tb on: “The Truth Behind Hip Hop”
// March 31st, 2009 // Articles
The truth behind “The Truth Behind Hip Hop” is that minister G Craige Lewis is wrong about the origins of Christian Rap, and this article presents irrefutable proof. The devil wants to turn the church against Christian Rap because he knows rap can be a powerful and highly effective tool for the Kindgom of God. Read this article and judge for yourself; then go to our Albums page where you can listen to and download all of our music for FREE.
You may be familiar with the teachings, ministry or dvd series by brother Lewis wherein he basically states that rap is the devil’s music, and that there can be no such thing as “holy hip hop” because “hip hop” was founded as a false religion by Afrika Bambaataa and KRS One back in the 1970′s. A brother Anthony of Christian rap group Hazakim wrote an excellent article refuting Mr. Lewis’ teaching on many fronts, and in particular on the origin’s of secular hip hop, crediting DJ Cool Herc as the real founder of “hip hop.” I am certainly no hip hop historian so as to that issue I simply refer you to brother Anthony’s well written article which is available at http://www.clarkyboy.com/hazakim.htm. The purpose of this blog is to provide the reader with yet further evidence that Mr. Lewis is wrong about Christian rap.**
To most people, Holy Hip Hop, Christian Hip Hop, His Hop, and Christian Rap are synonymous terms that simply indicate a style of Christ centered music. What ultimately distinguishes rap from all other forms of music is the fact that the vocalist on a given “song” is not actually singing. It sounds more like he’s talking, so we call it “rapping.” It’s pretty much poetry set to fit a certain tempo. The fact of the matter is that Christian rap as an art-form in America goes all the way back to 1943 at the latest, way before Bambaataa or Cool Herc.
As the Lord would have it, I came across this info a couple years ago and recently ran a search for it in light of Mr. Lewis’ claims that rap belongs to the devil. I found a song called “Stalin Wasn’t Stallin’” (click to play) written by Willie Johnson and performed by his group, “The Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet” in 1943. The song can be found on a compilation album entitled “The Gospel Sound” released by the Legacy/Columbia Record Label in 1994, and is available on You Tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvFRuio-3fI. When I first heard this song, my mind was blown. Who would have thought that Christians were rapping in the early 1940′s? Well they were. Listen for yourself and look it up on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalin_Wasn’t_Stallin’. The Wikipedia article notes:
“‘Stalin Wasn’t Stallin” was written during World War II, and praises the efforts of Joseph Stalin in his stand against Adolf Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union. . . . The Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet spoke (or sermonized) the lyrics of the song against a rhythm of back-up vocals. It was a moderate hit in 1943. It has since appeared on several compilation records, including Gospel Greats: 60 Legendary Performances (The Soho Collection, 2005).” (Emphasis added).
So, given that Christians were rapping in the 1940′s, if Mr. Lewis is right in that secular rap didn’t start until it came into play as part of a false religion in the 1970′s, then the implication is that rap music never did rightfully belong to the devil. He stole it. Now he wants to say it belongs to him, but Jesus said: “[w]hen he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44. Jesus further said: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Christian rap artists simply use this art form in the Spirit of 1st Corinthians 9:22 to draw others to Jesus so that they may have life and have it more abundantly. And that’s exactly why the devil hates Christian rap. The fact that Christian rap is effective is exactly why the devil is trying to turn the church against Christian rap. Because rap music is so powerful, the devil wants to be the only one using it to influence society. These days many church folk like to talk about “taking back what the devil stole.” Why not apply that principle to rap music? “The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1.
Therefore Christians, in spite of what G. Craige Lewis or anybody else has to say on the matter, “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.
Psalm 150
Let All Things Praise the LORD
1 Praise the LORD!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!
2 Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp!
4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes!
5 Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD!
