Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 1

Happy New Year! May The Lord Continue To Bless You In 2009 and Look Up, For Your Redemption Draweth Nigh!

This blog is the first in a series designed to look at the hip-hop culture and its effects on the church and communities in which we live. Although we will uncover and discover certain actions from those within the hip-hop industry who are non Christians, the primary concern is the church and it's relationship, response or non response to those actions, events and the people involved with the promotion of hip-hop and it's anti-God message. We will also examine the more dangerous genre of music within the church often called Holy Hip-Hop, which is filled with many of the same allegiances, values and world view perspectives as secular hip-hop.

I would like the interested reader to know that New Bethel Ministries has prepared a 4 part cassette tape series called "The Travesty of Hip- Hop" which is available along with a booklet called "Why Hip-Hop Can't Be Holy" for a donation to the ministry of no less than $20. The tape series covers 2 messages that I preached and 2 full one hour radio presentations which includes an interview with Karl Reid, a founding member of the Gospel group Commissioned, in which we go in depth discussing the problems associated with the hip-hop culture and the churches desire to appease the culture. Please send all correspondence to P.O Box 6167 Peoria, IL. 61601 specifying that you would like the hip-hop series. In addition please enclose all prayer requests to be handled by me personally, and allow 3 weeks for delivery.

I would also like to recommend any of the vast amount of resources available at EX Ministries under the direction of Elder G. Craige Lewis. Elder Lewis has pioneered this sort of ministry for a number of years by the leading of the Holy-Ghost. I would like to say that churches everywhere including ours owe him a great deal of thanks and gratitude for his unfailing efforts to continue to speak to our youth, churches and culture regarding this highly sensitive and very divisive subject matter.

In this series I will examine and answer the following questions:

1- What is hip-hop? Music or a religion?

2- Who are the apostles, disciples of hip-hop and what is the message of modern hip-hop?

3- What is the relationship of hip-hop to the community & the church?

4- What are the effects of the hip-hop culture on sexuality in general and more specifically teen promiscuity?

5- What have been the effects and contribution of hip-hop toward homosexuality and misogyny?

6- Is there anything the collective church can do to turn back this tide of evil?

What we can say to begin with is that this is a very controversial subject matter and often the proponents of hip-hop, both outside and within the church, are so committed to it that they would rather continue their love for it, and reverential treatment of its icons, to such an extent that to preach against it automatically evokes anger and disdain. For those of us who are spiritually minded, we automatically equate this type of resistance to the spiritual warfare that we know exists and the strongholds that the world is overtaken by.

Galations 6:12 ~ "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this present world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

The unsaved do not have the understanding of the spiritual battle that is underway for their souls, hearts and minds. Hip-hop and its message permeates individuals through constant images, pictures, language, clothes and even colognes and perfumes.

Then, there are many churches who have taken the position that in order to be attractive to the community, the church must become a promoter of hip-hop and also become inclusive as to cater to the needs of the hip-hop community and make provisions for the hip hop culture within the church. Therefore much resistance to the message against hip-hop comes from spaghetti-backed ministers who either forgot or never knew the mission of God to the church or community.

Matthew 28:19-20a ~ "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: 20- teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:"

The mission of the church was to help the world identify with Christ and to teach the world the ways of God, but somehow many churches have turned that around and now the church has identified themselves with the world and are seeking to learn its lessons of marketing, inclusion etc.

Then without doubt, because of the varying degrees of social disparity that we find within the educational system, the criminal justice system and because of the breakdown of the inner city family (the black family in particular) hip hop has made its way to the center of social "normalcy" of American lifestyle, so much until one almost can't pick up a secular magazine without being presented with some sort of message formulated for, by or catering to the hip hop culture.

Exodus 20:3 ~ "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

As simple as the first commandment of God may seem it is often the most violated commandment that that we witness both within and outside of the modern day church. Both Christians and non-Christians are quick to make idols of their favorite preachers, artists, and musicians and fight vehemently for them. While there is certainly nothing wrong with loyalty, there is however something wrong with establishing and promoting idolatry and becoming a conduit for idol worship.

One of the most popular TV shows is called American Idol. The show seriously and sometimes hilariously displays the preoccupation with becoming famous at almost any cost. This is the hook of hip-hop. The promise that hip-hop will somehow make one popular, sexy or more appealing. Unfortunately this has become the position of the modern church as it pertains to hip-hop and the hip-hop culture and agenda and it is having devastating effects on our youth and families. While I don't intend to lay all of the blame for our communities current condition at the feet of hip-hop, the hip-hop culture has not added anything of benefit or to stem the tide of the conditions that we currently face.

In the last 30 years since hip-hop has been promoted and accepted within the black community we have simultaneously experienced the highest per-ca pita incarceration rates among young black males, the highest per- ca pita unwed pregnancy rates among young black females, the highest per-ca pita STD rates among young black females and the highest poverty and under education rates per segment of society.

