On Christian Rap

Alright, here's the deal: many things you will find in life are not inherently evil or good. They're neutral. Obviously, there are exceptions. God is intrinsically, inherently good. I believe that pornography is intrinsically, inherently evil. But most are neutral. This computer I'm using to print this message is neutral. I can use it to glorify God or to fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

Hip-hop is no different. The best definition of this genre comes from Neginoth Soldiaz, a Christian rap group I heard down in Charlottesville. If memory serves me correctly, they defined hip-hop as, "Lyrical poetry set to music." And there was a brief mention of its harmony with Psalms.

Now, clearly the artists were not saying that David and crew busted out da scratched records and turntables. Their comment has made me think of the similarity between the music of Psalms and the music of rap. Are the two so different? Perhaps in sound and delivery, but not so much in essence. I think it would be fair to label both - at their core - as "lyrical poetry set to music."

It is important to distinguish a medium from how that medium is typically used. I think the criticism of using rap to glorify God comes not so much from an objective analysis of the essence of hip-hop, but rather from a concern that the Church will look like those who use rap to glorify rape, violence, murder, the objectification of women and lawlessness. I would challenge opponents of Christian rap to name one Bible verse where God speaks out against it. Where is the 'Thou shalt not use hip-hop to bring praise to Me?'

On the contrary, let's use it to bring much honor and glory to Him. Christian rap can be used to edify believers (as God has done with it for me) and to convict non-believers of their sin and lead them to true faith in Christ. We must contextualize the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). Fundamentalist music will reach fundamentals. Gap kid music can influence gap kids. But neither of those styles are appealing to most urbanites and suburban-urbanites. Many of them prefer hip-hop.

God opened my eyes to how powerful rap music can be in exalting Him. I know from personal experience that it can be useful for ministry (depending on context and audience) - for edification and conviction. Two of the things I love about Christ-centered hip hop are its thematic depth and its passion. By some, it is used not only to praise God but also exhort listeners to do the same. With zeal!