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!

Read more!

Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 3

Saints, of certainty, many individuals believe that allowing hip-hop place or life within the church is what the church should do in an effort to "win all men" to the cross. How many times have we heard 1 Cor. 9:19-23 quoted in defence of certain practices and the acceptance of hip-hop in particular within the church? In fact here are the verses:

19-"For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20-And unto the jews I became a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21-To them that are without the law, (being not without the law to God, but under the law of Christ) that I might gain them that are without the law. 22-To the weak becamse I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23-And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you."

In order for one to properly understand and apply this scripture one must seek to find what is called the Sitz im Leban (real life setting) of the character and scripture. Failure to do so will lead to many erroneous renderings of Paul's intents such as we popularly hear espoused within our churches today.

In verse 19 Paul declares his spiritual liberty as well as his spiritual responsibility toward the lost. He indicates specifically that any liberty afforded to him is tempered by his spiritual maturity and ultimate command to reach the lost. In other words Paul understood that his life and actions were to be a vehicle used by God so that others could be saved. The primary assertion that must be dispelled when looking for the Sitz im Leban of this verse is that Paul was suggesting that sin or the elements of sin could be used as a tool in restoring, reaching or gaining the lost. Paul is not saying that using sin is a tool to draw the lost. In fact, Paul is clear that one cannot continue in sin:

Romans 6:1-2 ~ "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2- God forbid. How can we that are dead to sin live any longer therein?"

Romans 6:12~ "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof."

Apostle John also affirms the same principle:

I John 3:2-6~ "Beloved, are we the sons of God and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; and we shall see him as he is. 3-And every man that hath this hop in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 4-Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 5-And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.6-Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not sen him, neither known him."

James further affirms that sin is not a tool used by God. He says this in his epistle:

James 1:13 ~ "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:"

Sin was never and is never a tool for the church to use in gaining it's converts. The ungodly elements of worldly inculturation is exactly what came to liberate us from. The facts are that the church was to encourage the world and all Christians to leave sin behind. (1 Cor. 6:19-20, 2 Cor. 6:14-18,)

Secondly, for the record, Paul was both a Roman citizen and a Jew. He was a Roman citizen by birth (Acts 22:28) and a Jew by lineage(Gal 1.15; Phil 3.5; Acts 23.6) Paul was in a rather unique situation in that he could easily flow in and out of certain arguments to suit the need that was being presented. In the case of 1 Cor. 9 Paul was referring to his ability in Acts 23:2 to stand before Ananias the co-High Priest (a Jew) and Acts 24 when he stood before Felix the Roman Procurator. This ability to "become all things to all men" took Paul all the way to Ceasar. There was at no point a letting down or a suggestion of letting down spiritual integrity to "draw" anyone to Christ. In fact Paul's mission was clear, it was NOT to become a part of the culture through any associations but was to transform the culture through his preaching and teaching the Gospel of Christ.

Now as I have noted, I Cor. 9:19-23 has often been used as a proof text encouraging individuals and churches to allow and include anyone with almost almost any type of sinful proclivity. When I say include, I do not simply mean to attend or draw from the service or ministry of the church. I mean to lead and conduct worship or ministry service for God and his church.

This is partially why there is such confusion over what the church should do and how it should be done. When sinners are in leadership, there will always be confusion and problems within the church as to how it should reach and teach the lost.

Another aspect of the misinterpretation of this scripture is that some use it to promote a deception from Saint to sinner. In other words some feel that the Christian duty is to almost trick the sinner into being saved by talking their language or communicating with them on common ground. The object of this approach is to minimize any shortcoming (sin) in order to win the sinner and to make him/her feel more comfortable with us personally and with the gospel potentially.

The only problem with this approach is that there is no conviction of sin. There is no repentance. There is only sharing, caring and emotional servitude. In other words this is not the gospel that either Jesus or Paul preached...it is the gospel and the strategy of men in seeking to replace the Holy Ghost in convicting the sinner of his/her sins.

Now, undoubtedly I will be criticized for this and since I am batting .1000 I may as well go for the new world record and continue to abide within my calling.

First, the church must know that the operation of the Holy Ghost within the world is to convict the sinner of sin and call them to repentance

John 16:7-9 ~ 7- "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart I will send him unto you. 8-And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement: 9-Of sin because they believe not on me;"

Conviction of the sinner is the work of the Holy Ghost. The minister and the church was supposed to merely stand fast and proclaim the word of God and allow God to convict and convert the sinner:

Isa. 58:1~ "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their trangressions and the house of Jacob their sins."

John 15:3 ~ "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you."

So the basis of scripture in reaching the lost is vitally important to understand. Unfortunately, not all churches have that understanding as we are living in one of the greatest times of apostate ministry that we have ever witnessed. Not only are there personal failures as we all pray to avoid by God's grace and mercy, but there is flat out flase teaching that has given sin within the church life and anointed hip-hop with a new name while offering the same results.

Currently, Christianity has become so inclusive that it has what is called Holy Hop-Hop Week, awards and a Hoy Hip-hop Summitt. It's during this event that the stage becomes full of "Christians" throwing up their hands and using gang signs and insignias, wearing low-rida pants, dawning louie scarves, promoting grafitti, breakin' and Deejayin', and wearing all the bling, that we readily identify with secular hip-hop. Proponents have argued that they are entitled to their individuality and personal freedoms to express Christ as it suits their styles. Further that they are simply providing variety in a diverse world. Under secular law, this argument may have some merit. However ALL Christians are constrained to serve Christ BIBLICALLY and in accordance with the scriptures.

