The emergence of hip-hop within the Church caused the Christian Science Monitor do examine the trend in the article, ‘Shake it out for Jesus’: Churches co-opt hip-hop. Having my own experience with hip-hop and churches opposed to it, I thought I would share some of my takes.
I don’t know if this will cause your image of me to increase or decrease, but I love hip-hop music. I am very white and have no ability to dance, but I enjoy the genre and am amazed by the talent of many artists.
Having said that, I also deplore the glorification of the "pimp" lifestyle that most rap music offers. The vast majority of it demeans women, glorifies violence and is harmful to both the black and white communities. It causes too many black youth to continue to ignore education as the most viable way to leave poverty behind. It reinforces much of the negative stereotypes of the black community in the minds of the white suburban kids buying the CD’s.
So needless to say, I find the emergence of "Gospel rap," "positive hip-hop," or whatever label you want to slap on it, to be a positive step for both the Church and the culture as a whole.
Christianity, unfortunately, has been deemed as a "white religion," despite its roots and the role it plays in the black community. By embracing hip-hop music, the Church has the ability to shake that and several other stereotypes that persist.
It offers those of us who enjoy the style of music, but despise the predominant image being displayed by hip-hop, a chance to seperate the two. I can listen to song with a fresh, new beat without having to worry about muting it really quickly so my 3-year-old doesn’t pick up a "fresh, new" word.
The emergence may possible signify a shift in Christian culture – away from negative stances and protests, to one that is able to evaluate culture and art both for the moral stance of the piece but also for the artistic value.
I can look at the rap of Eminem and see the hopelessness and despair that he offers in much of his music, but I can also understand that he is talented at what he does. I can appreciate the art, while offering an alternative with a better message.
The acceptance of hip-hop music into the Christian culture has begun at many of the megachurches, as well as smaller churches in black neighborhoods. They have seen the advantages of changing the delivery method of the message, without changing the essentials of the message.
Christianity must continue to do this, in order to reach today’s culture. It is not about becoming part of the world, but understanding the culture in order to reach it in the best possible way (as Paul did in the 1st century).
Personal Note: Some of my favorites in this genre include:
TobyMac, Grits, Cross Movement, KJ52 and LA Symphony
Aaron, I mostly agree with what you said about mainstream hip-hop. A lot of it is disturbingly negative, and it creates extremely negative role models for listeners. The music itself can be energetic and fun, but it’s hard to get past the often violent lyrics.
I believe, though, that the negative aspects of contemporary rap is one of its largest appeals to its listeners. Taking out the “‘pimp’ lifestyle” and inserting more ethical messages (be they Christian or secular) won’t make the audience more ethical — it will make the audience smaller.
Christian rock is a pretty good example of this, I think, in that — with a few notable exceptions — the only people who listen to it are Christians, regardless of how good any of the music actually is.
I wouldn’t lose any sleep if this sort of negative music disappeared tomorrow, but I don’t think that trying to subvert its message is a very effective means to change.
That may be entirely true. I agree that much of the appeal, particularly to suburbia youth, is the perceived dangerous edge to the music.
Much of it is, white record label execs pushing what they think will (does) sell. Take Black Eyed Peas, a group I would have formerly put in the positive category, but their recent releases have been pure tripe with none of their former feel. Most of that is probably caused by them being "pushed" by the record label and wanting to sell albums.
I guess that is the question. What is your motivation – to sell records or make a positive impact on society?
The comparrison to Christian rock is a good one, but I think Christian rock is progressing beyond it's borders. Numerous groups have "gone mainstream," some perhaps by hiding their message somewhat, but others have not been vague at all.
Producing quality music is the difference. When positive and/or Christian music (be it rock, rap, whatever) continues to put out high quality music there will be an audience. It may be smaller, but it will be solid and growing.
Besides any of that, Christians must communicate our message in the most culturally relevant way possible and hip-hop music is one of the best ways to do that.
1. Xian Rock’s Slowness to Join or Develop New Musical Styles
The main reason that xians have not created any new styles of music is that most new styles are generated out of rebellion and anger, two things which, according to some, xians are supposed to be getting OUT of their lives. However, they have neglected the development of righteous anger and rebellion against the world’s standards as values that a xian ought to have. It takes maturity to be able to do the latter without having the unrighteous anger which James 1:20 warns against (for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires).
Additionally, modern evangelicalism has had a utilitarian approach to art which basically says “if it ain’t good for evangelism, it ain’t good.” This sorry theology has been well pilloried by such xian writers as Franky Schaeffer (see discussion of Addicted to Mediocrity in What is Christian Music) for almost 30 years now. This caused early xian music to be little more than sloganeering, and not true artistry. Thankfully, this theology is waning, but it’s still strong enought for many xians to produce and accept schlocky music.
Another theological reason why xian music has not produced a lot of creativity is the fundamentalist dislike for the natural, human talents, as described in Is Man Basically Good or Evil. The human soul, which is usually supressed or crushed by fundamentalism’s emphasis on the fallenness of man, also ends up squelching the arts and intellect. Thank God for the true biblical view which balances man’s beauty with man’s fallenness.
2. Christian Rock’s Limited Appeal
Beyond the preponderance of bad music and lyricism in xian music, why doesn’t the “good” xian music have more appeal?
a. It does have growing appeal in the crossover market.
Bands like Switchfoot, Lifehouse, Vertical Horizon, Evanescence, and even Lauren Hill attest to the market’s increasing acceptance of xian bands with both good content and artistry. Also, in Country Music, gospel content has much more financial success just because of the makeup of the audience. In the hip hop area, bands like Kirk Franklin’s New Generation are very popular.
b. Xian music is not always popular b/c it is contradiction to the world’s values.
The bible defines the world’s value system of being made up of three components – lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. This is interpreted to mean that the world promises fulfillment through a the passions of the flesh (food, sex), aquiring possessions, and through achievement, prestige and power. True xian music does not espouse these values, while secular hip hop most certainly does. For those who are caught up in the world system (and it is hard not to be, with all of the advertising and pressures of daily life), xian music may seem foreign or unappealing. This will always be so.
However, in a world turning from gluttonous gratification of these desires, xian music may shine as a true voice of hope and fulfillment. That’s what xian music and xover is all about.
(Christian indie rock is doing quite well, probably cuz indie rock listeners tend not to care about being rebels – quirkiness and quality are what count)