The question should be asked what has hip-hop really done? Example: we should ask are braids, tattoos, and low rider pants positive career choices within secular America? Is carrying a "gat" or being shot multiple times part of the the value system that we want to promote within society and especially among our youth? Is frequenting strip-clubs, misogynistic ideals toward women and idolizing pornographic and obscene adult situations really the message that we want to pass on to our children, promote through our schools and support through our churches?

Now, it must be said that everyone who likes hip hop does not necessarily like those things or aspects of hip-hop, but can those things really and truly be separated from the effects of hip-hop? With that said we must then ask the question:

What Is Hip-Hop?

What arguably began with musical and lyric arrangements by Kool DJ Herc(Left) in the late 70's, blossomed to a musical style that allowed common people a way of expression and self empowerment. Because of social tensions, and economic disparity around the country, hip-hop having it's roots in the ghetto's and boroughs of New York and the eastern seaboard, soon became a way to sound off about what was commonly seen and known to an often overlooked subclass of Americans called the living poor. The target was black youth who were frustrated with society and socially not at rest. This new style became the baptismal pool into which Afrika Bambaataa(Right), the founder of the Universal Zulu Nation would be able to immerse millions of young black youth into a resurrected brand of Egyptology and pharaoism. The venue of hip-hop would be a place of yet further promoting the message of individuality and self-supremacy, and ultimately the deism of man. Mr. Bambaataa currently appears in a commercial with Common wearing an Egyptian headdress, to symbolize his pharoahic supremacy. Common, who defended the nasty and misogynistic lyrics of many artists within the hip-hop industry on the Oprah Winfrey show, while simultaneously calling women "Earth" from "their mother Earth", has also released a new CD accurately entitled "Universal Mind Control". This is quite representative of what the spirit through him and other hiphoppers and neo-soul artists are attempting to do.

Because of its origins and initial appeal some currently suggest that hip-hop is merely a musical style, preference or certain arrangements of rhythmic beats. However, hip-hop grew and its ideals grew along with it. Many of those same young men and women impacted and influenced by hip-hop and its messages of self-exaltation, in it's early years began to see that there was more to hip-hop than music and or lyrics and that it was easy to communicate frustrations and observations through music that were difficult to communicate through cognitive conversation.

This has led to hip-hop further defining itself as something much greater than music and more far reaching than lyrics. Unlike the music of the Temptations, The Dells and the Supremes a decade or two earlier, hip-hop had an agenda, promoters, and individuals representing certain groups and religions that were ready to speak through the music to its target audience and further define its aim and goals upon American society. Religious groups such as the 5% Nation Of god's and earths. Founded by Clarence 13 X (Clarence Jowers Smith- murdered in 1969) soon found a way to speak the message of the supremacy of man through music, but even then it seemed somewhat innocuous because it only spoke to those who felt the pain and attracted the attention of those who felt the promise. In addition the church was enamoured and preoccupied with getting larger, more respected and more reputable within the community, and the deeds and needs of a whole generation of individuals almost went unnoticed until their invisibility became visible on the news, in the streets and on magazine covers.

As recently as 1997 singer and artist Erykah Badu, who sold 3 million CDs of her 1997 debut and won a Grammy for rhythm and blues album of the year, credited the 5% Nation as an influence. Several of her songs include bits of 5% teachings. Erykah is also expecting her third child out of wedlock by as many men. Andre 3000 is her oldest son's father while rapper D.O.C. is her daughters daddy. The sad part is that at her height she was admired by many Christian women for her seeming strength, boldness and spirituality.

The Wu Tang Clan, a powerhouse in today's hip-hop world, fresh with a new video honoring its history and rappers who have openly claimed themselves to be deity, sings explicitly about the teachings of the 5% Nation. Method Man and Red Man were even so popular that they had their own sit-com for about a half a season. (ie: their lifespan was very short lived) and were featured in a movie called "How High".

Then there's Rakim, an old-school rapper; who drops "jewels" from the lessons of the 5% Nation into his songs. Mogul Busta Rhymes who recently "ripped" (rapped at) DJ Khaled's birth day party at a nightclub in South beach, FL. (Source: Hip Hop Weekly Vol. 3 Issue 25) is an avid and active 5% member. These are the artists that many of our youth have become enamoured by even though most of them think they are simply listening to the music, they are also receiving something far greater. They are receiving a worldview which is designed to trap their souls and devastate their spirits.

What does the 5% Nation teach?