1 Cor. 6:19-20 ~ "19- What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20-For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's"

1 Cor. 7:23 ~ "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men."

Remember as Paul stated in 1 Cor. 9:19, his personal freedom was also a mark of his personal responsibility. Those who promote and advocate the so called "holy hip-hop" violate a cardinal principle of a biblical community, and that is the requirement to be founded on and by biblical doctrine and biblical and godly acceptable modes and methods of operation. It is precisely that brand of self individuality and "me firstism" right out of the Ayn Rand handbook of Atlas Shrugged, that Christ has come to deliver us from.

This years Holy Hip-hop awards are taking place at the time of this post, Jan 16th & 17th 2009 at at Center Stage Arena (formerly known as Earthlink Live Arena) in downtown Atlanta, GA. Here's a small excerpt from their advertisement:

• "Holy Hip Hop Awards will be MCd by eDDie Velez (Da Preachin Puerto Rican) and Erica Cumbo. Go Ye Djs are the exclusive DJs for Holy Hip Hop Awards. Fla.vor Alliance: Official Breakers & Graffiti. Street Team Promotions Powered by: CIO Music and MTM Entertainment (Ted McCloud and Derrick Woods)."

In this we see almost all of the elements of hip-hop in action. Remember what hip-hop's first principle is:

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

These elements of secularism and secular hip-hop have life in the genre called "holy hip-hop" and are an affront to the holiness of God.

In an August 2002 Article with Charisma Magazine a former member of secular rap group The Three 6 Mafia (or 666 Mafia), Delmar Lawrence (Holy South Ministry) relayed his concern that holy hip-hop artists could not potentially reach their target audience until they (the artists) model the lifestyle that they sing about. This is interesting because it carries an acknowlegement that "holy hip-hop" does not yet have the element of "holiness" that it would need to be true to its name. CrossRhythms.com reports Delmar's take on his record label and Holy Hip-hop:

• "It is a record label that produces hip-hop in Christ. Not 'Christian hip-hop' or 'gospel rap' but hip-hop in Christ. It's a movement of a hip-hop generation, surrounded by hip-hop culture - but representing the lifestyle of Christ."

Mr. Lawrence reveals that "holy hip-hop" doesn't really make sense, and therefore changes his perspective to "hip-hop in Christ". I actually have more regard for his view than any of the others I've heard within that genre of music. But there is still a conflict because he describes that his record label is ultimately about a "movement of a hip-hop generation surronded by hip-hop culture, but representing the lifestyle of Christ"??? What is that? It begs the question, "Can any man serve TWO diametrically opposed God's and worldviews?" He also said this about his calling to salvation and leaving the 666 Mafia and the eventual calling of the Lord:

• "It came to a point where this was something I wanted to do but I really wasn't happy in my soul with that. So, I came off a tour one Easter Sunday and went to surprise my family. I hadn't seen them in four months of me being on the road. God spoke to me like right there. I wasn't even listening to the pastor. I couldn't tell you today what he was preaching about. I just know that I had an experience with God. I heard his voice and he told me to come out. I asked him, 'What do you mean, come out? What do you want me to do?' He (God) said, 'I want you to do the same thing you're doing now. Just do it for me.' I was saying that gospel rap was corny and I couldn't do that. Then he began to show me visions of auditoriums and young people and all of this stuff. When I saw that, something in me was convinced and I said, 'Okay God. If I do this, you're going to have to take care of me.' After all, this was all that I wanted to do and I'm not about to leave one lifestyle just to step out on nothing and not know what's what. He told me to trust him. The next day, I went to the label and told them I was leaving." (Emphasis mine)

Now, I don't intend to say that Pastor Delmar is not saved. That's beyond me. I do intend to say that looking critically as we should at his testimony that there are some unhealthy signs and bad information in his statements. What's more is that his primary testimony of God calling him out of the world to stay in the world is contrary to scripture altogether.

2 Cor. 6:17 ~ "Wherefore come out from among them and be ye seperate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,"

The talent of these artist is not what I question. I question the associations and the payoff that they receive by surrendering to hip-hop in general. For some it is purely monetary. For others it comes complete with noteriety and fame. For James Moss aka J. Moss it also comes with illicit affaris and children out of wedlock. You see some time ago Mr. Moss decided to put together a song called "Living 4" In this song he encourages both himself and his entorage to not get caught up with a "groupie" that will bring them down. On this song he says the following about leaving this groupie:

"Didn't wait for the night time, the high time, the right time

Bein as it was, we had to close the door

It's like turnin away from a million bucks

But I can't see you no more "

Well this is what I call a Christian hip-hop tragedy. It will cost J. Moss approximately $220,000 (not to mention court costs) to leave his illicit lover and the child that he fathered. In Oct. 2008 a judge ordered a DEFAULT judgement against the 36 year old Christian hip-hop guru demanding that he pay $1,028 per month to support his new child (Christion) by 28 year old Lakisha Hughes. Not only did J. Moss not show up in court but he also offerd to pay for the abortion.

Then there are artists like Pastor Ma$on Betha, (formerly Ma$e now Ma$e again, now Pastor Ma$e again) Not only can this Pastor not drive after midnight in a transvestite laden section of Atl, but he also left secular music to enter into the church with the following belief (directly from their Website):

"Once Mason Betha understood that he was “Born To Succeed” (1 John 5:4), he realized that he was created to be the catalyst for millions to receive this same message. What does “Born To Succeed” mean? It is the principle that once a man accepts Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, he has become an “overcomer”. Thus, you are entitled to total-life prosperity"

