has swear words in it!"; and your point is? See the problem with Christian music is they only preach to Christians, do you honestly think some atheist wants to hear, "OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!" 50 times in a row, over and over again? No, and I don't either (I already know it, I don't need a song telling me it). Also, the reason why Kanye West swears, (and most like everyother single rapper) because it was the way they were raised. Kanye is rapping to kids in poverty, how many kids do you think in the ghetto started thinking about Jesus as soon as Kanye West made it cool? I bet a lot.

Also have you heard the song called Ghetto Gospel? Here's the lyrics,

Uh..
Hit 'em with a little ghetto gospel

[Chorus: Elton John]
Those who wish to follow me (My ghetto gospel)
I welcome with my hands
and the red sun sinks at last
into the hills of gold
And peace to this young warrior
Without the sounds of guns

[Verse 1]
If I could recollect before my hood days
I'd sit and reminisce thinkin of bliss of the good days
I stop and stare at the younger my heart goes to ‘em
AIDS tested, it was stress that they under
And nowadays things change
Everyone's ashamed of the youth, cuz the truth look strange
And for me it's reversed, we left them a world that's cursed and it hurts
Cuz any day they'll push the button
And all good men like Malcolm X and Bobby Hutton died for nothin
Told em they could get teary, the world looks dreary
When you wipe your eyes see it clearly
There's no need for you to fear me
If you take your time to hear me, maybe you can learn to cheer me
It aint about black or white, cuz we're human
I hope we see the light before it's ruined
My Ghetto Gopsel

[Chorus]
Those who wish to follow me (Ghetto gospel)
I welcome with my hands
and the red sun sinks at last
into the hills of gold
And peace to this young warrior
Without the sounds of guns

[Verse 2]
Tell me do you see that old lady, aint it sad?
Livin outta bags, but she's glad for the little things she has
And over there there's a lady
Crack got her crazy, yet she's givin birth to a baby
I don't trip and let it fade me
From outta the frying pan we jump into another form of slavery
Even now I get discouraged
Wonder if they take it all back, will I still keep the courage?
I refuse to be a role model
I set goals, stay in control, drink out my own bottles
I made mistakes but learned from every one
And when it's said and done
I bet this brother be a better one
If I upset you don't stress
Never forget, that God isn't finished with me yet
I feel his hand on my brain
When I write rhymes I go blind and let the Lord do his thang
But am I less holy?
Cuz I chose to puff a blunt and drink a beer with my homies
Before we find world peace
We gotta find peace and end the war in the streets
My Ghetto Gospel

[Chorus]
Those who wish to follow me (Yea, ghetto gospel)
I welcome with my hands
and the red sun sinks at last
into the hills of gold
And peace to this young worrier
Without the sounds of guns

Lord can you hear me speak?

They pay the price for being hell bound

Dear L2006,

GOD CARES! Please read and meditate on Ecclesiastes 5:2, Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty within your heart to utter anything before God."

This is directed to anyone who compromises Jesus Christ with cursing, especially in song.

It sounds to me like you are trying to justify your own questions to yourself, to keep one step with our Father and the other step with the real world. Your post does nothing to minister to anyone seeking Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior because He is not edified.

See, the problem is we cannot rely on ourselves to be preached to, whether we are Christians or atheists because its the power of the Holy Spirit that preaches to us. The song "Jesus Walks" with sprinkles of cursing by Kenye West is already lifted in vain and God cannot be glorified here, L2006, whereas the song "Our God is an Awesome God" whether sung once, fifty, or a thousand times, God is going to inhabit our praises and worship to Him, that is the point.

Alot of us can tell our sad story about being raised in poverty or the ghetto and that Kenye West saved them through rap? I believe this is stereo typing poverty, ghetto and Rap as "bad Rap" here. I truly believe God does not compromise Jesus Christ with darkness but Jesus Christ as the light to reach kids despite their living conditions. We don't have to bet on that, we just rely on His Promises.