**UPDATE: This article was written based on the first and second dvd in the Truth Behind Hip Hop series which dates back to 2004. In, or around, 2009 Mr. Lewis released a 5th dvd documentary available on the same topic (you can purchace any of them for the low low price of $14.95 + $5.00 shipping and handling), and in this 5th dvd, “What Every Church Needs to Know About Hip Hop” for $14.95 + $5.00 s&h, he finally conceded that there’s nothing wrong with Christians rapping over a beat. He said his ministry is not so shallow as to be against a particular style of music per se, but is against bringing “Hip Hop” as he understands it into the church, whereas he says: “Rap is the music; Hip Hop is the life.” Well, I’m glad he finally cleared things up as far as the style of music is concerned (actually that’s an answer to my prayers for him). As far as what Hip Hop is or is not, honestly I don’t really care. Sin is sin regardless of label, genre or culture, and no, the church should not embrace sin (if you even needed me to say that). For the record in case anybody asks or wants to know, here at Eternal Life Music, we represent Jesus Christ and not Hip Hop, Rap or whatever you call it. We do what we do because we are called and gifted of God to bless the Lord and His people this way. Before the music starts and after it stops, we live for Christ because He is worthy. And the music, well of course that speaks for itself.
___________________________________________________________
Lyrics to “Stalin Wasn’t Stallin’”:
Stalin wasn’t stallin’
When he told the beast of Berlin
That they’d never rest contented
’til they had driven him from the land
So he called the yanks and English
And proceeded to extinguish
The Fuhrer and his vermin
This is how it all began
Now, the devil, he was reading
In the Good Book one day
How the Lord created Adam
To walk the righteous way
And it made the devil jealous
He turned green up to his horns
And he swore by things unholy
That he’d make one of his own
So he packed two suitcases
Full of grief and misery
And he caught the midnight special
Going down to Germany
Then he mixed his lies and hatred
With fire and brimstone
Then the devil sat upon it
That’s how Adolf was born
Now Adolf got the notion
That he was the master race
And he swore he’d bring new order
And put mankind in its place
So he set his scheme in motion
And was winning everywhere
Until he up and got the notion
For to kick that Russian bear
Stalin wasn’t stallin’
When she told the beast of Berlin
That they’d never rest contented
’til they had driven him from the land
So he called the yanks and English
And proceeded to extinguish
The Fuhrer and his vermin
This is how it all began
Yep he kicked that noble Russian
But it wasn’t very long
Before Adolf got suspicious
That he had done something wrong
’cause that bear grabbed the Fuhrer
And gave him an awful fight
Seventeen months he scrapped the Fuhrer
Tooth and claws, day and night
Then that bear smacked the Fuhrer
With a mighty armored paw
And Adolf broke all records
Running backwards to Krakow
Then Goebbels sent a message
To the people everywhere
That if they couldn’t help the Fuhrer
“God, don’t help that Russian bear”
Stalin wasn’t stallin’
When he told the beast of Berlin
That they’d never rest contented
’til they had driven him from the land
So he called the yanks and English
And proceeded to extinguish
The Fuhrer and his vermin
This is how it all began
Then this bear called on his buddy
The noble fighting yank
And they sent the Fuhrer running
With their ships and planes and tanks
Now the Fuhrer’s having nightmares
Cause the Fuhrer knows darn well
That the devil’s done wrote “welcome”
On his residence in hell
Stalin wasn’t stallin’
When he told the beast of Berlin
That they’d never rest contented
’til they had driven him from the land
So he called the yanks and English
And proceeded to extinguish
The Fuhrer and his vermin
This is how it all began
28 Responses to “tb on: “The Truth Behind Hip Hop””
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that is so true!
Yo brother Chris! Thanks for your contributions to the convo. You asked whether we consider it wrong for any so called gospel artists use the same song as secular music and try and make it about Jesus by changing the words or for a so called gospel song to have a secular break of music. Honestly, between DJ Kindeezil and myself, you’ll get a difference of opinion on that topic, and I’m sure you would get similar differences of opinion if you polled more people. What we do agree on is that it’s wrong to do anything whereby a brother is caused to stumble or is made weak. Romans 14. I personally disagree with using secular beats for Jesus music, especially popular secular beats, specifically for the reason you said – I don’t want to be responsible for causing someone’s mind to go back to sinful music. I can assure you that here at Eternal Life Music we won’t be taking popular sinful songs and changing the words. Really there’s no need for that. God supplies all of our needs according to His riches in glory. I’m sure there are numerous other Christian artists who have taken the same stand.
