Christian Rap – Can we freestyle the gospel?
Oct 2nd, 2009 by Nathan White
Here’s a post I sent to the Reformed Baptist Discussion List today. My good friend and brother Mark disagrees with me on this subject (see his post here), and today we have been engaged in a nice little debate via Twitter. Here’s a general synopsis of my views concerning using rap/hip-hop, and some other forms of music to attempt to communicate the gospel.
I don’t pose this question to discuss worship styles (in church) or to debate whether music is amoral or not. Rather, I have some concerns with ‘Reformed Rap’, and I’d like to get some feedback.
If you’re not familiar with some of the new hip-hop artists, there is a Reformed rapper named Lecrae, and others, like Shai Linne and Voice, the latter of whom Mark Dever recently interviewed: http://media.9marks.org/2009/10/01/christian-rap-with-shai-linne-and-voice
I haven’t listened to the interview, but I am familiar with these new Reformed Rappers. They have become popular in reformed circles because of their Calvinistic lyrics, sound theology, and reformed-celebrity endorsements. From what I know, these Christian artists have excellent lyrics, theologically. They sing about the gospel, God’s sovereignty, the reformation, etc., with the same in-your-face lyrics as say, our beloved friend Steve Camp. So I certainly don’t think there’s anything wrong with their music lyrically, nor do I necessarily see anything sinful in their style.
However, having seen a few of their videos and heard some of their songs, I am not convinced that their style of music coincides with the message. For example, Lecrae sings a statement: “Lord kill me If I don’t preach the gospel”. Having grown up (an unbeliever) listening to this style of music, this just seems to be right in line with the hyperbole and gangster ‘get rich or die trying‘, ‘me against the world‘ attitude that has characterized hip-hop and made it as popular as it is. I mean, please, are we really supposed to believe he actually means this (or that we should actually mean it) while he’s busting a rhyme on-stage? I would akin this to hearing a clown, or a puppet show, or an advertising jingle sing about the wrath of God. The medium, IMO, just seems inconsistent with the message, to the point where the message itself is obscured.
I’m not saying that the music style itself is sinful, but I do believe the medium itself promotes an attitude that is antithetical to humility, reverence, and worship, as some other forms of music do as well. And it also seems to fail to account for the weight and seriousness of what the singer is communicating. My concerns are even furthered when I view videos from these concerts where, despite many holy, excellent, and humble truths being shouted, it’s a party, dancing atmosphere that (again) seems completely contradictory to the words being sung (and I realize that this is subjective, so its just an observation from my perspective).
I heard a story one time about a young minister who had the opportunity to preach at the Metropolitan Tabernacle (Spurgeon’s church). Knowing the evangelical beliefs of the congregation, the young man preached his hardest and best message on hell. After the sermon he expected to be greeted with hearty approval, but instead an older man approached him and said, ‘I don’t know how you can preach that message without tears in your eyes’. This is what I’m talking about. Just as it’s inconsistent to be forceful, cold, and academic about hell, it is inconsistent to be freestyling, casual, and urban (in the cultural sense) about matters of such importance.
I’m sure more than a few disagree with me, and that is fine. But I’d appreciate hearing thoughts. I’m just concerned that we’ve been quick to embrace something because of its content that might end up having devastating effects on the actual message itself.
Add to this a quote by Terry Johnson in the excellent book, Reformed Worship – Worship that is According to Scripture:
“It may be permissible for a church to begin its worship with the song “Deep & Wide”, then sing as its second hymn “Zaccheus Was a Wee Little Man”, and conclude the service with “The B-I-B-L-E”. ‘Scripture does not forbid it’, a strict Biblicist might say. But such would be doubtful propriety…we say that, not because there is a bible verse that forbids these children’s songs, but because of a more general sense of what is appropriate in light of nature…
“Not every question in worship or life can be answered by a direct application of a Bible verse. Indeed it is legalistic and fundamentalistic to expect to do so. Right living rarely consists of simply applying the Bible’s rules to circumstances. Rather, right living requires the illumination of the Holy Spirit and wisdom in applying general principles to daily choices. Pharisees limit the Bible’s application to the specific words -you shall not kill, commit murder, and so on, and ignore the broader application…
“The Apostles regularly appeal to what is ‘fitting’ or ’suitable’ or ‘proper’ in light of Scripture’s explicit commands, and yet without spelling out exactly what these things mean. (1 Cor 11:13,14; Titus 2:1; 1 Tim 2:9,10, Eph 5:3,4)”
And lastly, here is a video from one of their recent concerts here in Atlanta:
Listening to that video…OH–MY–WORD!!! Yeah, I think its pretty obvious that there’s a HUGE conflict between message and music in that video.