Please remember the original topic to this thread was my agenda of musical style in Christian Rap, however, this style of music does minister to alot of brothers and sisters because Jesus Christ is in the center and because of this many have been saved, amen?

Your brother in Christ Jesus.

 

[CF_Youthleader]

Bobinfaith, this post is what made me decide to join this site. Good topic, and I really enjoyed reading and considering everyone's point of views. I think from what I have read of your posts, you are open to trying to understand where us pro-rappers are coming from. Here are my thoughts...

Theoretically, if Christian rap was created from sin, then all music was created from sin. In the time frame of 450-1400 BC, there were no instruments allowed in music. The only type of music that the church allowed was Gregorian chant. If you were caught using instruments, you probably would have been executed. No style of music was created from sin. Man has distorted certain types of music to be sinful.

I personally love Christian rap, it has helped me become stronger in my faith. If it wasn't for Christian rap, I could have never given up secular music. I began stumbling across groups like KJ-52, John Reuben, Pidgeon John, & Gritz...these are Christian rappers. I do not think Christian rap has profanity in it. So in my opinion, someone like Kenye West has inspirational influences in some of his music, but I would never classify him as producing "Christian rap." The Christian rappers that I like, have the same goals as Third Day, Sandi Patti, and Carmen. They are trying to evangelize. They want to share the message of Jesus Christ. In any form, how can that be a bad thing?

I think many Christian's try to push their own opinions off on other people as the gospel or Biblical. If we spent less time arguing about personal preferences and more time evangelizing, can you imagine how many people we could save?

Someone on here mentioned KJ-52, which is one of my favorite lyricists. Everything about this guy's music is glorifying to God. One of his albums starts witha hook that says "3 albums later and it still just Jesus." At the end of the album, he does a little devotional about how at the end of the day, it is all about Jesus. Everything in between the beginning and the end of that album is also glorifying to God. Even his name announces his faith. The 5 stands for the loaves and the 2 stands for the fish that one boy gave for Jesus. It was everything he had, just as KJ-52 is giving all of his talents to God, too.

In closing, I don't really like groups like the Bill Gaither Trio, but I would never trash them. They are out there glorifying God and reaching people every single day. How could I utter one negative word about that, just because I don't really like the style of music they sing? The answer is, I shouldn't. Thanks for letting me speak!

God Bless, Kristen

 

[Bobinfaith]

Bobinfaith, this post is what made me decide to join this site. Good topic, and I really enjoyed reading and considering everyone's point of views. I think from what I have read of your posts, you are open to trying to understand where us pro-rappers are coming from. Here are my thoughts...

Theoretically, if Christian rap was created from sin, then all music was created from sin. In the time frame of 450-1400 BC, there were no instruments allowed in music. The only type of music that the church allowed was Gregorian chant. If you were caught using instruments, you probably would have been executed. No style of music was created from sin. Man has distorted certain types of music to be sinful.

I personally love Christian rap, it has helped me become stronger in my faith. If it wasn't for Christian rap, I could have never given up secular music. I began stumbling across groups like KJ-52, John Reuben, Pidgeon John, & Gritz...these are Christian rappers. I do not think Christian rap has profanity in it. So in my opinion, someone like Kenye West has inspirational influences in some of his music, but I would never classify him as producing "Christian rap." The Christian rappers that I like, have the same goals as Third Day, Sandi Patti, and Carmen. They are trying to evangelize. They want to share the message of Jesus Christ. In any form, how can that be a bad thing?

I think many Christian's try to push their own opinions off on other people as the gospel or Biblical. If we spent less time arguing about personal preferences and more time evangelizing, can you imagine how many people we could save?

Someone on here mentioned KJ-52, which is one of my favorite lyricists. Everything about this guy's music is glorifying to God. One of his albums starts witha hook that says "3 albums later and it still just Jesus." At the end of the album, he does a little devotional about how at the end of the day, it is all about Jesus. Everything in between the beginning and the end of that album is also glorifying to God. Even his name announces his faith. The 5 stands for the loaves and the 2 stands for the fish that one boy gave for Jesus. It was everything he had, just as KJ-52 is giving all of his talents to God, too.