Beyond that I would just say be careful making such condemning generalizations. To say “the majority of those people who listen to holy hip hop/christian rap never truly get saved but put on an act,” presupposes that you’re familiar with, and actually know, the eternal state of the majority all of the people who listen to Christian rap. “Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” Romans 14:3-4. I personally know many a Spirit filled believer who listens to Christian Rap on occasion. They dig the style of music, and as a way of honoring the Lord, they substitute Christian rap for worldly rap. You may turn from rap altogether in your own effort to honor God. The point is that in either case, the heart is the same – honoring Christ! Trust me, the Kingdom of God is not about weather you listen to Christian rap any more than it is about meat or drink. It’s about “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Romans 14:17.
God bless you too bro!
I could be wrong. Christian rap is no different than Holy Hip Hop. When “Holy Hip Hop” artists or any so called gospel artists use the same song as secular music and just try and make it about Jesus by changing the words or a so called gospel song has a secular break of music(this is becoming so popular), considering those that put away secular music but at 1 point it had a stronghold on them, do you consider that wrong? I feel that is the devil trying to steal God’s glory because when that happens your mind goes back to the music of the world. 1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. And unfortunately for the black community or anyone who listens to holy hip hop/christian rap, these acts are common among this industry. I personally had put off secular music through Jesus Christ back in ’09, but found myself listen to Holy Hip Hop for a few months before that. Suddenly I found myself going back to secular music after listening to holy hip hop for just a few months. Nothing about Holy Hip Hop is telling you to kill the demon(spirit) that Hip Hop put in you, but to nurse the spirit and pacify it.(personal experience) It doesn’t matter that the message is supposedly about Jesus to most people when they hear hip hop it’s hip hop. So I get that it may be ministering to some and that’s great but because the majority of those people who listen to holy hip hop/christian rap never truly get saved but put on an act. Proof is in their lifestyle. Their ipods is full of everything. If you all are preaching the word and saving souls that’s great but the vast majority don’t get the message of change because there’s not much difference between Holy hip hop and hip hop. Clothing, slang, style, swagger, etc. As you stated man sees outward but God sees the heart. Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the LORD, that ye henceforth walk not as other gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind. 27 Neither give place to the devil.
There’s more to Christ than music. It’s a relationship. God bless.
Amen sister Dawn!
Like the article and thanks for writing it. I saw the dvd i have not seen the whole set but i am failiar with them. I must say that i did not recall Mr. Lewis coming against Chritian rap but i do recall him talking about Hip-Hop being made into a religion. I personally LOVE christian rap along with contemporary, country and all other genres of christian music and understand that it in itself is a tool for spreading the gospel and also praise to God. I know the word states that “He who wins souls is wise” the spirit of Religion has caused alot of damage to the body of christ with man-made do’s and dont’s. I say keep spreading the Good News thru the words u speak whether it is sung in a melody or spoken on top of a melody as long as the word is being brought forth u are doing the work of the ministry.
Praise God Drum and Bass!!
wow ur site gave me power !!! thanks
Thank you, I’ve recently been searching for facts about this topic for ages and yours is the best I’ve discovered so far.
Man … I never expected the article on the truth behind “The Truth Behind Hip Hop” to get as much attention as it has. It’s kind of sad that out of all the great stuff on our website, including some really powerful Christ-centered God-glorifying sermons, this article has received the most comments by far. I assume it’s because the topic is so controversial. Allow me to clear some things up for the record.