Ie: GOD IS A MONEYMAKER! The truth is that after finding that church support is sometimes very slow, in 2004 pastor Ma$on Betha decided to to return to the secular music world (with sound pastoral advice from Dollars Creflo) to deliver his former associates and "undo" some of what he had done previously. Unfortunately, all he found was 50 Cent who was willing to co-produce a story about a street gangsta turned backslidden preacher working and using the church. However from all indications P-Diddy (Sean John Combs), who was in charge of the "paper" simply said "Show me the Money!", which led to the breakdown of the plans. It is said that is the reason Ma$e is now back in the church expanding his ministry on the backs of the faithful willing to believe that his steps are truely ordered by God. Unfortunately for him, the world is not as willing to believe that his actions have anything to do with God. This is what the world says about Ma$e even if the church refuses to say anything:

• "I guess the good news is that the pretty boy gangsta rapper turned pastor is just like a groundhog prophet who delivers it's prediction and then disappears, but the bad news is...we can still see you" (Eben Gregory, Hip Hop Weekly Magazine,Volume 3 Issue 24 pg. 72)

The world recognizes that a person can't be in two places at the same time neither spiritually or naturally. What kind of rationalle can his supporters offer the world and those they are to witness to?

It cannot go without note that one of the most visable ministries promoting what is called Holy Hip-Hop, (which is at best a non term and more accurately an oximoron) is the youth minister of New Birth Missionary BAPTIST Chruch of Lithonia, Ga. eDDie Valez aka Da Preachin' Puerto Rican, and founder and President of The Fellowship of Holy Hip-hop and the Holy Hip-hop Summitt as listed above. Minister Velez's take is that the church must become relevant to this generation. He said this about a message that his Bishop, Bishop Eddie Long preached in 2002 about the "Dry Bones" of Ezekiel 37:

• "God is telling Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, to speak life into a dead situation," says Velez, 37(now 43). "Now, [the baby boomer generation] may be able to say, 'There are dry bones on your job...There are dry bones in your subdivision...There are dry bones in your church auxiliary.' "But [the younger generation] is unfed because [they] need to hear: 'Yo, there's dry bones in the projects, in the hallways where you hang out, kid. There's dry bones when y'all hanging in front of the liquor store, slinging crack cocaine. God is telling you...to prophecy to them right in front of the liquor store. Speak to them that they might have life.' "But [older church members] might not know about standing in front of the liquor store anymore because they've been delivered from it," he adds.

It should also be interesting to note that at the 2009 Holy Hip-hop Awards, Minister Velez is teaching a seminar called: "Reach One, Teach One" True to its roots, this saying and a variation "Each One, Teach One" was developed by the 5% Nation of god's and Earths as an encouragement to spread the Nation's message and anti-Christ dogma.

Even though Christian hip-hop is struggeling to find its identity and message there are yet those within the Christian rap industry that are critical of other Christian rappers. One such example is former secular hip-hop DJ Frankie Cutlass. Cutlass the founder of God Squad Entertainment, is also responsible for secular songs such as "Shake What Your Mama Gave Ya." but says this of Christian rappers:

• "Christian rappers kill the world too much,"..."The world knows they're going to hell...Seventy-five percent of ministry is love. Show them the love of God. The other 25 percent is the Word,"

It's just one of those strange things about Christian hip-hop. It is destroyed by the word and truth must be measured. In his case he doesn't equate the love of God with the word of God. In this case Cutlass feels that we only need 25% word, 75% should be love ie: inclusion or tolerance and acceptance of sin, the world and ungodliness. This is a total redefinition of the mission of the church as given by Christ.

Mt. 28:19-20 ~ "19- "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: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen"

Even artists such as Kirk Franklin have bought heavily into the hip-hop strategy of reaching the youth. His famous words, "Just in case you think gospel music has gone too far..." Well, both he and it has... In a recent interview with Gospel Flava Magazine on his new project called "The Fight Of My Life" he explained why he placed a hip-hop song on the CD called "I Like Me" with a rap by gospel rapper Da T.R.U.T.H.. He said this:

• "When you're trying to reach kids you've got to speak their language. Kids like beats, so I had to drop some like they was hot."

In the world of hip-hop the word of God is ineffectual. It is powerless to them to reach and teach the lost and certainly is not relevant unless it is cloaked in colloquialisms or modern relevant garb. In other words the word must be dressed up and hidden before it makes sense to the youth or the target audience. Once again this is in direct conflict of scripture which teaches that the word of God is the "power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16) Once again this is a redefinition of the culture as it pertains to God.

Then there's The Cross Movement. Through it's spokesman The Ambassador aka William Duce Branch ThM this group has long been one of the biggest promoters of hip-hop within the church. These young men believe that there are "Non-sinful elements within hip-hop that can be used by God" They also claim that hip-hop like any other culture is an indigenous culture and that God did not want the church to be involved in cultural assimilation.

• "People are at the root of culture, and neither people nor their culture can just be thrown away. Aspects of their culture can be discarded when those aspects offend God, but you cannot force total cultural assimilation on any group. You see it’s easy to throw away something you don’t care about, but it’s hard to let go of something you feel an attachment to."~ The Ambassador, The Christian Living In Hip-Hop Times Pt. 1 Oct. 2005

Is this true of hip-hop? Was it the culture into which Black Americans in particular were born or did it become an inculturation of society or a subculture within society? I believe that I have and can sufficiently argue the latter against The Ambassador's assertions.

Contrary to both their appearance and purpose, The Ambassador does not believe that he is defending hip-hop, he believes that he is celebrating diversity:

• "While we are not defending hip hop, we are reminding people of the biblical principle of unity and diversity, the reconciliation of all things, and the rights of all people to enjoy God within the context of their natural elements (as long as those elements are not sinful)" ~ The Ambassador, The Christian Living In Hip Hop Times Pt. 1 Oct. 2005

He also believes that hip-hop cannot be seperated from personality, and can be used as a conduit to deliver the message of God:

• "Hip hop is no more than the tint through which the light of God’s glory can shine. We know that God’s truth alone changes lives, but preaching has been describes as "truth poured through personality." The "personality" is not the truth, but it is simply the means of providing variety in God’s diverse world." ~ The Ambassador, The Christian Living In Hip Hop Times Pt. 1 Oct. 2005

The major flaw of his complete message is a presuppositional bias and a control belief that hip-hop is the way the culture is RATHER than the way the culture has become. In his premise he also makes an effort to seperate sin from the philosophical construction of hip-hop which is both demonstrably sinful and anti-Christ/God in both it's purpose and mission. These things CANNOT be overstated.

