Holy Hip Hop and the Reformed Resurgence

[DavidTabernacle]

I don't believe The Lord Jesus Christ is embracing Hip Hop, Rock or etc.. The Has given us 3 ways to approach him in the form of music Psalms,Hymns, Spiritual songs. You can't offer a Holy God And Just God strange fire and that's what the church is doing.

[copiousaim]

@DavidTabernacle Right, Songs and Hyms - So you think only White music fits there???? We are not talking about Yoga or Club Hopping. Rappers like Lecrae have for solid DOCTRINE in his music than most "Christian proclaiming" and "Church going" people have even heard in their life! I was shocked when I heard him because he actually gives truth.  Many worship artists are man centered yet they are on K-Love every hour. God's ways are higher than ours!

[02Deezy]

I listen to some Christian rap. There are some whose lyrics are strictly about scripture, which is the ones I listen to. Then there are some that sound no different from club bangers (beat & lyrics) and in some cases have a dance that is an exact clone of the secular. Just gotta know how to distinguish the two. Not all rappers rap about drugs, sex, money, etc. There are positive lyricists that get no radio play.

[dsmith8676]

Listen up, if you don't like christian rap,do us a favor & don't listen to it at all. I love it & I would rather listen to music that glorifies God & bring the word instead of listening to music with no truth or meaning. I understand everybody has thier own opinion and I respect that but don't use the word of God to back up your claims.

[HDell1994]

Whether rap is bad or not, definitions of "redeem" are "to change for the better," "to release from blame or debt," "to free from the consequences of sin," "to make good" and one more is to "repair, restore." Instead of attacking it, let's rejoice that there are people in the body who hope to redeem rap by God's grace. I believe that Christian rap will help advance the Kingdom because many urban youth favor secular rap music. With Christian rap they can turn to a form of rap that glorifies God.

[poopoopoop420]

nigga dats sum bull shit

[tentertainment100]

love this pastor

[jomokariuki]

@theoriginalschool PLUS, even if hypothetically Afrika Bambaataa or the entire Zulu Nation, were 'devil worshipers' (which they are not, check their own website if you would like to), SO WHAT! Hip Hop is not theirs! That's the same as saying if an early Country singer sang a song praising the devil then therefore all music under a similar style is unholy. Beyond ridiculous. I ask you, who were the original fathers of Hip Hop, and what were their beliefs. Back up you nonsensical statements.

[jomokariuki]

@theoriginalschool ..Cont.. You mention "The Zulu Nation" wrongly, The Zulu Nation was merely a loose confederation of dancers, graffiti writers, DJ's and Rappers. Who you were MEANT to refer to was Afrika Bambaataa, the creator of this group. NOW.. "HE" DID NOT create "ANY" of the elements, he merely outlined them and brought 'at risk' kids together to practice them as a way out of street life! Your knowledge of Hip Hop is beyond ridiculously and outlandishly incorrect.

[jomokariuki]

@theoriginalschool I have just read this, Are you serious??? SMH seriously. Ok now I truly understand that you have absolutely no idea about Hip Hop. As someone who grew up with Hip Hop from the 80's till now, let me educate you.

The so called 5 elements

Graffiti - Writing, Pictures etc.

DJ'ing - Turntablism, Playing music on turntables

B Boying - Dancing

MC - Poet, Singer

Knowledge of self - self explanatory

[jomokariuki]

@theoriginalschool Every STYLE of Gospel music has musical ties to secular STYLES of music. What is important (as you yourself said previously) is the spirit behind the song. The spirit of the writer when he was writing, the singer when he was singing and the spirit of the other musicians when they were playing. If you think different then tell me, which STYLE of music would you deem is separate from the world and why?

[jomokariuki]

@theoriginalschool It is entirely based on a worldly way of thinking, if it wasn't then you would explain this to me Biblically. You have not. "Deemed appropriate and inappropriate"?? Deemed by who? You? Your pastor? Who? In fact the more "appropriate" words to use would be Holy or Unholy. So please explain to me what makes a certain type of music HOLY or UNHOLY. BIBLICALLY. What STYLE of music would you deem an "appropriate" format to sing Gospel and WHY?

[jomokariuki]

@theoriginalschool ...If you chose to rap about how great you are, then "YOUR SONG" is self glorifying, if you chose to rap about your mum, then "YOUR SONG" is giving respect to your mother and if you chose to sing about your Christ, then "YOUR SONG" represents your Christ.How can you say that just because a song belongs to a certain style of singing then therefore it is "self glorifying" and a manifestation from demons? Explain that to me Biblically and not from what a worldly website told you.