Anyway–wonderful, cogent, solid argument as far as your post is concerned. I think you are totally right (and balanced in the matter) Nathan. I don’t think there is any need to be shy, hesitant, or apprehensive about being decisively dogmatic about the issue.
The issue of “appropriateness” or “consistency between message and medium” is, IMO, a very important issue, and not something to be simply demoted as a peripheral issue.
Y’know, there is absolutely nothing intrinsically sinful if a Pastor were to have a purple-dyed Mohawk, spiked bracelets and belts, and ripped Jeans as he preached the gospel on Sunday Morning.
Good points. I, too have concerns. I just started a discussion of this issue today: http://www.religiousaffectionsministries.org/featured/can-rap-be-christian-the-presuppositions
Davide-
Thanks for the comment. I needed that. I’m sick and tired of people blowing up at me because of what I’ve said. There has been lots of feedback on this one –mostly negative, but the positive comments have come from the people I most trust (and most align with theologically).
Scott-
Thanks for the links. I liked what I saw, and have passed them along.
unfortunately I’m gonna have to disagree. The gospel can be relayed in many different forms. The Hip-Hop culture is not evil in itself just like everything else God created. These rappers are taking something so easily corrupted by the world and using it to glorify Christ. Some lyrics as you listed are pretty frank, but many of these rappers are deeply entrenched with how the Gospel has impacted their lives. They are reaching a group of people that considers Christianity as a cook-cutter white thing and they are portraying it in a light that goes beyond the normal stereotype of American Evangelicalism.
Matt, your argument breaks down because God did not create Hip-Hop culture; man did. And any time man creates something, it always has at least the potential to be sinful, especially when it is created by debase unbelievers.
This fact should at least give you reason to careful consider whether this particular form is appropriate for gospel expression.
Hey Matt,
A couple of thoughts here.
“The hip-hop culture is not evil in itself.” Yes and know, depending on how you look at it. For example, saying the f-word is not intrinsically sinful, but it can be depending on the context. I have yet to know of any rapper who does not rap about one or more of the following: a.) women, b.) sex, c.) money, d.) drugs, e.) violence f.) materialism (coveteousness), g.) rebellion, h.) vanity or i.) doesn’t use filthy language. Do you know of one? Honestly, maybe I’m not up to speed with the today’s rap culture, but that’s all that I’ve noticed. Am I wrong here? So, if the former items are the primary basis of the substance of the hip-hop culture, then why would we use such a contaminated ‘culture’ to present such a holy message?
“They are reaching a group of people that considers Christianity as a cook-cutter white thing and they are portraying it in a light that goes beyond the normal stereotype of American Evangelicalism.”
This almost sounds like you are implying that the gospel is more effective if we present it with a different medium. If that’s the implication, I firmly disagree, because the gospel itself is the power of God unto salvation. Thankfully, we do not have to present the gospel in a style they related to, in order to make it more palatable to a culture.
Again, I don’t think Nathan’s argument is about what’s sin or not sin, or whether these people are truly sincere in their faith, or whether God can even use this music or not, but rather what music best conveys the attitude of our message.
Because the rap music culture (by its mere substance and associations) has earned a reputation of being exclusively associated with sin, vanity, and frivolity, we say it is not the most appropriate music to convey the message of the gospel. Wouldn’t you agree?
I think the question here is whether there is something intrinsically bad, negative or even evil not about the “hip-hop culture” but about the style that its message is communicated with. Is there something intrinsically sinful about certain rhythms and modes of dress and speaking, or at the very least, does it trivialize or cheapen the Gospel through its trappings? Can it be anything other than irreverant?
I guess the only way to answer that is to ask yourself whether you consider “praise” music or even some of the Southern-style country twangy worship services “inappropriate”. I’m not sure how much of this is simply a matter of taste, to be honest. I find anything written after around 1940 to be offensive to my ears in terms of liturgical music, but that’s just me. I think “praise” and country-style modes of worship tend to reduce or trivialize the transcendant aspect of the service, making it a more chummy sort of atmosphere. I’m not saying everything has to be an operatic aria or Gregorian chant, but in my mind, the service demands a certain degree of solemnity that these other modes can’t provide.