First, the article was not intended as a dis on G. Craige Lewis. Rather, in light of the fact that Eternal Life Music is called to Rap ministry for Christ, the article has been posted for the benefit of our listeners/supporters and/or anyone else called to, or blessed by, Christian Rap ministry. We understand that many are negative toward Christian Rap and that Mr. Lewis’ ministry is very popular, so we have anticipated our listeners/supporters, and perhaps even skeptics and/or critics, looking to us for a response. Some may have been caused to wonder … “wait, is it ok for me to be listening to this music?” Thus, the article is posted to provide that biblical response as an extension of the ministry itself. Entering into this shaded area, the goal is simply to turn all the lights on by pointing out the truth. At John 3:21, Jesus said: “whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
@Nina & @Joshua, first of all, thanks for visiting the site and for sharing your thoughts. Let’s be clear: Mr. Lewis did, in fact, come against “rap,” and he did, in fact, say that Hip Hop was formed by Afrika Bambaataa. Go back to the original “Truth Behind Hip Hop” DVD. In it, Mr. Lewis does not draw a distinction between “Hip Hop” and “rap music.” In attacking the art form (inadvertently or not), he repeatedly made reference to what he referred to as “rap” videos, “rap” songs, “rap” cd’s and “rappers.” In speaking about “the power that music has,” his words were clearly focused on the music, and not the culture independent of the music. In fact, he indicated that the music was responsible for the culture. He said that sagging pants and dressing like prostitutes all “came from the music.” The reference he made to Afrika Bambaataa comes 46 minutes into Video #1. There (and I’ll quote him verbatim), Mr. Lewis specifically says: “Back in 1970 there was a man named Afrika Bambaataa. And he formed something that we know today as Hip Hop. He pinned the name and he formed the culture, and he even went to Africa and learned the teachings of the Zulus. . . . But he went over there and learned the teachings of the Zulus, then he went and learned the aura of Pharoah, and how Pharoah was proclaiming himself to be God. . . . Afrika Bambaataa then brought that back and formed the Hip Hop culture. And the teachings of the Hip Hop culture say that the black man is God, and there is no Jesus Christ.”
Make no mistake, we did listen intently to EVERYTHING Mr. Lewis had to say on those first few DVD’s. To the extent that the Gospel is preached and folks are called to pursue and embrace holiness, we rejoice in Mr. Lewis’ ministry. But, beyond that, and specifically with respect to Christian Rap, we must reject his teachings because we find them to be inaccurate. We believe that the bible ordains this approach as noble and honorable (see Acts 17:10), and when it comes to anyone supposedly forth-telling the heart of God on a matter, we encourage everyone within our small sphere of influence to “test everything [and] hold fast what is good.” 1st Thessalonians 5:21. Chew the meat, but spit out the bone.
Ultimately, we agree with Mr. Wilson that we shouldn’t allow music preference to be a thing that separates us as believers, knowing full well that God has called us to unity. (@Mr. Wilson: thank you for your comments and encouragement in the faith). “[T]here are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1st Corinthians 12:4-7. We understand that not everything is for everybody, that there are different strokes for different folks, not everyone is going to embrace Christian Rap, and not everyone who embraces Christian Rap is going to embrace “Eternal Life Music” – and all of that is perfectly fine. Anyone who doesn’t like it shouldn’t listen. We certainly have no intention to force our music upon any individual or any local assembly. But for any believer who wants to praise and worship God by engaging in, or listening to Christian Rap, we want them to be aware and advised that they are at liberty in Christ to do just that. And while I wouldn’t play our music for my 88 year old Christian grandmother knowing she would likely be offended by the same, if a pastor calls us in search of some Christian rappers to serve at a community outreach event by pouring out that which the Lord has poured in, we’re gonna prayerfully consider it, and if we can swing it, we’ll be there free of charge. Our gas money is out-of-pocket, and we foot the bill for the CD’s we give away, and for our website. Of course we’re not the only ones doing ministry this way. If Ex-ministries or whoever else wants to say this isn’t ministry or that all Christian rappers are just in it for the money, well … that’s their business. But they would do well to review Romans 14:4 and 10. We shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.
Thank y’all again for stopping by. Love in Christ and God bless!
I love my family in Christ but are we ever going to let religion go? So now as the body were going to be separated no only by denomination but by music preference also. Are we really this naive are we really going to let the enemy play us? Gospel has a definition its the good news of Christ. Are these brothers not spreading the good news of Christ? Is the delivery more powerful than my fathers WORD heaven and earth has not passed away has it? As long as these brothers and sisters are sending his WORD carried by faith it’s going to complete the mission point blank period. Why are we debating such fleshly issues we sound like the church of corinthian. I’m follower of Paul i’m a follower of barnabas when they were only servants of the same God. I personally don’t listen rap but if the mighty clouds of joy cant get my children’s attention and dre the flame can, thank God for dre the flame. I pray that God give us all a higher degree of faith. i don’t want to have to change my diet because what i eat convicts u. Please family lets stop sentencing each other to hell because of our measure of faith. Lets love one another and hands support your feet and eyes support your ears cause we all differ in ability but the mission is the same. Support the body, amen.