[jomokariuki]

@theoriginalschool "It is the spirit that is behind the music which determines whether it is of God or of the world." Your first sentence says it all and you are completely correct. So then how can you go on to contradict your own statement with the remainder of your comment? You have chosen to be willfully ignorant when it comes to Hip Hop. You cannot merely say that Hip Hop "IS" or "ISN'T" anything. Hip Hop like ANY OTHER kind of music is what you make it to be..

[jomokariuki]

@theoriginalschool Biblically, how do you define "music which is integrated with the world?" Biblically, what makes Hip Hop "not Christian" as opposed to any other kind of music? Every single kind of Gospel music is integrated with the world, the only differentiating factors are the lyrics and the spirit in which the songs were written.You cannot assert that one type of gospel music is unholy merely because of the style which it is sung. That assertion itself comes from a worldly way of thinking

[jomokariuki]

@theoriginalschool You say "Music has a powerful influence which affects the subconscious mind and whether you believe it or not the it does affect you more than you realize"

I think most people realize this, it is one of the reasons why Gospel music is so powerful. Are you saying that Music itself has no place in anything Godly? Are you saying we shouldn't sing in Church? Are you saying that we shouldn't worship with song in case we are "influenced subconsciously?" What are you really saying?

[jomokariuki]

@theoriginalschool I'm sorry but what you are saying makes no sense to me. Are you saying Music itself is worldly? "Hip Hop is a subculture"??? Explain, what is a subculture, and what is the culture which it subs from. What is demonic in origin, Hip Hop, Music or any 'supposed subculture'??? (Whatever that is) And WHY???

[StrumstickJoe]

Religion is superstitious nonsense. The bible is likewise. Take a hold on your life and forget about heaven/hell and eternal invigilation - how terrible would that be? Think about it you religious slaves.

[skalapunk]

@StrumstickJoe Assertions are meaningless.

[StrumstickJoe]

@skalapunk Well yours certainly is.

[skalapunk]

@StrumstickJoe So mine is but yours isn't. Nice double standard.

[StrumstickJoe]

@skalapunk I didn't say that!

[skalapunk]

@StrumstickJoe So you affirm that all assertions are meaningless?

[StrumstickJoe]

@skalapunk I believe that you are either stupid or perverse, and probably best left to your own devices. Bye.

[skalapunk]

@StrumstickJoe Well, assertions are meaningless bro :) Quit making them.

[imbiased]

@StrumstickJoe The fact that you find God offensive merely underscores that you are in darkness. If God was a fairy tale as you imply the truly you would ignore it like you ignore real fairy tales, but when you love evil, you hate truth and light.

Even God's word says men will call evil good and call good evil.

[StrumstickJoe]

@imbiased To say "I find god offensive" is absurd. How could I find offensive that which doesn't exist? It's quite a common tendency among those committed to religion to attack by asserting that a person has said something which he hasn't. I quite like the truth - and I find it very light (and peaceful) where I am, thank you. Why do you seek to enlighten me by quoting words I don't have any belief in whatever? The world is full of wonders, but it is not full of magic.

[imbiased]

@StrumstickJoe I say "offensive" because of your bitter disposition. I hardly attacked you. Your not interested in the truth. You lack the courage to seek out the truth. I tell you, it is okay to admit your sins. Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is lord and you shall have ever lasting life.

[StrumstickJoe]

@imbiased Bitter? About what have I expressed bitterness? I said I quite like the truth; you, who don’t know me, say I am not interested in it - and lack the courage to seek it out. Wrong. You say it is okay to admit my sins, and thereby make a judgement. Not your job. As for confess with mouth and believe in heart, that is purely emotional nonsense, probably bible-inspired. I have nothing to take the blame for. I would really dread everlasting life. Really.

[imbiased]

@StrumstickJoe you ignore my replies regarding your bitter disposition so i will no longer address it. I am not making a judgment against you by claiming you sin, I am merely stating a fact. Again, you are not interested in the truth. You live in the dark and by choice. Jesus is the truth, the life and the way. And as for you dreading everlasting life, you will have eternity regardless of of if you want it or not, the question is, where will you spend it?

[StrumstickJoe]

@imbiased In view of my replies and statements, your persistence is unreal. Your beliefs are nonsense. Your jesus (or rather the superstitious writers who thought him up) invented hell. In the old testament of your vengeful, jealous god, there is no mention of it.