Here are some of the tenets that are promoted through many 5% hip-hop artists:

1. That black people are the original people of the planet earth.

2. That black people are the fathers and mothers of civilization.

3. That the science of Supreme Mathematics is the key to understanding man's relationship to the universe.

4. Islam is a natural way of life, not a religion.

5. That education should be fashioned to enable us to be self sufficient as a people.

6. That each one should teach one according to their knowledge.

7. That the blackman is god and his proper name is ALLAH. Arm, Leg, Leg, Arm, Head.

8. That our children are our link to the future and they must be nurtured, respected, loved, protected and educated.

9. That the unified black family is the vital building block of the nation.

Contrary to popular knowledge, hip-hop has also established it's own "ministry" and has set forth that it is seeking to be more than music could or would ever be or become. In fact, one of its leading proponents, KRS ONE (formerly Lawrence Krisna Parker) the founder of the Temple Of Hip-Hop, which is a hip-hop preservation society, has declared

"hip hop is not just the music, it is a lifestyle" ~KRS ONE

To make the transition to the business and political end of hip-hop one must notice one of the most vocal proponents and promoters of hip-hop in modern America. He is the 51 year old Russell Simmons, founder of multiple businesses including Def Jam Records and Entertainment which gave rise to comedians such as Chris Rock and serious promotion to others such as Martin Lawrence and the late Bernie Mack through the Def Jam Comedy Show. Mr. Simmons is also the founder of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network which meets annually to discuss the direction of hip-hop and it's mission towards the youth and the community in general. Mr. Simmons recently declared:

"...that the hip-hop nation moves as an army, an army that determines what's hot in this country. That's a tremendous amount of power to wield. Which is why I want to encourage our army to not only flex our muscle in the artistic and commercial worlds, but in the political and social process as well." (Do You, Gotham Books 2007, pg. 275)

Mr. Simmons has taken the advantage of the opportunity to point out that "muscleflex", by stating that the election of President Barack Obama was due to the hip-hop community and the emerging consciousness promoted by Eckhart Tolle and other mystical teachers. The words of Mr. Simmons:

• "The vision of the hip-hop generation and its young people is in full and glorious effect. While many older Americans marched and struggled so hard so Senator Obama could run for President of the United States never dared believe in his candidacy's real potential, young people particularly the hip-hop community, had faith and their imagination became our reality. The election of Barack Obama, a resounding progressive voice, is a clear reflection of hip-hop politics. It's a reflection of the 35 Million who downloaded Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth" and all the other popular books espousing this new emerging consciousness." (Hip Hop Weekly Edwards Media Vol. 3 Issue 24 Pg. 26)

The Source Magazine which claims to be the "bible of hip-hop" declared very similar:

• "But it was the youth vote- the hip-hop vote- that clearly made a difference in this election"..."He(President Obama) is a product of the hip-hop generation. While not necessarily "hood" in the street sense of the word, Obama has worked for and organized the "hood". Even as he claims to love and appreciate some hip-hop he has spoken out against its more explicit and offensive lyrics" ~ (L. Londell McMillan The Source Magazine December 2008 Issue #228, pg. 55)

What is telling about these statements is that hip-hop is claiming individuals merely because they are "close" in proximity to hip-hop. For these reasons and others, it should be obvious that hip-hop is not merely a music style, lyric or rhythm. It is a social culture that defines, motivates and shapes hearts dreams and aspirations. It is also a direct attempt to inculturate our youth permeating and redefining all norms of society.

Further, it is even more interesting to note that individuals such as Mr. Simmons and his brother affectionately called Rev. Run founder of the rap group Run DMC do not allow their children to listen to hip-hop music in their presence.

Should there be any wonder why not even those making money from hip hop don't allow their children to listen to it?

Religious Declarations?

As with any religion or worldview the Temple Of Hip-Hop has also defined it's primary tenents and method by which problems should be resolved. Those tenents are provided through what is called the Hip-Hop Declaration of Peace. From their website:

• This Hiphop Declaration of Peace guides Hiphop Kulture toward freedom from violence, and establishes advice and protection for the existence and development of the international Hiphop community. Through the principles of this Hiphop Declaration of Peace we, Hiphop Kulture, establish a foundation of Health, Love, Awareness, Wealth, peace and prosperity for ourselves, our children and their children's children, forever. For the clarification of Hiphop's meaning and purpose, or when the intention of Hiphop is questioned, or when disputes between parties arise concerning Hiphop; Hiphoppas shall have access to the advice of this document, The Hiphop Declaration of Peace, as guidance, advice and protection.
  

The declaration promotes peace at the same time it's messengers glorify and promote violence. The declaration promotes health while at the same time it's proponents promote, promiscuous sexual behavior, the exploitation of women and fast cash through the sale of drugs.

The declaration of hip-hop states that IT should be consulted to clarify the meaning and intent of hip-hop when there are questions or disputes. Due to the crime violence, murders and "beefs" that we see among the hip-hop community it's obvious that not all "hiphoppas" ascribe to this declaration which we will touch on later in this series.