A Note Worth Evaluating:

Thus one of the underlying spiritual principles are revealed of hip-hop. For those who have ever tried to witness or minister to a muslim, whether that be a member of the Nation Of Islam or American Muslim Mission or a 5%'r, You are quickly told that the religion of Adam through Abraham and even Jesus was Islam. In other words the entire culture is supplanted in their minds and they begin with a presupposition that ALL men were Muslims to begin with. The Ambassador constructs his arguments as if ALL men were hiphoppers to begin with and as if hip-hop is a cultural norm similar to being an American, Canadian etc. This type of thought is apripos for the teachings of the Universal ZULU Nation, and 5% nation of god's and Earths. The fault with his argument is that we have clearly demonstrated that hip hop is not only a subculture, it is based on secularisms, ungodliness, and anti-God RELIGIOUS principles. In other words hip-hop unlike being an American, African, Canadian etc is based on elements of SIN and has no redemptive intent and cannot be redeemed until it acquiests UNDER the Cross of Christ and rids itself of the individualism that it needs to exist. The scripture is clear:

Gal. 2:20 ~ "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

The Ambassador wrote a 76 page thesis to complete his theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. I plan to do an indepth analysis of that thesis right here on the Dunamis Word or The Dunamis Word 2 so please stay tuned.

Summary:

In this segment we have discovered:

• Hip-hop has more than an association with the world and secular society.
• Hip-hop is a complete world view
• Hip-hop cannot be reconciled with the Cross as the Cross demands that lifestyles, personal prefrences, and diversity become subject to it.
• Hip-hop requires a compromise with sin even if that compromise is subtle, God does not use sin to bring glory to himself other than bringing them bound in sin out of sin.
• A Christianized brand of hip-hop contiinues in all the elements of secular hip-hop including clothing, gang signs and other things that come with the culture. These things are totally antithetical to Christian living and life and not condusive or reinforcing to the bublical message of holiness or sanctification (Heb. 12:14)
• Christian hip-hop artists express that the biblical message by itself is inadequate or obsolete to effect change within this generation and must be tempered through personality and positive overtones that are offered through the hip-hop culture.
• At best MANY of those who hold to and promote hip-hop have added to the confusion of some within the church and world through lifestyles in which Christ has not been glorified.

Orthodoxy & Orthopraxy

I will conclude this section by noting that the First and Second Century church would have NEVER allowed individuals to call themselves Christians unless they ascribed to being seperate from the world and sin. This is called Orthopraxy, the practice of right living or biblical living. Orthodoxy is not the problem within the hip-hop church. We all believe that without faith in the shed blood of Jesus for remission of sins that we cannot be saved and further believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ. Orthodoxy is not in question. Orthopraxy is rightfully in question and is something that the entire church is constrained to uphold. Our missionary endeavors DO NOT allow us or afford us the right to let down the standards of orthopraxy or the practice of right living. This is the confusion of the hip-hop church, that God will somehow give a pass to the practice of sin within the church. I believe that I have demonstarated that to not be the case. I will go further indepth into this in my next post.

I hope that these segments have been a blessing to you and your family as you have read. I will attempt to lay down what I believe is additional sound biblical teaching designed to free individuals from the deceit that hip-hop continues to offer to our youth and churches in general, and also reveal a spiritual event in which you, your church and ministry can participate demanding that our youth, churches and communities experience true spiritual freedom.

Blessed!

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Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 4

The Effects Of The Hip-Hop Culture On Social Morality, Sexuality & Promiscuity.

To continue our examination of the church and its relationship to hip-hop we must look at some of the peripheral issues that help set the stage for the message and trap of hip hop and the churches oblivious nature in relationship to those peripheral issues. ie: We gotta look at what the culture uses to trap our youth and why the church has been so slow to respond to those set traps.

One of the first things to note about modern hip-hop is the tone that it sets for it's adherents and followers. As we've stated in Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 1, hip-hop is a anti-God and anti-Christ world view, complete with it's own codes, standards, and statements of faith or belief. These elements qualify it as a humanistic religious system. That alone makes hip-hop incompatible with Christianity and Christian practice in general.

Biblical Insights

In ANE or (Ancient Near East) biblical history there were several areas that pagan religions affected among it's adherents. I will focus on a few of them in this section and draw parallels to what hip-hop has done among many of our youth and society in general.

Part A- Social Morality & Clothing

Deut. 22:5 ~ "5-The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God."

Known as probably one of the most popular scriptures in the identification of a holiness church, this verse has often been quoted in and out of context to make the point that God wants there to be a difference in appearance between male and female. In proper context it should be noted that this scripture was referring to pagan practices of dawning the apparel of the opposite sex during religious and other ceremonies.

• “As the word...geber is here used, which properly signifies a strong man or man of war, it is very probable that armour is here intended; especially as we know that in the worship of Venus, to which that of Astarte or Ashtaroth among the Canaanites bore a striking resemblance, the women were accustomed to appear in armour before her.” ~ Clark, Adam. "Commentary on Deuteronomy 22:5". "Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible".