That being said, I would be reluctant to categorize Gospel singers or people like Keith Green as neo-pagan because of the way they communicate their faith.
Oh, I definitely think a lot of southern gospel is downright silly, and without question trivializes the character of the gospel in many instances.
Can rappers not glorify Christ, proclaim the gospel through their gifts? Aren’t all cultures created by man? Why does Paul in Acts 17 embrace culture to make a point on Christ being supreme and telling the Greeks their own poets reveal things about the one true God? It is clear to see the misogamy, adultery, self-glorification, etc. in mainstream Hip-Hop but does that mean there is no redemption too a culture that is so easily considered demonic. Is Christ ministry based on a certian culture or are we called to be culturally-relevant and gospel-centered. The “Christian culture” is a huge hinderance to the gospel especially in American because it says this is exactly what a Christian should listen too, watch, wear, and do. Misconceptions are easily built when we start to define things as evil because anything can be used by man in a corrupt sinful nature to make gifts from God seem unredeemable.
Matt,
Using that logic, it would only be consistent to appeal to every music culture. That means, for Marilyn Manson fans, its perfectly appropriate to shave our heads, wear evil looking face paint, pierce out bodies with chains and spikes, wear black clothing, scream our lungs out, and have fire and smoke, while sharing the gospel.
The fact is that that is the beauty of the gospel. You go places in the world with various cultures and the first priority is not to get people to stop wearing certian clothing, take all their piercings out, etc. etc. the priority to to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we we make culture and differences our priority over the gospel we begin to make our preferences priorities. For example, many people have a perception that to become a Christian you need to stop wearing certian clothes, cover up tatoos, take out earrings, cut your hair, stop listening to all secular music, stop drinking, and the list goes on. This is not the gospel! The gospel is repentance and faith in Christ that is our ONLY hope. Its not a morality bit on what you listen too. The question is is Christ supreme to your culture? These reformed rappers are Christians first. They embrace culture but the power of the gospel to redeem people, and allow them to envade a culture through reformed rap is the work of God. Many times we fall short in this area I know I have as a new Christian I was not in support of such rappers as Lecrae, but as God has opened my eyes to see ministries like Reach Records and Acts 29 flourish for the sake of the gospel I have learned that God is working in all cultures and when Christ has supremacy we can see redemption. Many of these rappers attack the idols of the culture in their music and point people to Christ just like Paul did as a missionary.
Matt, I completely agree with your last post, however, for some reason, you keep on totally missing the entire point of this post. Just to clarify things here, the argument presented is NOT about:
1. Is rap music/beat intrinsically sinful?
2. Can God use Christian rappers?
3. Do people come to Christ though “Christian” rap music?
4. Are many Christian rappers sincerely living for God?
We can freestyle the gospel. Soli Deo Gloria
1 Corinthians 7:19-24 Clearly states *keeping Gods commands is what counts*. ((if they are rapping the word of God, ministering through music and keeping Gods commands then its fine)) *Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called* ((if he was rapping in the secular world when God called him, he should be rapping for Christ when he answered)) ((Paul was bold in the world so he was bold in Christ. Why switch up and get shy when you get saved?)) * he who was called in the lord while a slave, is the lords freeman/he who was called while free is Christs slave.* ((if you were a slave rapping in the secular world then you are free to rap for Christ/ if you were free rapping in the secular world then now you are a slave rapping for Christ)) ((we were bought at a price, our skills belong to Christ and the edification of his kingdom, rather it be rapping or boxing, poetry or painting)) ((we aren’t slaves to men, we submit our gifts to be slaves of Christ))
I think people who never grew up in an urban environment don’t understand the need push the message of Christ beyond the four walls of the Christian church. He’s going where the average suburban pastor would not venture. He ministering to youth that you probably wouldn’t normally see at your church or have a conversation with. God has called us to minister to those who don’t know him. Or would you rather pack up a few buses full of youth from project housing buildings and bring them to your suburban churches and let you minister to them. It’s and idea. There is a difference between rapping as a verb and hip hop as a culture. I don’t think gospel rappers should claim the culture of hip hop. We are of the Christian faith and not of the hip hop culture. Gospel is the truth and rap is the arranging of words in a rhythmic, rhyme pattern. So are gospel songs and some poetry. These young men have a concern for lost souls and loved ones that they want to get saved. They may not know how to do anything else as good as rapping. That is the gift God gave them. To communicate the gospel through lyrics. However, it is very important that we thoroughly examine these musicians using discernment and trying the spirit by the spirit.