Continue grovelling daily to your imaginary friend; don't listen to anything that might make you think for yourself, or take responsibility; enjoy that. At least you'll not actually find out that you're wrong. Goodbye for eternity.

[StrumstickJoe]

@imbiased PS. I meant to say before: your name is an affirmation of your problem. It's the truest thing about you.

[imbiased]

@StrumstickJoe Hey Joe I love you man, I know your feeling bitter about something in your life but rejoice friend! For God of the universe and creator of all Loves YOU! Its true! I will pray for you tonight that God may give you the courage enough to peak on the seek the truth out. God Bless you Joe!

[kennboy1]

@imbiased You're aren't supposed to say God bless to them, say god bless to the other saints of God. Let him believe what he wants.

[imbiased]

@kennboy1 In my prayer friend. For the courage and discernment.

[imbiased]

@kennboy1 really? Do you give advice to God? Whom shall he bless next? Perhaps God will bless this man with a soft heart and honest discernment when he arbitrarily seeks God out ... Then a mighty blessing will fall upon him and open his heart and mind to the truth and save his soul. Be quite with your law, the grace of God may be at work here in this man!

[kinduvabigdeal]

are we really STILL having this discussion people? 1 John 4:2-3, Matt. 12:24-28, 1 Sam 16:7. Let's just be happy we got people preaching the gospel with their gifts and not rhymin bout rims and girls...

[titilade]

I actually like this guy. He seems so humble and full of peace. I love lecrae he speak biblical truth and doesnt hold back! My only problem is the term 'holy hip hop' if they called it rap that would be okay. Hio hop is not music, its a way of life, a life style which is why i have a problem with the name. A life style. But as long as they are doing their music with for the right reasons- Jesus then im sure God is pleased.

[DStanTheMc]

Even if hip hop is evil, it is a genetic fallacy to say that all rap is evil because of its origins.

[RelyOnChrist777]

@DStanTheMc All music that doesn't come from God but from the world is evil!!!

Hip Hop, Rock, Pop ,Country and every music that don't come from the church but from the world is evil and has no bussiness in the Church - This is coming from a Ex-Gangsta Rapper and Ex-Christian rapper!!!

[DStanTheMc]

@RelyOnChrist777 If it glorifies Christ, then how is it from the world? The world does not glorify Christ. Lecrae, Trip Lee, and others praise God with their music. If you feel that you should not listen to it, then that is fine. People have different feelings toward the matter, but you should be careful in labeling it all as "evil." Peace.

[RelyOnChrist777]

@DStanTheMc My Brother, It doesn't matter what feelings we have, It's what the Bible says!! How is it glorifying Christ? When I was into so called holy hip hop I only did it because I didn't want to give up the world! In other words I didn't want to put the world behind me ! Lecrae's music and Trip Lee's music does not glorify Christ when the beats sound just like the world and it just makes you want to bump it and being cool instead of praising God! You can't praise God with hip hop!

[DStanTheMc]

@RelyOnChrist777 1 John 2:16 says, "For all that is in the world----the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father, but is from the world." For this reason, I believe that the Bible is saying not to be like the world as far as the world's relationship with sin. There are people who rap against sin and rap for Christ. Those who are for Jesus are not against him. Some can get into glorifying themselves, but that can happen in any field.

[DStanTheMc]

@RelyOnChrist777 I understand if you feel you should not be into it, but be careful in claiming that it does not glorify the Lord. Peace man.

[RelyOnChrist777]

@DStanTheMc And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: Genesis 35:2

[UnrealHelix]

@RelyOnChrist777 So what style of music should these regenerated rappers create? Traditional Hebrew praise songs? They are led by the Spirit of GOD within them, through a 'robust, reformed theology' and their own experiences of salvation to create music in their preferred style to the glory of GOD alone. Nowhere in scripture does GOD condemn a genre of music- all things can be redeemed to glorify GOD in their conformity to His Word.

[RelyOnChrist777]

@UnrealHelix Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in ALL WISDOM; teaching and admonishing one another in PSALMS and HYMNS and SPIRITUAL SONGS, SINGING with grace in your hearts TO the Lord. - Colossians 3:16.