Craige Lewis did not come against rap. He came against “Hip Hop”. Your entire blog is about rap. Hip Hop is a belief not a delivery style. Rap is simply a sharp and fast method of delivering information.
And remember that Jesus and His 12 did not sing to anyone to get them set free, healed, and made whole. I’m simply saying that music wasn’t even needed to do what Jesus did. Ponder that when wanting to fight for music… And be blessed by Yaweh, creator of heaven and earth. The one who saved us and is Love. The one we call Abba. and by the power of The Holy Spirit.
You’ve made some valid points but honestly I’ve seen the videos and was raised by two parents who understand the spritual world and serve God whole-heartedly and most of that music they wouldn’t let us listen to growing up. When comparing myself to my peers, who also were raised in the church but whose parents let them listen to seemingly harmless music, you can tell the difference. Nowhere in the series does he claim that you can’t reach souls but Holy Hip Hop is just conforming to the standard the world has set… Satan always has and always will use music to mesmerize the world. There are those God called to reach His people but seriously? Every so called Gospel Hip Hop artist is called, they conform to what they think will reach the young people, and a lot of them don’t know or understand the history of the symbols they use, the themes, and where they stem from. If you watched the series, he speaks of biblical times, long before 1943, where God’s people were easily led astray by the music of that time, same thing going on now. The man was speaking the truth and just because it makes some uncomfortable or uneasy doesn’t change that fact. Listen to what he’s saying and understand what God is revealing through His Word before you discredit him. He spoke too many very real and very relevant things. SN: He never said Hip Hop began with those artists afore mentioned in your blog, he simply showed how it’s influence on our culture began and the negative affects it has had since, as well as the demonic influences spread among God’s people. The artists mentioned were merely catalysts, the source and history began with Satan long before you, I, or they were thought of. This is a spiritual war, not a war of words. The Word has already prevailed.
DMUC, thanks for taking the time to listen (seriously), and thanks for the compliments. You raise some great points, but I believe it’s necessary to draw a distinction between the Word of God and the opinions of men. You provide us with no scriptural basis for the OPINION that certain “styles” of music create bridges for Satan to attack, and no explanation as to why rock and rap are targeted, as opposed to any other “style” of music. We believe that substance is far more significant than style, and that there’s nothing about the styles you reference that are inherently sinful. Feel free to offer any BIBLICAL PROOF that says otherwise. You ask whether we are “really ready to give it up if [we] get conviction from the Holy Spirit?” That’s a phenomenal question, and thanks for asking it. We believe that no one should be engaged in ministry on this level without a conviction from the Holy Spirit. As servants of Christ, we do what we do because we fully believe that we’re called to this ministry. As servants of Christ, we are called to OBEDIENCE. So to answer your question directly, if we were convicted by the Holy Spirit to “give it up,” we would do it in a heartbeat. If our sacrifice of praise was not pleasing unto God, then there would be absolutely no reason to continue in this ministry. Remember, we do not sell our music or charge for appearances. Our sole aim is to glorify God with the gifts and talents that He’s provided, while blessing His children and calling the lost to repentance. We agree wholeheartedly that serious prayer is needed. We seek to be constant in prayer and covet the prayers of the Saints for God’s Proverbs 3:6 direction. We also agree that Bible reading is in order; in fact, we believe that it is absolutely essential to our ministry, as one cannot share God’s heart without first hearing His heart. We will gladly receive and review any passage of the Word in reference to this topic, or otherwise. In particular, we would be very interested in knowing the biblical basis for your statement that our souls are presently “at stake” because of this ministry. Have we actually made some heretical statement or taken some position of opposition to the clear teachings of scripture such as would warrant you questioning our eternal salvation? Or is it simply that you question our salvation because you personally disagree with our “style?” Can you see the problem here? Based on your own personal opinion, you actually instructed us to stop doing certain ministry that we believe we’re called by God to undertake. “I think this needs serious prayer, bible reading and extensive research.” We find the biblical basis for our ministry in the following passages, among others: Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 9:18-23; Psalm 116:12; Psalm 150, Matthew 25:14-30; Matthew 10:8 and Isaiah 58:10-11. Based on these and other passages, and after significant prayer, we firmly believe that the Lord wants us to use the abilities that He’s given us to help advance His kingdom. We take our direction from the Word of God, and require the same before altering the course that we believe He has laid before us. “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.” Acts 4:19. Again, we will gladly receive and review any passage of the Word in reference to this topic, or otherwise. Thank you for visiting our site and for sharing your heart with us.