Nathan,
1)Style:
My question to you is. What would be the difference between this style you mentioned and a some unconverted person in a reformed church lifting there hands up to a Chris Tomlin song in a worship service. Scripture says in Mathew 13 vs. 24- 30 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field,
25 but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds[a] among the wheat and went away. 26 So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. 27 And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest,
My main point is vs 30 Let both grow together until the harvest:
Now I posted Shai Linne at a concert I hope it shows if not the link is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5oZ0KaPvrE
Shai Linne does a spoken word but check out how he puts the spin on the event to turn the focus from hype (emotions) to Christ.
If you have a problem with Lecrae I would say to my brother make sure you keep the the focus on Christ, because the hype and rowdiness (emotions) can consume the message.
Now we only see this portion of your clip we do not know if he did what Shai Linne did and put Christ in the fore front.
2) Lord kill me if I do not preach the gospel:
Mathew 10 vs 38. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Our American culture has so desensitized Christianity that we either forget the discourse of Mathew 10, or we have never learned it. We really are trying to enjoy the befits of the world instead of trying to enjoy the benefits of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we are a Christians the discourse of Mathew 10 should be at the fore front of our minds so we can remain wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. You can not be anything you do not think about and not just think but mediate.
My last concern is that you judge based on the scripture and not based on a personal bias. Remember we are totally depraved and lean toward judging base on what we like and how we feel rather than what we need, what we need is to be like Christ and he has givens us the Holy scriptures and His Holy Spirit to execute righteous judgment. We can make anything look wrong or right. This is what the charismatic movement has done with scripture.
Grace and peace In the name of Jesus.
Hilton-
Thank you for your comment. I’m a little tired of discussing this issue, so my response will be brief. But let me say a couple of things to ensure I am properly understood.
First, I do not believe that Matt 13 is properly applicable to this issue. My concerns are with the manner in which Christ is communicated to believers and unbelievers alike. The 3rd commandment warns us about how we invoke God’s name; numerous other passages instruct us to approach Him with fear and trembling (reverence and awe). My thesis is that the majority of Rap is not a reverent, serious, sincere method of communication, and this it is inconsistent with the message.
Secondly, I don’t have a ‘problem’ with Lecrae. I simply believe he is distorting the gospel in some ways when scripture exhorts us to make it as clear and consistent as possible. It’s not like I am calling him an unbeliever or a false teacher; I admire his passion for the Lord, and if I had a chance to speak with him I’d simply exhort him to add a little more knowledge to his zeal. The things of God are not to be trifled with.
Next, regarding your point #2, I do not doubt that ‘kill me if I do not preach the gospel’ is not a sincere belief for Christians at times. Yes, it’s probably a little extreme, because none of us -NONE- really preach the gospel as we ought. And if we sincerely pray this and sincerely want God to grant this request, we’d all be killed. Nevertheless, my main concern here is that this isn’t something to be sung about. Rapping this on-stage does not communicate the seriousness of what these words convey. It’s like the old saying: you don’t have to tell anyone what your convictions are; we can already see them by how you live. In the same manner, someone singing this should probably actually be preaching the gospel –and singing, my friend, is not preaching.
Lastly, of course I will judge based upon scripture. I stand by 1 Cor 2:1-5 as support for my concerns, as well as Heb 12:28-29, and many others.
Thanks again for your kind comment.
So much of this discussion (Christian Music Criticism) seems plagued by our cultural experiences and biases. One commenter hit it when he talked about the differences between rap as a genre vs. hip-hop as a culture. As I see it, Rap is a vehicle that is neutral and can be used by God to deliver the Gospel message to an ungodly “hip-hop” culture. God can be pleased as long as they maintain Rom. 12. “transforming w/out being conformed” to the “hip-hop” culture. And just like every culture in human history, since the fall, God’s people will struggle with how to “incarnate the gospel” in the culture. In other words, though every area of every culture is damaged by the fall: Who gets to decide what genres or cultural expressions are inappropriate vehicles for the gospel?