“SPEAKING TO YOURSELVES in PSALMS and HYMNS and SPIRITUAL SONGS, SINGING and making melody in your heart TO THE LORD;” – Ephesians 5:19

“It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to HEAR THE SONG OF FOOLS.”– Ecclesiastes 7:5

[RelyOnChrist777]

@UnrealHelix Scripture is clear that all songs should be to the Lord!! Christian Rap isn't!!! They rap to the world because the love of God is not in him!!! Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15

You can't argue with the Holy Scriptures!!! If rappers did not love the world then they wouldn't try to act, dress and talk like them! Every Christian rapper is ignorant and foolish!!

[UnrealHelix]

@RelyOnChrist777 You're wrong my friend. I know Christian rappers who are saved and serious. They have been regenerated through faith in the Risen Christ; the Spirit of the Living GOD lives in them. Who are you to say that they love the world? Do you even listen to the lyrics of their songs??? Or is it the style of music which bothers you. A few names- Shai Linne, Lecrae, Evangel, Timothy Brindle. If you think these are rapping for Satan, I think you need to check your own faith.

[RelyOnChrist777]

@UnrealHelix Yes It's the style of music that bothers me because its the style of music that bothers God!! Show me where in the Bible (KJV) it tells us where we can use drum beats in His music? No where because drums where played to call evil spirits !! Study the Native American and African music! I don't even have to say they love the world because they already make clear for you to see!! Where am I wrong on this my brother when I'm using Scriptures to back me up?!!

[UnrealHelix]

@RelyOnChrist777 I'll show you where you're wrong 'brother'. The Lord uses ministers like John Piper and Paul Washer to affirm the use of 'drum beats' in music which glorifies God. I know what these guys believe, and I would rather listen to their opinion on it. God didn't tell us 'go to the toilet', does that mean we shouldn't do that? Get real man. If I were you I would question whether the Spirit of God has led you to believe that...

[RelyOnChrist777]

@UnrealHelix Paul Washer and John Piper are false teachers who exercise lordship on every sinner who wants to get saved!! They make it hard for people to recieve salvation when God says its free!!

Psalm 150:1-6 listed us the instruments we can use and drums are not mention. Why? Because it's pagan practice that glorifys demons not God !! God's Word had me to believe this my brother and true preachers who preach the Bible and not mans opinions!!

[Submittedtochrist]

@theoriginalschool umm we're saved by grace through faith, and there is a difference in seperating from the world considering how we produce fruit and culture only becomes sinful if it happens to affect our heart towards christ or our fruit

[brotherepad]

This is in response to the "Hip Hop is a demonic/satanic culture" posts. Seriously? Please name ONE culture on this planet that was formed, from it's outset, in holiness? & please don't say the Hebrew nation! And someone wrote that HH was formed by masons and so on...& America, do u stop being American because of that? & another one said, "to be part of a culture you have to accept all the tenets of that culture." UNTRUE. I'm Purtero Rican. I reject the evil parts of my culture & remain PR!

[trupulla]

@brotherepad I'm soo glad that people are realizing the truth, and being decieved by this false teaching that all Hip-Hop is evil! the devil just Mad!

[BlindLed]

Amen!

Col 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

[forexfreak77]

I'm not really into hip hop but I like what your doing. Stay the course bro!

[Eyosef]

@theoriginalschool

AMEN !

[Eyosef]

@theoriginalschool

AAAMMMEEENNnn !

hIP - hOP & rAP Was ORIGINALLY Founded By Freemasons, I Encourage ANYBODY That Sees This To Type In Your Search Engine RAP REVELATIONS & See That Series, The Brother Goes WWWAAAYYYyy In Depth, All The Way Back To The Late 1800's On The TRUE ORIGINS OF hIP - hOP & rAP !

Please See THE HOLE STORY ON THIS & THEN MAKE A JUDGEMENT !

IN JESUS NAME.......AMEN !

[ryno200]

Although the hip hop genre is not really my thing, I must say I like listening to them simply because the lyrics are not some fuzzy feel good, but preaching and sticking to the word regardless of how people respond.

[sirmoosa]

I don't think many of the ones who can so thoroughly define Hip Hop on here can define the things Thabiti is speaking of in this video. Artists like Shai Linne, Steven the Levite, Hazakim, Lacrae, Trip Lee, FLAME.....these guys have content that is more biblically solid than most of the "gospel" music that I hear that speaks about God but is theologically flat. Have they embraced "hip hop" in your opinion? Do you approve of the content but despise the words "hip hop"?

