Hip Hop & Jesus

I was first introduced to hip hop as a middle schooler. I would go stay with my cousin, who was in high school, and for fun we’d drive around and bump to Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Notorious B.I.G. or Naughty by Nature.

I loved it! I felt so cool hanging out with my cousin and her friends. I don’t think I understood a single word being rapped back then, but the beat and rhythm drew me in.

Though I had been raised in church, it wasn’t until half way through my freshman year of high school that I actually came into a relationship with Jesus. I began wrestling with the music I listened to. It became very clear to me the power of the influence music had on me and so many of my peers.

I didn’t want to give up hip hop but I didn’t want to keep feeding my soul the crap worldly hip hop offered-money, sex, drugs, alcohol. I longed for an alternative.

In the late 90′s into my early college years I worked for a couple different Christian radio stations. I finally came across some Christian hip hop music. I gave it an honest shot, but it just didn’t match up.

Though there were a few Christian hip hop artists or songs here and there that I would listen to-it mostly seemed kinda cheesy or dated or too CCM radio ready.

In 2005 a new Christian hip hop artist, Lecrae, stepped onto the scene with his album Real Talk. His single “Represent” was like a breath of fresh air! I proudly spread the word and played the song for all my friends.

Some people think that hip hop is of the devil. I strongly disagree. I believe hip hop is of God. I believe it is a gift and talent that He gives His children for us to use to bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ, to reach the lost…and I’m not the only one who believes so.

Lecrae has dedicated his life to the message of Jesus Christ and uses his gift of hip hop to do so. His ministry far exceeds performing and penetrates the streets. He is passionate about reaching Memphis, TN and the world! He’s a part of Reach Records and Reach Life Ministries. He also teams up with fellow hip hop artists such as Trip Lee, Tedashii, Flame and Sho Baraka.

The Bible says to give honor where honor is due, Lecrae I honor and thank you-for bringing your gift to the feet of Jesus, for living the life, for taking the Kingdom to the streets and for preaching the Truth with no fear of man.

(The first video below is Lecraes testimony and the second is the video for “Go Hard,” a single off his latest album Rebel. Enjoy and be blessed!)