In closing, I don't really like groups like the Bill Gaither Trio, but I would never trash them. They are out there glorifying God and reaching people every single day. How could I utter one negative word about that, just because I don't really like the style of music they sing? The answer is, I shouldn't. Thanks for letting me speak!

God Bless, Kristen

Dear Sister CF_Youthleader,

Thank you for your view and biblical theory on musical instruments which is correct. Imagine, Rap back then may have been acceptable because this style does not need the aid of instruments. lol!

But! I would be surprised if churches allow this form of worship music during their service. Don't tell me someone has a testimony...??

Perhaps a nine year old who ministered to me may have summed it up. She said I was just an old man and needed to get over it. lol! :shade:

Thank you, Kristen, and may God bless your youth ministry.

Your servant in Christ Jesus.

 

[writer_for_God]

i recommend listening to Flame, Da Truth, Cross Movement, D.C. Talk, and Toby Mac. Toby Mac is one of my fav's. My favorite song DC Talk is Jesus Freaks.

 

[j-freak153]

everyone is different too...when the old youth pastor of my church got saved, all he would listen to is christian rap, then he later confessed to me that it was the vehicle that God used to get him interested in worship music. Later on he changed the style of music he listened to to more reflect his heart towards God.

He also had said that is was also a spiritual maturity thing for him, that he couldn't handle the slow "i love Jesus music" but that just changed with time.....thats what he told me

I have just been a worshipper from the beginning because of all God's taken me through..(check my profile for more info).... J

 

[uknowme]

well i love music...and also rap...
i think that it doesnt really matter what we listen to..as long as it praises god!!!!
it depends on what kinda music you like and so yeah i guess if ppl like rap then its okay and
if its christian rap then its even better....
i think we should be open for all sorts of music....
so yeah thats what i think...

god bless
kara

 

[Bobinfaith]

This is what I see. How can we put down rap if it is getting souls for God, yes they is some rapers out there that is in it for the the $$$ but God will take that up.Lets not be so fast to judge if it is what God uses to get the youth then so be it .

God Bless You All

Dear SGB;

God bless you, brother, and your family.

I am asking you to be more clear, Steve. Judging what? The individual or the style of music? If you are referring to the individual and this person's preference to the style of rap, whether secular or Christian, so be it. That is their freedom of choice. I choose to judge this style of music because it does nothing for me. I don't like this music and that is my perogative.

If you are referring to an individual then we are discussing an entirely different topic and I will agree with you, brother, "do not be fast to judge".

Your servant in Christ Jesus.

 

[jessid9]

well Ive given my opinion when this first was posted. I believe that any style of music that praises our heavenly father above is good music. Wether its rock, country or rap ect. If it Glorifies Christ then what is wrong with that? everyone has different styles of music they prefer. My husbands is rap, some love country and some love worship. I listen to everything. If it is a song of praise I will be listening to it! Rap reaches out to alot of younger people. Teaches them in a whole new way. And I feel its just getting started. Not evertyone has the same likes and dislikes. GBU

 

[Mmj]

Bob in my opinion its just the generation we are in. I mean most music is rap. For me that is what I used to listen to before I was saved. Now I listen to some Christian rap but not much. Its just familiar to me is the only reason I do listen. But I like other Christian music better.

 

[Bobinfaith]

well Ive given my opinion when this first was posted. I believe that any style of music that praises our heavenly father above is good music. Wether its rock, country or rap ect. If it Glorifies Christ then what is wrong with that? everyone has different styles of music they prefer. My husbands is rap, some love country and some love worship. I listen to everything. If it is a song of praise I will be listening to it! Rap reaches out to alot of younger people. Teaches them in a whole new way. And I feel its just getting started. Not evertyone has the same likes and dislikes. GBU

Bob in my opinion its just the generation we are in. I mean most music is rap. For me that is what I used to listen to before I was saved. Now I listen to some Christian rap but not much. Its just familiar to me is the only reason I do listen. But I like other Christian music better.
__________________
MMJ


Dear sister Jessica and MMJ;

I don't disagree with you nor God's message. In fact, I do agree with you both.