Due to false worship, there is also strong historical evidence that a woman was not permitted to array herself for battle with a man's armor or war garments including men's weapons such as swords. This is one reason that Jael killed Sisera with a tent spike and not a sword. (Judges 4:21) A sword was used as a man's weapon and would be prohibited for a woman's usage. (See Rabbi Jon-Jay Tilsen of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism from an article entitled “Cross Dressing and Deuteronomy 22:5".)

Regardless of the interpretation, the bible is deliberate about setting forth a distinction between not only men and women, but apparel that is honorific to God in general, and does not confuse genders. In the Christian world view garments were and are an extension of worship and honor towards God.

Hip hop however, has established it's own purpose for garments and totally blurred if not obliterated the lines of acceptable societal standards and reestablished and norm based on it's own idea of street fashion.

A Culture Of Death & Resurgence Of False Religion

One such evidence of garments that help proliferate the hip-hop message is the skull and crossbones scheme set forth and popularized by fashion designer Mark ECKO. This is one of the most popular arrays of garments among today's youth and the hip-hop faithful. The problem here is that the design itself was originally used to indicate either one of two things 1- When the bones are behind the skull- poison or danger and 2- when the bones are underneath the skull- a "Jolly Roger" which indicates piracy or thievery. In both cases the skull and crossbones combination ultimately indicates DEATH. In other words the whole symbolism and purpose of the display is death.

Now, the skeptic says that the military also uses such symbols, and we call them heroes and I respond by saying, rightfully so. However, I would point out the mission of the military in times of war. The military shows up for an express purpose and that's to destroy the enemy and his plans. Knowing that, I would say that the use of the symbol is highly known and in line with its message...need I say more?

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Hip-Hop, Idolatry, & The Church Pt. 6

As continued from

Hip Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 5

"Can Hip-Hop Be Redeemed?"

Additional Scriptural Insight Pt. 3:
The Removal Of "Curious Arts" From Among The People

Probably one of the most universally overlooked passages of scripture when dealing with this subject is

Acts 19:18-20 "18-And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. 19-Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20-So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed."

This passage butresses an event in which the 7 seven sons of Sceva (The Left Hand) try unsucessfully to cast out the town demon (v.16). This demon, possessing a man, beat all 7 brothers naked, but prior to that admits that he is aware of and has a certain honor for both Jesus and Paul. (v.15)

We have looked at the traditions in Ephasus earlier in the previous segment. Quite naturally, because of these events, people understood that there was "real power" in town and because of this there was an uproar to say the least. But something happens here that is quite unusual. The bible says:

"Many that believed came and confessed and shewed their deeds" (v.18)

Now we can assume that individuals became believers or converted to Christianity as a result of these events, however the scripture is somewhat ambiguous in the nature of the "many that believed". Were these people also "believers" at the time of these events? Or did they become "believers" afterward?

The word in question is "believed" (GK. pisteuo) This word was used to indicate those who came to saving faith like those of Berea in Acts 17:12 and was also the same word used to indicate those who exercised a lifestyle of faith and practice as Christians such as those converted Jews in Acts 15:5. The ambiguity of this scripture is not the primary focus, neither does that ambiguity relinquish the message of the scripture. The results, either way, are…

Over One Million $$$ On The Trash Heap!

No matter how one views this scripture, the result was the same..."Believers" [whether converted at that moment or before hand] who were using "curious arts" became so convinced of the power of God until they came together, confessed their deeds, and got rid of their ungodly items.

There was over a million dollars worth of items that were burned and thrown away. Some of those items, I’m confident, had been in the family for quite some time and were probably very useful in the superstitions society or culture in which these believers lived. Could they not have used these items as a witnessing tool? Surely God could have used even the price of these items to help establish HIS New Testament church? Was there no way that God could have redeemed any of these items?

NONE of those items had any redemptive value.

An Encounter With The Culture:

"An Encounter With The Culture" was the title of the eulogy I preformed at the funeral of my Godson Mario McGee, who was recently killed in a home invasion. When trying to reconstruct Mario’s life, I was surprised to find that he was literally baptized within the hip-hop underground movement with all of the trappings that I’ve stated in this series and then some. Mario was a rapper with a completely and totally non existent sense of biblical requirements as it pertained to hip-hop and hip-hop street inculturation. His personality in no way matched his hip-hop persona.

Known as "Rio" and "King Swagg", the profanity, the gang signs the clothing etc. were all parts of the hip-hop lifestyle that he was enamoured with and by. Even though he was raised in a controlled environment, educated and working full time with a great paying job, hip-hop became his life, and I believe promoted his ultimate death.

What happened was that some years ago his parents left the church and left God. They didn’t live indecently but they had no living standard whereby to maintain safety and peace of mind and keep a blessing on their home. I had to preach the funeral to over approximately 500- 700 young people from all over the city who were seriously affected by his death. The thing that stood out to me is that death was inevitable within the culture. There was something or someone that had to give without question. There were too many tentacles by which Mario was trapped and entangled. Unfortunately, that something that had to give was his 19 year old life.

To the glory of God, as a result of that funeral, there have been young people saved. At various churches some youth that heard the message decided that life was worth living and that the culture didn’t have to hold them hostage. Thank God!

That’s why I continue to do this, with no or little money ever received, and larger churches not wanting my information to "rock their boats". I do this because I don’t want another young (or otherwise) life cut short or disillusioned because of the promise of the devil through hip-hop or any other culture. Yes, there is Goth, punk rock- and heavy metal cultures that are just as evil and dangerous if not more dangerous than hip-hop, but none of that gives hip-hop a free pass.

All I know is that hip-hop has not offered anything positive to my community ever since I have known it, which was before I got saved, and what positive things it did offer were and are short-lived and too expensive to maintain.. Hip hop cannot be redeemed. It is an inculturation which can only be laid aside and placed in it’s proper place, and that’s under the feet of the Saints along with sin and the devil himself.

