We like it. My husband has a background in rap and enjoys Christian rap a lot. I appreciate it and really like many songs. The rap we listen to has more depth and rich theology than the songs played on Christian radio.
In spite of enjoying rap, I don't naturally catch the lyrics. The resulting guesses have provided a lot of humor for my husband. Several times, I have stopped the music to ask what in the world the rapper is saying. Here are a few examples from some favorite Lecrae songs:
Confused Guess #1: "Like an eagle in a tree. Christ came and he rescued me." Say what?
Actual Lyrics: Thankfully, Lecrae was saying "Like a hero in a dream, Christ came and he rescued me." -from "Tell the World" on GravityConfused Guess #2: "Wrapped up in floss, wrapped up in floss. Congratulations, we beat them odds." Wait, who is wrapped up in floss? And why is that a cause for congratulations?
Actual Lyrics: "Round of applause, round of applause. Congratulations, we beat them odds." Okay, that makes much more sense. -from "Round of Applause" on Church Clothes 2Confused Guess #3: "Tell the world, tell 'em. I'm a real boy." (I actually knew this one, but said it wrong for effect. Laughter ensued).
Actual Lyrics: "Tell the world, tell 'em. I'm a billboard." -from "Tell the World" on Gravity
In all seriousness, I believe good Christian rap should be supported. Rappers like Lecrae, Tedashii, and Trip Lee are shining light into dark places. Even if rap is not your thing, I encourage you not to write it off.
Not convinced? Read the following lines from "Don't Waste Your Life"
by Lecrae:
Not convinced? Read the following lines from "Don't Waste Your Life"
by Lecrae:
To live is Christ and that's Paul I recall
To die is gain so for Christ we give it all
He's the treasure you'll never find in a mall
Your money your singleness marriage talent your time
They were loaned to you to show the world that Christ is Divine
That's why it's Christ in my rhymes
That's why it's Christ all the time
See my whole world is built around Him He's the life in my lines
I refused to waste my life
He's too true to chase that ice
Here's my gifts and time
'Cause I'm constantly trying to be used to praise the Christ
If he's truly raised to life
Then this news should change your life
And by his grace you can put your faith in place that rules your days and nights.
What are your thoughts?
I fully agree with "more depth and rich theology" than most of the music on Christian radio. But though I prefer Christian rap to Christian tub banging, the jury is still out on which, if either, will stand the test of time. How many of the tracks popular today will last three years? Very few, would be my guess. The music is un-singable by a vast majority of those listening. It tickles the ear for a short time and then needs to be replaced by the next one and the on after that.
ReplyDeleteI think it varies by person. People familiar with rap can not only understand the lyrics easily, but they can "sing" along with them as well. I have a hard time due to lack of exposure. As I hear more, I am better able to understand.
DeleteIn my opinion, rap songs will fade away at a similar rate to other popular music. I think 80's rock is awful, but it has lasted 30+ years and is still significant to people who grew up in the 80's. Similarly, rap songs will continue to be significant to those people impacted by them. If you add the effect of the Gospel changing lives through Christian rap, the long-term impact has the potential to be very great.