Rap is less accepted in the religious study world. But many rap artists and listeners are practicing Christians, and spread the lyrics of their music. So many rappers use their musical platform to spread the word of their beliefs, expressing themselves.
Christianity Within Rap
Adrian Lee's article in Macleans analyzes several rappers such as Kendrick Lamar, Jeezy, and A$AP Rocky who are all writing music about their Christian beliefs. This article serves to question why these artists are publicly stating their religion in their music. Many of the rappers talked about the authenticity of religion in representing their struggles. The theme of connecting struggles to the struggles of Christ seem to be a reoccurring theme that links many of these articles. It has first hand accounts from rappers about their belief systems.
Many people refer to Kendrick Lamar as the second coming. When he released his album To Pimp A Butterfly, it was a surprise—mainly because of how openly religious it was. There’s a long verse from a coaxing Satan, another song is written from the perspective of Jesus Christ, and there is an obsession with the seduction of sin. The theme of sin amongst rappers is ever present. The trend of religion in rap music is something that is becoming more and more popular among today's artists.
Jeezy, who was formerly Young Jeezy, turned himself toward Christiantiy and released an album called Church in These Streets. A$AP Rocky, a popular rapper, began his 2012 album with "a meditation on his
relationship with the church." Earlier this month, Lecrae, who also leads a Christian ministry, released his album Church Clothes 3. His previous album made him the first Christian rapper to have a number one song on iTunes. Even Kanye West created a song entirely about Jesus Christ walking among us. All of these rappers speak openly about their faith. He has even said that his album The Life Of Pablo is a "gospel album."
There is a rapper formerly known as MC Malice, who was an artist who rapped about things not so holy, such as drugs and crime. He found a place in the church and change his name to "No Malice." A man name Joseph Simmons from the rap group Run D.M.C became a Minister, Reverend Run. Many if not all of these rappers seem to find themselves
feeling the presence of God, and changing their ways. They use their rap platform and popularity to spread the word of their connection with Christianity. It is hard to give a definite reason as to why they
they so often seem to find themselves turning away from a sinful life and embracing God. It is another thing entirely to wonder why some still feel as though they are sinful. Maybe it is because for such a long time they lived a life full of "sin." Or maybe society has embedded it into their brains that they are sinful creatures. There is no one single answer that will indefinitely tell us one way or the other.
Michael Born said, “I believe that community is the most important Mennonite value and that is why I am proud to be Mennonite. Community is why I associate myself as a Mennonite, and it is part of my identity. This is a song written about a book called Deepening Community, by a Mennonite author, Paul Born. He strives for community and has stories written about his church throughout the years and how community has shaped his faith, as it has shaped mine.”
This rap group has based their song entirely around the community aspect of their religion. The first half of the song talks about the need for community in one's life, and how their lives are incomplete if they aren't in touch with their community. The second half talks about their own community and how anyone is welcome to join at any time. They say "It starts with getting past our differences and then embracing every walk of life; gay, straight, black, white, or Asian."