Common Questions That I Encounter:

Question: "I have children that listen to hip-hop music. They have reviewed modern gospel and find it no different than the music they listen to. In fact some of the popular gospel artists often have their secular hip-hop icons on their gospel songs. How do I get my children out from under the influence of the hip-hop industry when it's almost everywhere you go?"

Answer: This is a very good observation. Many Gospel artists lace their Gospel music with secular and hip hop artists. All too often this is the "brainchild" of the record company who holds the contract and pulls the strings. There are two things that you want to do and one thing you definitely don’t want to do in this situation. Let’s begin with the later.

1- DO NOT alienate your child or place them on trial for everything hip-hop that they either listen to or enjoy. This by itself will drive them further into the culture and away from your advice as they may feel that you will not or do not understand them.

Instead, Implement The Following Techniques:

• Make the children investigators of the culture under your guidence? Teach them to begin to think critically and explain what they hear to you. By verbalizing and investigating some of what they hear they are not only becoming accountable to you, but they are beginning to process what they hear differently. If you’re maintaining godly teaching and a moral standard, they will recognize the moral conflict on their own. They will also come to realize that they have a higher and better sense of morality than their icons and will begin to pity then instead of admire them. You want your children to learn and effectively relay information and give you their opinion before you make a value judgement on what they’ve brought to you. Let them take responsibility and they will gain a sense of pride because they are becoming the "expert" on something that not only effects them, but more than likely effects all of their friends too.
  

2- Model righteousness and a hip-hop free lifestyle in front of them. You can’t expect them to put down hip-hop when you’re wearing "gangsta fashions", promoting hip-hop artists, and banging the music all day long. If you’re not delivered, and you're more excited about what’s going on in the hip-hop culture than your child is, then don't expect them to give up what they do (at least by your example) anytime soon.

Question: "Christmas and Easter were originally pagan ceremonies and festivals but now they represent Christianity. Why can’t hip-hop be used to do the same?"

Answer: This is a question that we often hear. A little research is in order. You can go HERE CHRISTMAS for that. And go HERE EASTER for that. Please be careful because there is MUCH misinformation out there and atheists as well as radical Christians love to confuse people on these issues claiming that their church is better than someone else’s church. One thing to keep in mind, a parrallel DOES NOT a holiday make, Christian or otherwise. In short it can be arguably stated that the secular world sought to eclipse Christian practice by bringing their practice into the church and the church allowed this to flourish. Which is apripos to this complete writing. None of that speaks to the fact that the bible doesn't condone using the world or worldly practices in the service of the Lord. Just because something happened does not mean that God wanted it to be that way. Consequentely, we can't always think that the church tried to emulate the world, sometimes it was the other way around and sometimes there is great confusion as a result.

Question: "What are we supposed to listen to if we can’t listen to "Christian" hip-hop?"

Answer: Are you able to create your own music or center yourself around others who are dedicated to God enough to allow their creative and spiritual talents to flow? Who’s in your circle? Usually people given to prayer and dedication to the Lord will sing a "new song" instead of a revamped 70’s hits with a Jesus wrapper on it. Besides, the greater point is that we identify the message and the encouragement of the music. If what you’re listening to is encouraging you to continue to be a "gangsta in Christ" then how can it be redemptive? That simply reinforces the old lifestyle. Find redemptive music from reputable artists and don't be afraid to do some research. Remember the beat is not so much of a problem as it the presentation and what the song incites.

Question: "Man, it's a financial crunch and I don’t have the money to change my child’s complete wardrobe. What can I do in the meantime?"

Answer: The section on clothing was pretty heavy, and as I acknowledge, some clothes were bought because they were (are) cheap and you didn’t see the emblems and names until you got home or until the kids had already worn them. What you can do now is teach and just like you found those on clearance, find some more, but now look at then with a spiritual eye, discerning the messages that come along with the clothes. The power of the blood of Jesus will cast off any "spell" if there is one so don’t become paranoid. Just live to HIS glory and redeem the dolla correctly next time.

Blessed!

If You Haven't Already Done So, Don't Forget To Read:
Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 1
Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 2
Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 3

Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 4

Read more!

Hip-Hop, Idolatry & The Church Pt. 2

A Community In Crisis:

As we stated in Hip-Hop, Idolatry, & The Church Pt. 1, hip-hop is certainly no less than an anti-God world view that covers both political and social agenda. Hip-hop uses religious terminology, a form of Islamic belief and rank secularism to promote it's message. In this segment we will continue to look at what I call the "apostles" of hip-hop so that we can get a better picture of the current framework on which hip-hop rests

This month (Jan 2009) offers one of the most anticipated feature length films in hip-hop history covering the 25 year life of one of hip-hop's most renown, modern apostles. The 6'3" 250 lb. young man known as "Biggie Smalls" "Big Poppa" or simply as "The Notorious B.I.G". Christopher G. Wallace, after 11 years since his murder, (which yet remains unsolved) has gone on to legendary status among the hip-hop faithful. Affectionately called "The John The Baptist" of hip-hop by those who lovingly adore him, The Notorious B.I.G. was known for his street demeanor even though he was raised in a much more modest setting by a single parent Ms. Voletta Wallace who by all accounts raised her son excellently. Admired by the church hip-hop faithful for his drive, determination and good works, Notorious B.I.G. left behind a wife (Faith Evans) children, (one of which plays him in the upcoming movie- Christopher C.J. Wallace) and at least one mistress, Lil Kim aka Kimberly Denise Jones, who's BET reality show, "Countdown To Lockdown" became the highest ever rated on BET.