[puretology]

yes hiphop is a culture and christian rap ia partt of the holy side of that culture. its like saying holy culture. or hiphop for the lord. african culture maybe used to worship man, dead souls or Jesus. Holy hiphop is proclaiming jesus is lords through what they call elements... look at the KRUMP movement...Kingdom radical uplifting mighty praise and its founders...thats hiphop and thed ance originated form two christians ...they ae crhistain rappers, breakdancers, krumpers ..keep it holy

[newtestamentsoldier]

HEY YOUTUBE GO CHECK OWT - NEW TESTAMENT SOLDIER- GIVE FEED BACK AND SHOW SUPPORT-

[kamaujackson811]

We just need to be more careful with defining the terms we're using.

I doubt anyone here has a problem with Christian rap....rap is only lyrics to a beat.

It's the "Holy Hip Hop" that has people taking offense to the term. Hip hop isn't the music, hip hop is the subculture behind the music. If hip hop indeed does have certain cultural expectations that are anti-Christian, then it cannot be made holy.

It would be comparable to combining...

Christian Satanism

Calvinist Pelagianism

[cooliegee]

Unless any of you on here truly know the definitions or terms of what it is to be "Hip-Hop" you will constantly fall in error. To embrace "hip-hop" you must embrace all of the tenets that go along with it, from the foundation of Kool Herc, Africa BamBaaTaa, Grandmaster Flash & Krs-1. The language, style, sound, dance, art, etc. My question is what are you trying to get people to accept? Can one get a record deal, be a christian who raps, have to be labeled HHH? Read the Gospel of Hip-Hop! STUDY!

[MrKrillz0r]

I don't see how you can think Holy Hip Hop is bad. They are singing the word of God. If these guys like Lecrae, Evangel etc wouldn't be out there the only option would be to listen to 50 Cent, Eminem etc if ya listen top Hip Hop. I'm a living proof that holy hip hop can lead people to God, and not away from him. Its so obvious that this is Gods creation, he blessed these guys with the gift or rapping for him, to reach to the people in the streets or people listening to hip hop n' rap @ all.

[rpicket1]

It's funny how many here who are against Christian hip hop are comparing it to everything else except the word. No other comparison matters, not even opinion. The word let's us know by what means we are to judge everything on this planet. Read for yourself.....

[trupulla]

@rpicket1 SOO TRUE!

[LuMeL1962]

Oh man after looking at some of these profiles I don't know why im wasting my time.

[911TruthSeeker91]

For all who don't know whether hip hop is good for the church: I recommend you all watch the Truth Behind Hip Hop series on youtube.

[thnguyen24]

i bet Jesus would rap if he's present in the body with us today

[swippletip]

hahahaha yeah! the prosoniphication of psalms

[LuMeL1962]

So we no longer need Jesus or the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to convert people, what we need now is hip hop? You can't use an instrument of satan to win souls, sorry.

[MCMaddogMckenzi]

It's just a musical genre. Do you also dislike christian movies? I mean, Hollywood movies are often very vulgar...so are all movies tools of the Devil? Just because something had pagan origins doesnt mean it's utterly evil now. I dont see and problem with kids trick or treating or having a Christmas tree.

[deezbeats]

you must not have understood what he was saying. the hip hop he is referring to is based purely on scripture, and is only about Jesus. satan uses church as an instrument so that argument is irrelevant satan will use anything he can to make you lose faith, and sadly a lot of our churches behavior is what will make someone else stumble and lose faith. If you listen to the artists mentioned in the video you will see the gospel being presented to a generation that needs it more than ever

[thnguyen24]

where in the BIble does it say you can't use an instrument of satan to win souls? In fact, if you ever read the BIble, you will see God use evil for good all the time.

Besides, where in the BIble does it say hip hop or just any kind of music genre/instruments are satan's instrument?

I bet if Jesus still walks the earth today, you would kill him because he doesn't meet your social standard.

Repent of your religion!

[LuMeL1962]

@thnguyen24 The Bible is very clear about not been worldly but I know the only reason you guys defend this is because you yourself like it, so im not going to get into an argument about something you defend because you like it. Also there is no such thing as "holy" Hip Hop is hip hop and that's it.

[LuMeL1962]

@thnguyen24 and one more thing God did use something which was evil that someone else made for good but He did not use evil it self for good. Is two different things. And I do read my Bible everyday not a day go by that I don't read.

[vikakond]

@thnguyen24 hey, search 'rap revelation' here on youtube. i'm sure you'll find out what rap is used for

[Donald32108]

Its crazy how people is talking down on a culture but yet they the ones who listens to it alot. theres nothing wrong with rapping in the church. These artists are doing something that 99% of these churches are not doing, Bringing kids to christ. Listen to 116 clique & tell me they ain't men of god?