Grace and peace.
I listened to your tracks and they do sound great. However now here comes the sad part, i still think that there is danger in some style of music especially rock and hip hop and mixing it with Christianity will create a bridge for satan to attack. I do strongly believe that you have good intentions and may be effective in some instances and very talented but that does not make it right with God. I could see from most comments the way people were defending their music, are you really ready to give it up if you get conviction from the Holy Spirit, i hope so. Guys all im saying is there’s a lot at stake here YOUR SOUL so i think this needs serious prayer, bible reading and extensive research, take a time off from music for a short period and let God show you the way.
Hosea 4:6
Peace
AMEN, MUSIC PLAYS GREAT ROLE…
God said be ye Holy for I the Lord,God am Holy! Bottom line if it is not holy it is not God and it not of God,no matter how you try to fix to your liking or should I say your age group.God will hold you accountable.
Hey Jaeme,
God is not the author of confusion so he doesn’t want us to be confused. Just know that God is not so much concerned about outward forms, styles or appearances – but His concern is with the heart. With any music, God’s concern is with the question: what is the heart behind it? No doubt, the heart will affect the style and appearance. But as we noted in the article, even G. Craige Lewis came out and said on something like his 4th dvd, that he isn’t against any particular STYLE of music, he is against a religion called Hip Hop. We are also against every false religion, but not everybody agrees on what Hip Hop is. To some its a religion following KRS-1, to others it’s nothing more than a musical genre and they pay KRS-1 no mind. He didn’t create the style of music. We don’t mean to debate that point. Only to state what should be evident, that some rap music, music like ours, is indeed Christ-centered, thus, God honoring and pleasing to Him. On the other hand there is plenty of Hip Hop music out there that no God honoring Christian should ever listen to, and, In my opinion, G. Craig Lewis does an admirable job of pointing out why. Ultimately we go back to 1st Samuel 16:7 which says, “For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
Hope this helps!!
[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ’0 which is not a hashcash value.
im now confused and dont know who to believe
C. Brown, thanks for stopping by. Our claim about G. Craige Lewis’ ministry is simply that he is mistaken about the origins of Christian Rap. As the article says, this song is irrefutable proof, since it pre-dates the time period in which Mr. Lewis claims rap originated. The fact that “Stalin was an ATHEIST,” as you say, is of no consequence to the point being made. Further, it would not be totally accurate to label this 1943 rap song a song “about Stalin.” More accurately, the song, published by a Gospel musuc group over 65 years ago, presents historical commentary (with some embellishment) from a biblical world view, crediting the devil for the rise of Hitler, and highlighting the penalty for Hitler’s sins against God and humanity.
A Christian song about…. Stalin? Are you seriously using that to support your claim about G. Craige Lewis ministry? Stalin was an ATHEIST! “Stalin followed the position adopted by Lenin that religion was an opiate that needed to be removed in order to construct the ideal communist society. To this end, his government promoted atheism through special atheistic education in schools, massive amounts of anti-religious propaganda, the antireligious work of public institutions (especially the Society of the Godless), discriminatory laws, and also a terror campaign against religious believers. By the late 1930s it had become dangerous to be publicly associated with religion” & He didn’t try to stop Hitler. He made a pact with him, he only went against him after he broke the pact.He wanted to be a God. How could you compare him to anyone in the church? Research the man.
blasphemy. who am i to trust now huh?
I’ve been following the truth about Hip Hop and found alot of what this guy says to be from the hip and inaccurate. You did a great job explaining Holy Hip Hop origins. Me I’m a musician and Holy Hip Hop producer among many other things. First off I’d like to say that we are all sinners saved by grace and that includes us musicians.
If anyone wonders why Gospel music sounds like secular music its because secular musicians or sinners saved by Grace write the music and most accomplished musicians write and play many genres. If someone puts Hip Hop on blast, don’t leave out R&B, Neo Soul, Jazz, Rock, and country. All these genres are secular and are in all spiritual music in America. I find that only African American culture is in conflict with its musical forms.