One of B.I.G.'s associates has seemingly suffered from identity problems since Notorious's death. Changing his name from Puff Daddy, P.Diddy, to the current clothing brand of Sean John. Sean John Combs has amassed one of the greatest amounts of wealth known to hip-hop through a diversification of enterprise from clothing to colognes. In fact his most popular colognes are titled "Unforgiveable" and "I AM KING". If those titles aren't explicit enough as to the thought process of Sean John, he also promotes a Vodka made of grapes called Ciroc (the commercial for which P-DIDDY is shown to make sure that not one but TWO women who "slept over" get home safely the next morning) This vodka has bombarded New York with their advertisements and message of prosperity, and offered New York $1 Million dollars through P-DIDDY to change the New Year's ball, dropped in Times Square, to Ciroc Blue representing the color of the grape from which the vodka is made and the "New Prosperity" into which Ciroc would be "baptizing" the city of New York and the nation in. This was termed the New York, New Year's ball takeover.

• "As the ‘Official Vodka of New Year’s Eve,’ it’s only fitting that we take over New York, the most iconic New Year’s city in the world," said Combs, who entered into a strategic marketing alliance with the ultra-premium spirit more than one year ago. "I’m going to give every adult in America a taste of what it’s like to enjoy a sophisticated celebration with Diddy, and what better time than while ringing in the New Year."

"Every Adult"???

Then there is the Jay (jay-hova god is my name) Z. Shawn Corey Carter is a 39 year old mogul that not only declares his supreme deity on stage, but also diversifies his operations to include Rock-A-Fella Records, a night club called The 40/40 Club and the New Jesrey Nets basketball team. Not to mention an ever popular family clothing line Rocawear. Mr. Jay-Z sold the Rocawear rights to the Iconix Brand Group, for $204 million. Although co-founder and hip-hop mogul Damon Dash is now broke (at least according to his lawyer to whom he owes over $148,000 in legal fees ~ Hip Hop Weekly Magazine Volume 3 Issue 25 Pg. 73) and does not have anything to do with Rock-A-Fella anymore, Jay-Z is to be commended because he did help his former business partner by extending him $5 Million to pay his legal troubles. Jay-Z retains his stake in the company and continues to oversee marketing, licensing and product development." and ultimately continues to line his pockets. Iconix to Buy Rocawear, Jay-Z's Clothing Line". The New York Times (2007-03-07). Retrieved on 2007-03-09.

At the most legendary status there are others who have given their life for hip-hop, such as the late Lesane Parish Crooks aka Tupac Shakur, dead also at age 25, who is said to be "The Jesus" of hip-hop by the faithful. Not only did Tupac hate the John The Baptist of Hip-hop, he also claimed to have slept with his wife. That didn't stop his gifts from working however, because he was also said to have foreseen his death in a video in which he looks into his coffin and sees himself. I would ask what would be so strange about this since Tupac lived in a death culture, and signed with a person known for both beating women and murder; a person by the name of Suge Knight aka Marion Hugh Knight, Jr. who was also co-founder of "Death Row Records". (Whose logo is a blindfolded man strapped into an electric chair and was sold for $24 Million in 2008) Rappers such as Snoop Dogg aka Cordozar Calvin Broadus, Jr. another former Death Row rapper, expanded his brand by making pornographic films and other feature length films glorifying his use of marijuana and other drugs.

Speaking of Death And Entrepreneurship:

There's the infamous 50 Cent aka Curtis James Jackson III who's CD, movie, and autobiography "Get Rich Or Die Trying" took hip-hop death and the streets to an absolute new ridiculous level, while further glorifying all the trappings that come along with it. In fact, one of the early tracks that got him attention and into physical fights and altercations with other rappers was a song called "How To Rob"...50 has been shot, and one one occassion took 9 bullets, including one still loged in his tongue. None of this mentions his more recent CD called "Massacre" In spite of all of this, 50 Cent has managed to remain true to the hip hop declaration of peace, by diversifying and creating his own record label called G-Unit Records and clothing line G-Unit, which has become immensely popular among adolescents and teen-agers.

Hip-hop's Message Is Heard Loud And Clear Even Through Silence:

The Stop Snitchin' campaign... promoted as the drug dealer anthem against the community in 2004 by Rodney Bethea, who was ultimately sentenced to 3 years for assault, has been even promoted by such individuals as Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets and has proved to be one of the most frustrating grass-roots campaigns that many police departments and families and individuals seeking justice face around the country.

Then, There Could Be Two?

Now, I guess gangsta rapper T.I. (Clifford Joseph Harris) or T.I.P. (whichever one he is) will loose some of those street "brownie points" for testifying in the murder trial of his personal assistant Philant Johnson. The now convicted murder Hosea Thomas was said to have been angry at T.I.'s entourage because he (Thomas) wasn't welcomed into the VIP section at the "afterparty" of a concert in May 2006.

What we should be able to see from this is that hip-hop creates a culture of death, religiously and fervently preaches and tries to spread that death to it's adherents or whoever gets in the way.
Ooh, I forgot to explain the T.I./ T.I.P. part... T.I.P is said to be T.I.'s alter ego, in other words his split personality. One of them explains it like this:

• "Sometimes people might see me act a certain way one time and another way one another time. They might not believe the same cat you see dressed so sharp and winning awards and speaking eloquently is the same cat you see fist-fighting with hoodlums outside a nightclub. This album will be an explanation of all of this"~ Shaheem Reid (March 19, 2007). T.I. Taking On T.I.P. With Help From Eminem MTV. Accessed December 31, 2007.