The Hip-Hop Temple & It's Message

The Temple of hip hop describes its beliefs and practices as "independent collective consciousness". What the temple has successfully done is replace independent consciousness with consciousnesses dependent upon it for direction and acceptance. Under Principle One, the elements (body) of hip-hop are:

• Breakin,
  Emceein,
  Graffiti Art,
  Deejayin,
  Beatboxin,
  Street Fashion,
  Street Language,
  Street Knowledge and
  Street Entrepreneurialism

The hip-hop culture is primarily based on Street Knowledge which the temple defines as follows:

• STREET KNOWLEDGE: (The study and application of ancestral wisdom). Commonly refers to the basic common sense and accumulated wisdom of inner-city families. It consists of techniques, phrases, codes and terms used to survive within the inner-cities. It involves the ability to reason soundly with or without the ideas or validation of the traditional academic mainstream. Street Knowledge is the accumulation of Hip Hop’s cultural self-awareness

It is interesting because the bible has defined this type of knowledge as earthly, sensual and devilish (James 3:15) certainly not what has descended from above or that is given by God.

Additional principles are outlined as follows:

• *Sixth Principle
• Hiphop Kulture honors no relationship, person, event, act or otherwise wherein the preservation and further development of Hiphop's culture, principles and elements are not considered or respected. Hiphop Kulture does not participate in activities that clearly destroy or alter its ability to productively and peacefully exist. Hiphoppas are encouraged to initiate and participate in fair trade and honesty in all negotiations and transactions.

This principle could not be more clear. Hip-hop does not honor you IF you do not honor it. In other words it wants God status. To preach against hip-hop according to this declaration is to make one anathema to hip-hop. While quite certainly sure that this and other principles were also used to promote the music and it's message, this observation cannot be merely cast aside or overlooked.

• *Seventh Principle
• The essence of Hiphop is beyond entertainment: The elements of Hiphop Kulture may be traded for money, honor, power, respect, food, shelter, information and other resources; however, Hiphop and its culture cannot be bought, nor is it for sale. It (Hiphop) cannot be transferred or exchanged by or to anyone for any compensation at any time or at any place. Hiphop is not a product. Hiphop is the priceless principle of our self-empowerment.

Once again it should be clearly noted that hip-hop has defined itslelf as a culture ie: worldview with overarching premises that are not to be compromised.

• *Eighth Principle
• Companies, corporations, non and not-for-profit organizations, as well as individuals and groups that are clearly benefiting from the use, interpretation and/or exploitation of the term Hiphop, (i.e. Hip Hop, hip-hop,) and the expressions and terminologies of Hiphop, (i.e. Hip Hop, hip-hop,) are encouraged to commission and/or employ a full-time or part-time certified Hiphop Kultural Specialist to interpret and answer sensitive cultural questions regarding the principles and proper presentations of Hiphop’s elements and culture; relative to businesses, individuals, organizations, communities, cities, as well as other countries.

This principle indicates that before one can accurately discuss hip-hop one must either hire or consult a "Kultural specialist" In other words the words and moves of hip-hop must be interpreted by a temple member or authorized representative.

Hip -hop has defined the following things for us:

• Hip-hop is more than music, it is a culture and a complete world view
• Hip-hop is a godless worldview in which man is replaced and exalted to the status of God
• Many of the major artists within hip-hop belong to anti-God religious groups and use the music of hip hop to promote their anti-Christ messages.
• Hip-hop does not respect anyone or any institution who does not seek to preserve hip-hop nor promote it's principles.
• When all things are considered we can safely say that hip-hop is an atheistic religion in practice and a humanistic worldview in philosophy.

This information only scratches the surface of the hip hop culture and it's mission to todays youth. In the next parts of this series we will uncover the churches relationship to the hip hop industry, discover the problems of morality and sexuality rampant within hip-hop and discuss how the hip-hop motif promotes homosexuality, lesbianism and the further disentegration of the family even against it's very own tenents.

It can't go without noting that we have many churches who are now catering to the hip-hop crowd, not by preaching the truth but by compromising the holiness of God, claiming that they are reaching the masses and replacing ineffective religion with a new spiritual fervor.

We will also look at what we must do as a church to help liberate our youth from the destruction underneath the surface of the hip-hop culture.

A person asked me during a radio interview, how can we reach the youth if we don't use these methods. I responded by saying that Jesus has been reaching youth and old alike for over 2000 years of human history. He has still promised that If he is lifted up, he would draw all men unto himself. (Jn. 12:32) Serving Jesus will do infinately more than hip-hop will ever do for any of it's proponents or adherents. The church must not become the place where the need for the worlds ecclecticism and psudospirituality brings excitement. We serve a great and mighty God who is more than able to save heal and deliver just as he has always done without hip-hop or any of the hip-hop elements.

Blessed!