Somehow African American Christians think that Gospel music is unique and not influenced by any other genre. That secular influence should be avoided so as a musician I say where do we take Gospel music back to? Blues and Jazz formed original Gospel as those musicians played the Juke joints on Friday and Saturday and were the church band on Sundays. You can’t make black church an Island of exclusive living saints because it is and will always be comprised of sinners saved by Grace. They bring with them their culture and it isn’t an issue in Africa, Jamaica, or predominantly white churches.
So if you are 25 and grew up on Hip Hop as I did and you get saved, do you throw out all your hip hop ways and buy Shirley Caesar? Dress like Pastor so and so? In Africa the Christians sing like Africans, in predominantly white churches rock is the genre associated with their Christian music but is there a Craig Lewis ripping on them? When we all know that Rock and Metal had true demonic lyrics and imagery on their albums.
Truthfully what I see is a brother making money on half truths and instead of preaching salvation he is using Hip Hop indirectly to get paid so he should be considered a beef artist, he’s like a 50 cent of Urban Ministry calling out these rappers and he doesn’t know any of them personally so he is judging them and he hasn’t interviewed the ones he’s blasting. None of the examples that Jesus left here for us to follow are attack and scare tactics, but a message of Love.
Jesus loved the sinners and led them by dealing with them and even the Pharisees who were set against him he didn’t bash or attack. He said to love our enemies not get paid on making dvd’s to expose half truths and opinions. On one of his videos he says Redman is in Wu Tang. Well at least get the history and bio’s down before calling them out.
I liked this blog so much I’m doing a show tomorrow @ 12 noon pst.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rttalk/2010/09/03/illuminati-masons-skulls-new-world-order-hip-hop
the call in number is 347-838-8762 call in, I would love to get your comments and responses. Thanks for your time I’m Leonard Tatum on facebook or rttalk in google it will take you to me. God Bless….
Minister CJ,
Thanks for stopping by our website and sharing your heart. We’re definitely in agreement with your major points, even if we don’t agree on presentation. You mentioned that we’re called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds as opposed to being conformed to the world. There’s no question about that. In fact, we have a song called Transformers that’s centered on that very theme. The CONTENT of our music is totally contrary to anything that does not submit to Christ. Have you listened to ANY of our songs? Obviously, you disagree with the “packaging” as being conformed to the world, given the style of music, but does that mean I should not preach the gospel in blue jeans? Did the church invent the suit and tie? Or is that the same style of dress worn by corrupt corporate executives who make a fortune by stealing money behind closed doors? Honestly, do you go to church to worship dressed like the Apostle Paul? Not that I expect you to answer these questions, I’m just making a point here.
You posed the question: “how can one get into the ‘Spirit of GOD’ listening to Rapp music?” Perhaps God still works in mysterious ways.
First, God has always been about substance more than form or appearance. Second, I don’t recall a verse that says we are to “get into the Spirit of God.” We’re instructed to be filled with Spirit of God; that same Spirit which is that Living Water that the Lord said would flow out of the bellies of those who truly believe on Him (John 7:38). Is the Lord limited in creativity as to the manner in which that Living Water should flow out of a man? Is He not the Creator of creativity? Consider Ephesians 5:17-19 — “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Does the Word say what style of music that is? Is it limited to a certain style? If it’s done out of a heart to honor the Lord and to bless His children, isn’t that what matters? You said yourself that God looks at the heart of everything, and you have to agree with that because God said so. “[F]or the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b. Ultimately, the only biblical stipulation to worship (correct me if I’m wrong) is John 4:24: “they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” Obviously Christian Rap doesn’t put YOU in the mood to worship God, but God created us all differently. I could share various testimonies and praise reports, but one example comes to mind. One of the first Christian raps I did was “Joy and Peace.” In terms of quality, I don’t think it’s our best stuff, but as I wrote the song I prayed that it would really minister and speak to someone’s heart. One day we got a random message on myspace from a sister we had never met. She said when she heard the song she “cried rivers of tears” because she felt as if the Lord was speaking directly to her. I believe He was, and it was an eye opener for me because I know that I’m not that good. I know it was the Lord’s hand and His infinite wisdom that the praise report came back to us as sweet confirmation that God is pleased with what we’re doing and willing to use it to advance His kingdom. If I thought differently, I assure you I’d hang it up immediately without even a kiss goodbye.