[911TruthSeeker91]

its important to differentiate rapping and hip hop. Rapping is simply a way of expressing music, just like singing or playing a musical instrument. One thing has to be clarified, there is NOTHING wrong with rapping, its just a style of presenting music. Hip hop on the other hand is not only a subculture which demands a certain dresscode, speech, walk etc. but its also a RELIGION; founded by Afrikaa Bambataa, Grandmaster Flash, Kool Herc, KRS one etc. Look it up man. search temple of hip hop.

[swippletip]

ive became all thing to all men so that some may be saved the apostal pual

[yourbrotherinchrist]

Rap is an art, a talent, hip hop is a worldly culture. I love DG ministry and DWYL, but let's not attach the word holy to hip hop. This is not legalism, but just how the two are interpreted. For instance I love the song Don't Waste Your Life by Lecrae, but you don't need to act like one of the boyz in a video, that does not glorify God. Let's not let satan use this as a trojan horse, but let us not only glorify God in our words but in our character and conduct. Lose the swagger, look to Jesus.

[911TruthSeeker91]

I might be wrong but I'm guessing you've been watching the Truth Behind Hip Hop series. Lewis speaks the truth on those videos, and if you haven't seen it i recommend that you watch it. Peace.

[veritaslogos]

Have you read or seen any of the many responses to Lewis from those he accueses, and if so, which ones?

[ranaair]

the message, lyrics holy hip hop preaches is good

but that gangster culture coming with it should be thrown away

[AOKproduction]

yes!!! Alot of holy hip hop artists still wearing gold grillz and riding fixed cars... Thats not of God... He want us to be set apart.. We gotta be different.. and there will be a difference!!! =) Even though they may have changed; they appearance is still of the world... When God change you... EVERYTHING CHANGES... Not just a few things!! Yo clothes still can be urban just have ask God how to dress!! =)

[deezbeats]

so if you give your life to God is it khakis and polos? I think if we start picking at things like this we are doing more harm than good.if you wear a grill and then rap about how awesome your grill is then yes that is wrong but if you are dressed in a way you feel comfortable and your lyrics are based on scripture and glorify God where is the fault in that? and i am curious what you think they should wear once they have given their life to Christ. don't you wear what makes you comfortable?

[911TruthSeeker91]

Let me ask you a question. If a person came into your church to bring a revival and preach and he looked EXACTLY like Marylin Manson (if you don't know who he is, look him up) what would you say? would you allow him to preach the Word in your church or would you protest? It is not a dispute of whether the person is wearing a suit or casual. Its a dispute of whether or not the person has seperated himself from the world and worldly influences.

[deezbeats]

I know who marilyn manson is...but that doesn't really apply here. Marilyn manson wears things that go against the bible, for example he dresses as a woman, and the bible specifically says we are not to do that. It does not say anywhere you can't wear a big tshirt and baggy jeans. Also, when you say the dispute is whether or not the person has separated themselves from the world...the jeans..slacks..shirts..button downs..all are of this world..God created us naked...so you are...continued

[deezbeats]

picking at things you personally don't like, or what the church typically doesn't like. Shouldn't the concern be what their message is, and if it's biblical. Why would you turn away a message that could bring someone to Christ because of the way they dress

[911TruthSeeker91]

As I said before it has nothing to with whether a person is wearing jeans or combats. But whether the person's style of living (which doesn't only include clothing) is seperate from the world. Sure I believe clothes are clothes. But when it comes to the point where your clothing or you lifestyle is based on a sub-culture which started out as anti-christ and is still anti christ then you got a problem. Period.

[deezbeats]

it is the secular hip hop culture...making money...degrading women...these are the problems...but you won't find these things in the videos of the artists mentioned

[tonyt0n]

exactly!

[John6verse27]

I am sure this comment was made as I am late to this vid - the problem is not rap, it is the Hip Hop culture. I listened to Lecrae & I definitely liked what I heard. To understand the difference between the art (rap) & the culture (hip hop); you will have to research and listen to what the founders have to say. Or better yet, just listen to what KRS-One and/or Afrika Bambaataa have to say about Hip Hop Culture

[JMWthe4th]

Read Mark Chapter 9, Verses 38-41.

does it strike you the same way it strikes me, in regards to "Holy Hip-Hop" and the people who speak against it?

just asking out of curiosity.