Surprisingly, the same is true of the women of hip-hop elitism. The most popular wife of mogul Jay-Z (mentioned above) is Beyonce (Look Who's Talking Now) Fierce (aka: Beyonce Knowles). Not only has Beyonce produced a new CD entitled "I AM" She also opened up to talk about her alter ego (split personality) who is a sexually free person called Sasha Fierce who takes over in times of necessity, when she needs to be tough or sometimes when she puts on stiletto heels. This is how she explains Sasha Fierce:

• "I feel like all men and women have that other person that takes over, and I've been able to protect myself personally by having this alter ego and kind of keep perspective on life because it's really easy for you to get out of touch with reality when you can have all these yes people around, and you're on stage and people are screaming, and it's lights and glamorous clothes" ~ (Danica Daniel, Black BEAT Magazine Jan. 2009 pg.67)
  

Sasha Fierce is related to performing which is synonymous with sexuality or sexual freedom. In other words for those that have spiritual ears to hear, Beyonce channels a sexual spirit in many of her performances. This is her explanation:

• "...so once I put on my stilettos and I go out there, I have all this confidence and I'm not afraid of my sexuality. I can do all this choreography that I would never do at a club. {Laughs}It's been my way of kind of separating the two." ~ (Danica Daniel, Black Beat Magazine Jan. 2009 pg. 67)

Then there the Bi-curious element. In fact, on her new CD, "I AM" Sasha Fierce (or maybe Beyonce) produces a song called "If I Were A Boy For A Day". When questioned about what she would do IF she were a boy for a day, she says that she "wouldn't do all the things" (whatever that means) but she would:

• "I would probably take a girl out on a date or try to approach a girl, just to see how it would feel" ~ Beyonce Knowles or possibly Sasha Fierce

Remember, this is from a young lady that is proud of the fact that she held to her morals and sexual purity. Now this is especially interesting due to a find of Gnostic literature at Nag Hammadi, Egypt in the early 1900's. In a book called "Thunder" it is said that a female speaker, probably Sophia (wisdom personified) expresses herself in all kinds of paradoxes and contradictions. She uses the phrase "I Am" to do so. It goes like this to be exact:

For I am the first and the last.
I am the honoured one and the scorned one.
I am the whore and the holy one.
I am the wife and the virgin.
I am the mother and the daughter.
I am the members of my mother.
I am the barren one and many are her sons.
I am she whose wedding is great, and I have not taken a husband.
I am the midwife and she who does not bear.
I am the solace of my labour pains.
I am the bride and the bridegroom, and it is my husband who begot me
I am death, I am Life,
I am darkness, I am light,
I am error, I am truth,
I am destruction, I am construction,
I am the blow, I am the healing.

However with all of that said, one of the most startling statments of what many scholars think is the female Sophia, is the following saying:
 

"I am the prostitute and the saint, I am the woman and the virgin."

 
Now, one may claim some sort of coincidental association to this work which scholars believe to be anywhere from 3rd centure BCE to 4th century CE, but the fact seems to remain the same...there is something more than simple music and entertainment behind the scenes.
 
Hatred Of Women And Gender Confusion

In the the hip hop world not only does death abound but as noted sexuality and perversion does too. Misogyny, lesbianism and homosexuality run rampant through hip-hop. One need not to listen to a song or watch a video long before one hears women called B's and hoes and sees a woman either kissing or hugging up on another woman. Until recently BET through its show UNCUT was a opportunity for sexually deviant videos and perverse lesbian and strip club scenarios. Rappers such as Nelly aka Cornell Haynes, Jr. and Champaign, Illinois native Ludacris (the name speaks for itself) aka Christopher Bridges and a host of others, have exploited women and black women in particular (even though they argue the women exploit themselves) through low rate soft-porn videos, excessive profanity and pornographic scenes.

Then there are male gender benders who are not afraid to co mingle their sexual confusion with their stage presence. One such 50 year old performer called The Artist, Formerly Known as Prince aka Prince Rogers Nelson (Now just "Prince" again) not only displays his affinity for bisexuality and homosexuality both on stage and off, but also shows his devotion to the hip-hop roots of the Universal ZULU Nation through his artistic development of the "Love Symbol"

The amazing part is that both gospel singers Kirk Franklin and Tonex have been proud to be called the "Prince" of Gospel music. What type of mess is this, when a gospel artist has such an affinity toward being associated with a openly bisexual, unsaved man?

This is only a small sampling from some of the top proponents of the hip hop industry today. As men and women strive to get contracts we find that there are many more standing at the door ready to provide their services to help promote the godless agendas that we see here and other places throughout society.

So What Message Do We Receive From The Modern Apostles Of Hip-hop?

• The John the Baptist of hip-hop has Jesus murdered and Judas(s) reign supreme or at least so is the speculation in the streets.
• The promoters of the declaration of peace remain true to their call by providing diversification of operation, through Street Fashions and other ventures.
• Whole cities and regions become targets through sponshorship and big business ventures
• Our children are almost held captive through massive marketing efforts and cloting lines designed to help both knowing and the unknowing conform to hip-hop standards
• There are individuals who openly and readily admit they have either split personalities or multiple personalities and use those personalities to speak through and during the music.
• There is the overt and perverted brand of sexuality, promoting misogany, promiscuity, homosexuality, lesbianism, extra marital relations, strip clubs and prostitution.

All this begs the question: How can the church be enamoured with Hip-hop and any of it's elements? That's the question of the hour and the question we intend to answer in the next segment as we move to look at the churches, ministers, bishops and SO-CALLED gospel artists who promote this false anti-Christ and anti-God religious worldview called Hip-hop...AND even dare to put HOLY on it.

Some may be critical of my efforts in this blog and that's ok. The importance is simply this: These are the people feeding our children and families and even our communities with their worldview even while we are asleep or in church. Unless we know the message, what's being promoted and how it's being promoted we are powerless to do anything against it. The tragedy is that many churches and leaders after knowing all of this somehow think that it can be sanctified and used for God's glory when quite the contrary is true

Blessed!

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