For me personally I am attracted to Reformed Rap for the very reason that Nathan isn’t! He accuses the genre of failing “… to account for the weight and seriousness of what the singer is communicating.” And the reason I started listening is that the Reformed Rap was SO much MORE Serious than typical Contemporary Christian Music a la “Chris Tomlin” or whatever is on the radio.
I am curious what would you say is a genre that is serious enough to communicate the gospel?
We all are guilty of calling things “unclean” that God calls clean and will use for his glory.
I appreciate the dialogue as long as it stays centered on the Word.
If one cannot see the obvious and enormous ideological conflict between the nature of the gospel and the nature of some musical styles, then that person has yet to better understand either the nature of the gospel or the nature of musical styles.
davide,
So please tell us what style of music is an “obvious, ideological” vehicle for gospel expression in every culture in every context? Because we need to let Mark Dever and Paul Washer know that they don’t “understand nature of the gospel.”
Let’s be careful here to not be dogmatic about things the Bible is not. Are we that ignorant of Christian History in the area of music? From Luther’s “a mighty fortress” to Handel’s “Messiah”, there has not been “obvious” agreement from the most Theologically Orthodox concerning artistic expression of God’s word. Do we think we have “arrived” in this area where our reformed Fathers did not?
A little humility please.
SpecialK,
I do not uphold the notion that there is only one “ideal” style of musical expression for conveying the gospel message; and I don’t think I implied that in my last comment. I think this whole issue is a matter of discernment, not right or wrong. It is a matter of what is better than the other; what is more appropriate than another, what mode best expresses the nature of the gospel.
So, the question is: Who am I to say which style if more preferable than another, which one is more appropriate than another, which seems to best express the nature of true biblical worship? It seems everybody’s opinion is different in the matter. True. That’s why my previous comment was just my opinion, nothing else. If you have a different opinion in the matter, so be it. My opinion is that rap is not the most appropriate vehicle for gospel expression; you have a different opinion, so be it. I don’t judge you for it, I just think you are not as discerning in the matter (no offense meant).
But here’s a crude example for you to consider: A Rock Band after the manner of Marylyn Manson is performing. Let’s say they turn the lights out making everything dark. Then they shoot fire, flames, and smoke. Then they scream their guts out as they bang their heads and play extremely chaotic, dissonant sounds. The performers don’t have their shirts on; they have tatoos all over their body, their bodies are covered in tatoos. They have dyed hair, and face painted with freaky looking make-up.
And what if this scenario were taking place on Sunday Morning Service with the lyrics of “Amazing Grace.” What would be your first reaction? I hope you wouldn’t approve. I can’t image you would. But where are tatoos mentioned in the NT as sin? Where are ear piercings mentioned as sin? Where is hair dye or face paint prohibited? Where is screaming prohibited? What gives me the right to dogmatically say that scenario is not the most appropriate for conveying the gospel? After all, none of those things are mentioned in Scripture?
If you’ve lived a tough life like most pple who like pap have, then you’ll understand what rap is all about. Most rappers rap at women, money, and sex because they have lived a tough life and have come to think that that is what brings joy. It is not the rap it self that is all abt money and sex, it is the pple. Most of these pple do not even listen to any other type of music and cannot ‘waste’ their time listenin to a preachin so how can you get to them if not through Rap. I myself was changed alot by rap, lecrea’s Take me as I am and Ambassadors Gimme dat. You can never understand rap if you have lived the rap life. Do i need to go into Rock to prove my point? Anyone know Hillsong Australia? I din’t think Rock (which was created by pple) was holy too, but it is the same rock music by hillsong that actually brought me closer to God.
Guy Greej,
Its always wise to not to approach biblical issues in a pragmatic manner. Just because something yields good results, does not mean that it is the best. Thankfully, God is able to use anything. For example, I’m sure many people have come closer to God reading the “Good News for Modern Man” translation of the Bible. But just because this may be the case, does not mean that we should recommend this translation. This version has some serious issues and is not to be considered idea.
Also, we must realize that success of the gospel in urban culture is NOT AT ALL contingent on how effectively we relate to their experiences, culture, or background. In other words, the gospel is NOT made more effective if we deliver it in a mode that that person relates to more (I Cor. 1).