[AOKproduction]

that has nothing ta do with holy hip hop... lol True!! there are some "gospel rappers" who are not real... But God WILL expose the ones he formed =)

[RobertBaral365]

You are physically animated, yet mentally dead. I see you awake but you are not really there. You walk around in a hollow shell. Living a life of mental stagnation. Seeking the comfort of reassuring lies. Your shallow mind, in a church of fools. Living a life of willing ignorance. Never thinking, forever dim. Nothing's more pathetic than a brainless drone. Vicious cycles of lies to cover lies. Just another robot in factory of falsehoods. A hollow puppet controlled by strings.

[tlagasi7]

Knowing the origins of Hip Hop, I will go as far to say that it has no business in the Church no matter how biblical these rappers may be, for the same reason that strange fire should not be presented to a Holy God. Remember that Aaron's sons were killed for doing so (Leviticus 10: 1-3) Sinners will come to Jesus through the preaching of the Gospel or they will not come at all. Christians should never embrace it.

[firish51]

And they sang a new song, saying:You are worthy to take the scroll,And to open its seals:For You were slain,And You have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,And have made us kings and priests to our God,And "we shall reign on the earth." Revelation 5:9 Yes! Preach Christ the whole counsel of God everywhere..

[yralm07]

@tlagasi7 I like what you said. You are absolutely right on target. Bless your heart.

[AOKproduction]

I disagree... Listening to holy hip hop is just like them preaching to you as a pastor would behind the altar... There is no difference... Yes!!! There are holy hip hop artist who are fake and just want some attention but YOU yourself have to KNOW THE TRUTH and your spirit man (holy ghost) will distinguish that!!! God invented music, hip hop is individual instruments just put together, ppl blaming hip hop, hip hop is just the beat!! Its all about the lifestyle of the person behind the beat =)

[deezbeats]

I disagree as well..and when you say "no matter how biblical these rappers may be" if they are speaking the gospel...the true gospel...how is it any different from hearing the same message in a church? the only difference is there is a beat behind it...if they spoke these words with no music..would you oppose?

[Sanatra81]

AMEN YES!!!!!!!

[kempnerboy07]

sense... no "c". . .

[ndanatswa]

this is exciting!! God bless y'all

[jmhjmh5]

Lecrae, FLAME, Trip Lee, Shai Linne, Timothy Prindle, Da T.R.U.T.H., Tedashii, Stephen the levite and many more.

True revival if you ask me.

All glory to God!

[leeperryismerry]

thank you so much I was looking for Stephen the levite but I'd forgotten his name!

:D

[gametime6o4]

I like the way this guy puts this, I've witnessed people talking against 'Holy Hip Hop'... But having it in my life... listening to it daily... has helped me tremendesly in my walk with Christ. Being from a Hip Hop generation... I used to look up to guys like The Game, Eminem, Tupac, Biggie, etc. But now I can listen to rap that teaches and praises God. It's an awesome thing. Thank GOD for what He is raising up. God Bless ... peace.

[timdprojesusfreak33]

Exactly

[epuentez]

Amen.

[BredyKent]

AMEN!

[Reformchick]

Thabiti Anyabwile is bringing Reform Theology to the people who desperately need it. Great video.

[dkan3]

ahhh finally a black, biblical teacher who actually reads scripture and understands the culture of holy hip hop. It's amazing how the "demonically" possessed hip hoppers are the one's out there preaching and encouraging to grow in Christ. I know this because Lecrae has done this in my life!

[goldcakez]

Although the problem is that once many people start taking the label of 'christian rapper,' how can the lyrical content and the quality of the 'sermons' be controlled? Who will exersize authority when everyone is preaching and there is no church?

[goldcakez]

Critics of the christian hip hop who are just Christians trying to be discerning... have you listened to the lyrics?

I don't know the other guy mentioned yet, but I have heard lecrae... its hard to fault him on any of his tracks... though I did stumble across one that had a single swear word in it.... one.

And fault finding aside there is a lot to like!

[deek77]

Can I ask which song are you referring to when you he sweared? Because I have all his albums, so I want to check see if I missed something.

[SolideoGloriafella]

Goldcakez,

Can you cite the evidence for your claim?

[mychalpryor24]

Lecrae spoke about that, and it is not a swear word. He referenced it during an interview with Mark Driscoll.

[goldcakez]

Sorry for not noticing this earlier. I will try and surf around and find it, I heard it off a you-tube clip song.

[deek77]

Could it be the "Joyful Noise track he did with Flame on the Our World Redeemed album? I've seen several people cite the line "...fought death, beat, it, gave his life to the public..." and thought he said another f-word.

