In my last post, I discussed the debate of theological lyrics vs non-theological lyrics. The debate really argued that one method is effective and the other is not. This argument has changed from Christian rapper vs rapper that is Christian debate. I jokingly like to call it CHH (Christian Hip Hop) vs HHC (Hip Hop Christian) debate. With that being said, calling the music Christian doesn’t make it Christian. Not calling it Christian doesn’t make it less Christian or not Christian either. What makes the music is the message. What makes a Christian is faith in Christ in the heart.
It is throwback theology, so let me take you back real quick. Donnie Hathaway, who is a well-known secular artist, had songs about faith in God. That’s not what he’s known for, because he is a secular artist. My point is not to make a claim that he made “gospel music,” but that the label on Billboard or iTunes does not determine the content that is in the music and what it has the ability to do.
The Christian rapper and the rapper that is Christian both have a motivation to give hope to the lost. That hope is Jesus. Whether or not I call my music Christian Rap or not does not determine if I’m walking in the plan of God and ministering to the people. I think the direction we are going in with CHH is to be less judgmental and more gracious to each other. Not just in the CHH community, but in the body of Christ as a whole. In the past, the theological vs non-theological had people as believers at odds with each other and treating each other as enemies instead of brothers and sisters in Christ. Now I think we are in a space where even if we disagree we are able to love each other and work together in the kingdom of God for the benefit of the mission. Check out this video from Swoope featuring Jackie Hill-Perry, Taelor Gray, Alex Faith, Asaiah Ziv (fka KIDD) and Jgivens. It further reinforces that we are all serving the same God and seeking to fulfill His mission.