I understand it all now. I really don’t think rapping the gospel would be a good idea. The very nature of rap makes it next to impossible to use it to praise or worship the father. Though it might be used to spread the message. But that’s another story all together.
how are u goona reach people that are lost if u not willing to go to them, jesus reached the prostitutes by hanging around them and sharing. is the purpose to go all AAALLL ALL ALL nations and preach the Gospel and share the Good news,. if they can reach people that we cant then they more effective in other ways than u are. too many people are stuck in a rut not reaching out and going to where the lost are and just feed themselves and dont share anything about Christ. all i can say is some people dont have the lost in mind. the gopel is to be real and relevant, if u cant make it relevant, keep quite and let others reach them without being so critical.
I can say this about Lecrae, Shai Linne, Tripp Lee, and others, and that is there is more of the Gospel in one verse than most “praise and worship” groups whole albumns. Just for the record, Lecrae, Flame, Sho Baraka and many others are ordained ministers. They spend plenty of time just reaching people through straight up preaching of the word. You can find them and many conferences teaching and preaching. Which is way more than your typical “praise bands” are doing. I think you need to take their concerts as an added bonus. Music with the Word!!
Wow! Hello all…praise team leader, degreed musician, public high school band director, reformed student of the one true Gospel as written in the Word of God. The Lord has blessed me to currently hold these offices for the time being. Rap music is a style just like praise music.
I tend to enjoy Hip-hop music because it is the only type of music that u say what u mean to say without shrouding it in prose and “fluff.” It is abrupt and honest as an art form much like the one line Proverbs of Solomon in the book of Proverbs. It has a strong place in a culture that lives and breaths the “attitude” of instant gratification. To say otherwise is simply confining the versatility of Gods chosen to be “all things to all people.”
To say that hip-hop is invalid as a witnessing tool is somewhat misinformed. The purpose of Proverbs is to teach. The purpose of HipHop is to teach.
No…you won’t be moved to tears in worship during a hiphop song about the effectual calling of Christ……But then again you won’t learn any scripture from singing “Our God Reigns” 47 times to the same 3 chords either. Both styles have merit to say one doesn’t lessens the Kingdom of Heaven.
what you all need to understand is that christian rap or hip-hop is not always intended to be praise and worship, it more or less challenges the way that you think… I too was lost and listening to rap, and hip-hop but if you just listen to the lyrics of a song it can bring tears to your eyes…everyone praises and worships differently…does a baptist praise the same as a pentecostal? no.
if you have grown up listening to rap and you become saved why do u soley need to listen to casting crowns or todd agnew in order for it to be holy? just like the scripture, songs and lyrics can be interpreted differentley…..if all you listened to is rock or rap or praise music you must understanf that there are many different mediums to reach down in your soul and really make you appreciate what the lord does for you… i feel that if you screwtinize anybody for the way they dress, look, or the music they listen to that you yourself are not being true to the lord…WHAT WOULD GOD SAY ABOUT YOU IF HE SAW YOU WALKING DOWN THE STREET OR AT A CONCERT? jesus ministered the word of the lord through people no matter jew or gentile
I consider my self a Christian Rapper that Ministers and not a Gospel Hip- Hop artist though some might call it that. I have to agree that in many arenas where we as artist are supposed to minister that some take the art to the extreme and are more concerned about getting the crowd hyped than the actual message they should be ministering. Doctrinally the message of some of the reformed rappers is sound, though I myself am not a Calvinist, because they rap scripturally. The problem we face is in our understanding is that the Gospel is the message of Christ coming, birth, death, resurrection, and second coming and all that lies therein including repentance for remission of sin through faith in Christ. Paul says that the Gospel was preached to Abraham being that he received the promise that the entire world would be blessed through the Christ child coming through his loins his “Seed” Galatians 3:8 & 3:16. Now that we know this, what I’m trying to say is that music from those who are Christians who minister through music can carry three components worship, the gospel, and edification if led by the Holy Spirit. All through out the Word of God, we find these components because this is what the Spirit inspires the writers to write. Not being naďve to the fact that some worship can lead to an excitement of ones emotional state of being because of an appreciation for God but if we are ministering to cause one to be edified whether by declaring that their needs to be a change of lifestyle, or ministering the Gospel I think a person should put much more emphasis on the crowd listening than getting hyped. My last statement would be that I’m not sure how filled a person is with the Holy Spirit if filled at all because the Holy Spirit I know would not cause you to act violent while rapping, grab your crotch while rapping, be pride full towards glorifying self or any thing contrary to scripture in nature. Be Blessed!!!!!!!!!!