[goldcakez]

I am sorry, I can't seem to find it. Maybe it was a another rapper on the same track or another person completely. I withdraw what I said.

[gzus777]

Amen!

[katalystmovement]

God is good. The devil can not create anything. Christ is reconciling all things back to himself. God uses hymns, contemporary christian music, rap, rock, writings, paintings, our lives to bring glory to himself. If you don't like hip hop fine but it is something that will give God glory. Do not act like God is angry with it when it is you. Hip hop has no power all things will bow to him. Sex isn't evil because people make porn niether is music if people don't honor God Some do

[BlackLantern2841]

All,

Just look at my first comment.

[surv08]

God's desire is that NONE be lost; we use what is necessarry to get His views across. Jesus and the disciples were not a clique. When the disciples told Jesus that there were some who were not "with them" who were casting out demons, Jesus said if their not against us, then they are for us. So we sometimes want to clique-up, do our own thang and just shut others out. If you're not a hell fan, you'd better learn to love people.

[karlrichii]

get em!!

[BlackLantern2841]

To each his own. Nothing against the lyrical content, I guess this is the concept of "redeeming the culture. Not everyone endorsing this.

But to quote someone else in hip-hop do what cha like.

[Kelebh]

Yeah, I guess the concept of "whatever you do, do it for the glory of God" doesn't apply to hip hop. It is obvious that God doesn't want to reach that section of people with the Gospel....

[BlackLantern2841]

What's wrong with a good old fashion conversation, building a relationship, and using the Word, which is how the gospel is to be articulated, which is the power of God unto salvation, not music.  We could debate this into eternity.

[Kelebh]

There is a huge flaw with that. You can't have a conversation with thousands of people that you are able to reach with a hip-hop cd. Using the Word in Hip-Hop is an effective way to show Christ and reach people thousands of miles away that you would never come in contact with otherwise. They also do the "good old fashion conversation, building a relationship, and using the Word" in their personal lives as well. Jesus never said for us not to use music to spread the Gospel. You can't limit God.

[BlackLantern2841]

The larger flaw in reality is one calling oneself reformed and abandoning the regulative principle. I only limit God to His word. Like I said we can on forever with this.

There is also a larger audience of non-believers that reject this as an imitation. Talk with some non-believers and see.

And you'd be suprised how many thousand one can interact with on the internet.

[HisFatherlyHand]

The Bible doesn't say anything about using the internet as a medium for communicating the gospel.

[BlackLantern2841]

It's only one small for forum. We are to proclaim the gospel according to the word. By your on admission every christian ministry with a website we need to shut. It's only a mircocosm, a means not an end. It is also an example I was giving as way to reach thousands.

Think that one through.

[dawgbear06]

By that same regulative principle, you would have to reject websites, too, since they aren't mentioned in scripture. You seem to accept that, though.

Music is a medium also. What about the Psalms? They are songs that relate the Gospel at times and exalt God at other times.

scripture = content;

books,writings, website = medium

glorifying God, declaring the Gospel = content;

Psalms, rap, choir, hymns = medium

Rap and Hymns are a medium for conveying the same message the Psalms convey.

[Kelebh]

I think it's hilarious that you claim that "one calling oneself reformed and abandoning the regulative principle" but you can't point to the principle FROM SCRIPTURE that God is offended or appalled by this.

Thanks.

[BlackLantern2841]

Try Leviticus 10:10

[veritaslogos]

he hits it on the head here, exactly

[Jesusafriend4sinners]

Also Flame, Dillon Chase, Cross Movement, Json, and Da T.R.U.T.H. These are my personal faves- thank God for their Christ centered messages to great beats I can jam to.

[Bpipes81]

Tedashii and Trip Lee are excellent Christian Hip Hop Artists as well if you're looking for others. Not to mention Curtis "Voice" Allen, whom Thabiti mentioned.

[frogator]

I own his book, "The Decline of African American Theology"

[veritaslogos]

sounds like a read.i might cop that cuz Lord knows (literally) it has

[robertpiercy]

Good word, Mr. Anyabwile. My first exposure this movement was the Cross Movement's latest album, "HIStory". I've never been a real big fan of rap, but folks like CM, Lecrae, Timothy Brindle and the like are beginning to persuade me. (Not to mention that my initials are RAP)

[WaitingforChrist]

you ought to check out Shai Linne if you haven't already. he's probably my favorite HHH artist (along with Timothy Brindle).