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Is There Room For Religion In Hip Hop?

For many people hip hop proves the existence of a higher power, because it has allowed them to rise from something to nothing through having faith, being persistent, and by pursuing a gift or passion that was given to them by the Most High. As a result, it is safe to assume that religion or spirituality has played a part in the development of careers of these artists and executives alike. Followers of Christ for instance, are well aware that no sin is greater than the next and as long as you profess your love of God and ask for forgiveness his love will endure forever. One thing is for sure, unlike the music industry, your Most High will be around, no matter how many nominations you get or what your record sales look like this year.

Linking faith with secular music known for materialism, violence, misogyny a homophobia, has its share of critics. Recently I caught up with two spiritual music industry insiders, A.J. Woodson, a hip hop journalist and author of a daily devotional for the hip hop generation called “Spiritual Minded”, and Portia Kirkland, Vice President of Marketing for So Icey Entertainment and author of “Singing a Song for You” to get their take on merging religion with hip hop.  

Chimere: AJ, how can we bridge the gap between hip hop and religion? AJ: I believe this can be done in several ways, but more importantly through the artist since they have such a direct influence over a large audience. For example in ‘07, on 106&Park Cassidy explained how when he was in a coma in the hospital and in a jail cell for a crime he didn’t commit, he acknowledged how God got him through those two rough situations.  I believe by Cassidy sharing his testimony, was a great example of bridging the gap!

 Chimere: What has been your defining moment for religion and hip hop? AJ: Seeing Run from Run DMC become a reverend, Kurtis Blow starting The Hip Hop Church, Mase becoming a minister, Kanye West's Jesus Walks and DMX's Lord Give Me a Sign; those were all defying moments for me among many others!

 Chimere: What do you say to people that look down on or criticize secular artist who acknowledge God during award ceremonies and interviews? AJ: In everything you do give God the glory and praise.  I’ve had a lot of people criticize me for writing this book. They told me what I was doing was mocking God and that hip hop can’t be Holy! But to them I say, God says to make a joyful noise (in scripture); nowhere in the Bible does it say that it can’t be hip hop.

Chimere: Is there room for religion in hip hop?  AJ: Hip hop at its greatest has been one of the best ways to communicate our various cultures, ideals and ways of living. In the early 90's The Gods and The Earths (The Five Percent nation) used hip-hop to spread the word and their religious beliefs over some of the hottest beats. Some of the greatest emcees Grand Puba, Brand Nubian, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane and too many others dropped science and Five Percent theology. Whether we all agreed with what they believed we rocked to what they spit to the dope beats. God uses ordinary people in unordinary ways all through the Bible. He calls us to spread the word and meet the people where they are and speak to them how they speak. So if hip hop leads many to Christ who weren't being reached by the Bible or church services, God is pleased because ultimately the goal is to lead people to Him.

Chimere: Portia, how do you bring your influence of religion to the work place? PK: I always make sure I have the WORD of God with me.  I don't do the religion thing and go around telling people they're going to hell for doing things.  I have a relationship with Jesus Christ and attempt to let people know that he is THE WAY.  I influence people through my lifestyle.  I also cover the people I work with in prayer.  My ministry is being a light in dark places.

Chimere: How do your beliefs affect your decision making within the secular music industry?  PK: They probably affect what I do to a certain extent.  For example, I don't curse so when I am dealing with record executives who might be shouting and cursing people out, I have to make sure I always respond Godly.  That doesn't mean I allow people to take advantage of me, but I have to make the decision to always think Godly first. 

Chimere: What do you say to people that look down on or criticize secular artist who use God/scripture in their lyrics?  PK: Pay them no mind because people who are critical are being religious.  Religion doesn't bring people to eternity.  It's having a relationship with Jesus and living by faith that does.  Judging people is not my job, but telling people that Jesus loves them is.  Secular artists are Christians too.  Take Dave Hollister for example.  Another would be Tupac Shakur who I was very close with and he knew God. 

Chimere:  What artist do you think is spearheading a positive and successful movement towards bridging hip-hop and Christ? PK:  Canton Jones, Edward Long, Dave Hollister (r&B hip hop), Kierra Kiki Sheard (r&b hip hop) and Mary Mary (r&b hip hop)

Chimere: Is there Room for religion in Hip Hop?  PK: Of course.  Holy hip hop is HUGE!!  I have seen Christian r&b and hip hop fill arenas.  But if you're not in that Christian lifestyle, you might not know about these artists.  BUT it is a HUGE movement.  Try listening to Coco Brother on 97.5 praise.  They have a hot mixshow!  I'm a b girl and come from an era where rap was clean anyway.  So, I think this era is looking for positivity again and music they can share with all generations.  It depends on where you are in your walk with Christ.  While at Gospel Music Channel, I tried to STRESS that there are tons of Christians who go to the club on Sat and church on Sunday.  So, I think Holy Hip Hop like the Canton Jones', Edward Long, Oldhead, etc have been underground and out there for a long time, but when you're not on mainstream radio, people don't want to hear it.  I talked to the Real Roxanne who I used to dance for not so long ago and she's a grandparent!  Does she really want to play for her grandchildren songs about the strip clubs?

About the Author

I am a reader, writer, thinker, poet, mother, daughter, fiancé, lover, Christian, designer, entrepreneur, business, brainstorming, initiator, trendsetter, fashionista, music diva, movie seeker with experiences from Newark, San Antonio, Atlanta, Baton Rouge. These are the things that make me smile; they make me think and to that I write.

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