Why does it seem that we keep blending the two together?

Am I wrong in saying that its just the style of music that does nothing for me.

Please minister to me if I am wrong. I can't keep up. This thread is wearing me out. :embarasse

lol! I love you all!

Your brother in Christ Jesus. :shade:

 

[Jehovah Jireh]

Bob

I personally dont like christian rap either, and i wouldnt listen to it, but i suppose god uses christian rap to appeal to those who are bound by that type of music, ie those who are in the world and love rap, they need to hear the gospel and words of wisdom no matter what shape or form it comes.

we have a radical world just now, and we need radical christians too to bring gods kingdom to completion.

its really not my cup of tea but i apprieciate what these christian rappers are trying to do.

 

[of_the_rose]

There's nothing wrong with Christian rap

:note: God created Music. Christian rap is no exception. People should be able to worship through any style/genre of music. Rap just seems to have a bad reputation, because of the lyrics/lifestyles of particular rap artists. :note:

:note2:

 

[Mary_429]

I feel that God gave us all different styles of music so that we are able to praise his name in many different ways. I agree with you of the rose that rap music has the connotation of negative language and reputation, but then I feel that God has given them the gift to express themselves in their own way, but they have chosen that gift to use it for bad things. There should be more christian rappers to turn the negativity into good. Well thats my two cents.
God bless
Maryxxx

 

[Gloria]

When I was an unsaved teenager,I do not like rap or hard rock . Many will even admit most of the secular music cannot be created unless they are high on drugs. I have known groups who were not born again Christians who would use their "style" of music to sing a chirstian song.

I do no like so called "Christian " rap. It does not bring me closer to God. In fact it makes me feel bad inside.

 

[Aimee]

I myself like christian rap. I like it because before i knew God that is all i listened to was rap and heavy metal. So it is an easier transition. I guess it is like you are used to country and then hear hip hop you wouldn't really like it. So its just what you are used to.

 

[ythpstr2000]

People like rap. That is a fact. You may not. Oh well. Now they can either get they're rap fix from emminem, or from a Christian artist who uses his talents to exalt God. Why would you want to force him to turn to emminem? Are you not doing a disservice to your brother the one who likes rap) AND the struggling Christian rapper who, against all kinds of pressure from others to do "secular" music because it pays better, still remains faithful to the call God put upon his life? Are you not also robbing God of the souls that might come to Him at a Christian rap concert? I like rap, and have been to a few concerts, and in all of them people have gone up to the front to either give they're life to Christ for the first time, or rededications. How can we stand against that?

God has called to Himself ALL men. Wether they like rap, rock, country, or whatever. He has put people in all walks of life so that we could more effectively reach them. There are rappers who love God, sent there to reach inner city youth. There are Bikers, who love God, sent there to evangelize the Biker community. Skaters, Cowboys, Goths, everyone. But despite the fact that God has called people to those people groups, we all have a responsibility to be willing to share with EVERYONE the Gospel. If we let our own petty likes and dislikes cloud that, then its not the rapper, or the kid that likes rap that needs to answer to God. Keep that in mind as you read this verse...

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (New International Version)

19Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

 

[sober]

we all have different taste, me i dont listen to rap at all, my main love in music is ROCK n' ROLL, i almost love all kinds of rock MUSIC, like punk, oldskool punk, hair metal, heavy metal, pop rock and GRUNGE!!! the music i am so addicted with, my fave music artis of all time is NIRVANA but i also love other rockbands such as PEARL JAM, SMASHINH PUMPKINS, SOUNDGARDEN, etc, i admit rock music is equally destructive as rap/hip hop, i love music so much but it really never affected me in worshiping God, we all have our taste in music , well GOd bless to all my bros and sis here, i miss u all!