Last week, Rev. Michael Waters wrote a post entitled "An Odd Future for Faith In Hip-Hip." In the piece Rev. Waters asserts that "I am increasingly troubled by certain contemporary moves in hip-hop culture that embrace the occult and make a mockery of faith." I would agree with Rev. Waters that the lyrics in some hip-hop songs are vulgar, misogynistic and violent. But like Michael, I love hip-hop. Particularly, I love gangster rap. Not because I believe in the message of violence, but because as someone who grew up on the streets I can relate to the pain, anger, frustration and disappointment expressed in the lyrics.
Just like Rev. Waters, I am concerned about the approach some rappers take toward God and faith. But I'm also concerned that too often in the faith community we hold only the rapper accountable for the lyrics and not ourselves for the things we do to make the larger community feel like God or the church does not care. Like most people, rappers wrestle with understanding God, Christianity and their own personal faith.
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What a great article! Just like the battle of good and evil exists so does the continuing debate of whether God exists or not. Hip Hop is a brutally honest art form, and the candid nature of the struggles of beliefs give an honest portrayal of the personal quandaries perplexing many in society. Judging the artists because of the lyrics is like judging a book solely by it's cover. Listening to the complexities represented by the lyrics can shed light on ways that those in the church or other religious affiliates can address religious debates in Hip Hop.
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