Bottom line, I agree with you that we must “stay FOCUSED on the WORD of GOD.” That’s our goal both for ourselves and our listeners, and a big part of why we do what we do at Eternal Life Music. Understand though, that it doesn’t stop here. We’re simply servants of the most High God, whether that means picking up a brother, a broom or a microphone. Now, I don’t know if all that sounds like a defense mechanism, but whether it is or is not, may God be glorified.
God bless you my brother
I agree 100% w/Bro. Craige, and I also can take to heart what you said in your article above. But now let’s go to the WORD: Rom 12: 2 Be yy therefore TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING of your MIND. And like one of the replies mentioned here, also, be ye NOT CONFORMED to this WORLD. WHat FELLOWSHIP do LIGHT have w/DARKNESS? My sista’s and brotha’s, I know we all want to please GOD to the best of our abilities, but we must please HIM by OBEYING HIM and stop being like the WORLD. Christ, did not comprise to LOOK like the WORLD. Christ spoke sharply to the people about God. We the CHRISTIANS all ways have some type of “defense maganisim” to JUSTIFY why we CHOOSE to DO WHAT WE DO, instead of just “letting GOD BE GOD”. This music? We must remember,the DEVIL loves music too, and most people are singing to him, and NOT TO HIM. AMen?
Let’s just sing to the LORD and think about what Ezekiel saw when he was caught up in a vision to heaven and saw all of HEAVEN in complete worship with our LORD. I really don’t believe it was rapp music there either. And besides, How can one get into the “Spirit of GOD” listening to Rapp music? I mean, I’m not trying to SLAM rapp music, but think about that for a minute. When one listens to rapp music, it puts their mind, and soul into a different spiritual mode. Your head bops back and forth as you do when you listening to secular music… right????? But when you listen to a different type of spiritual music (other than holp rapp????? he-heeeee) it also puts you into a different mode.
I think we should just read how the CHURCH worship’d back in the day during Apostle Paul’s day and ask ourselves… are we gloryfing God with this or ourselves. And lastly, God looks at the heart of everything. Amen? Be blessed like and stay FOCUSED on the WORD of GOD.
Is not what we do for Christ and justify it. Is What we become in Christ.
hiphop is many thunder but no rain, I mean just the flesh no Holy Spirit.
Hi Briana! Thanks for sharing. Actually when I first heard G. Graige Lewis, secular hip hop and I had already parted ways, and I instantly recognized that so much of what he said was right, maybe even 99% (probably not). But he said it himself: “Rat poision is 99% good stuff … but that 1% of strychnine [(poison)] will kill you dead.” Really the bottom line to what I’m saying here is let’s not throw out the baby with the bath water … but yes, my sister, do throw out the bath water. Like I said above, sin is sin. However, let’s not group all “Christian” rap artists together. These are individuals. You’ll know the tree by its fruit. Luke 6:44. The Lord will separate the wheat from the tares in due time. Matthew 13:30.
The Christian rap, has definitly made many compromises in the way they present themselves! Before I got saved I was almost to a “T” what he was talking about concerning music it was in my ear constantly. Not only hiphop but others too! I tell you what there is a supernatural dimension behind music, any music! The facts are there reguarding hiphop you can’t deny the evidence that Craig presents. As for it bleeding into Christian rap, well I do believe that God can use anything for His Glory! Even those garbage beats from the world. But it’s only by His blood can that be. I don’t know about you but the way even the supposed Christian rappers carry themselves, with tattoos, piercings, earrings. I was not always saved and have done my things but I dont want to glorify those decisions. The bible says we are not to be conformed to this world, but transformed. By the blood of Jesus! We don’t have to look like, act like sinners to reach sinners! I don’t know about you but when I heard this sermon I didnt try to justify in my mind that this was incorect and try to find loop holes! I was convicted by the Holy Spirit, and I my self had to get rid of some junk! WHY RISK YOUR SOUL??? For what? MUSIC!!!
Wow that is sooo cool, Stalin wasn’t Stallin, amen!