If you’ve ever questioned Rap, especially that which dares to call itself Christian, then I highly suggest reading this post at Pitchford’s Rambling. I believe it’s Nathan that has written this post, and he did so in order to put, what I describe as, a correct framework around any discussion of Rap music in Christianity. As a self stated student of poetry he does an excellent job looking at it’s history and progressively leads the reader to the creation of rap. He then goes on to show the diverse poetic nuances used by rappers. I have to agree it truly is a craft and as a lover of poetry I bow before most rappers word-smithing.

But, I’ve never personally enjoyed Rap. Now I’m your typical white suburbanite male. I’m in my mid 40′s which means my musical preferences normally revolve around late 60′s to 80′s rock. But I do try to be a bit eclectic in my musical taste. I listen to my kids music (well some of it). I enjoy the classical masters like Bach and Vivaldi. I’ve gone to the opera and own more than just the “Three Tenors”. I’ll listen to country music, though I prefer the older stuff. I absolutely adore southern gospel and I mean way down south, hills of Georgia, small church gospel – you can keep the big orchestrated stuff for your self. I’ll even listen to bluegrass, as long as you keep it to small doses, please.

With that said, I honestly don’t have a good reason, based on it’s musical qualities, for not liking rap. I believe that personally my dislike comes down to the perverse nature of the culture that rap and hip hop have created and then the use of putrescent lyrics to continually perpetuate that culture. But this isn’t the case with artists like Curtis Allen or Shai Linne. They are simply and effectively using a style of music to reach a particular generation with the Gospel. Their style happens to be rap and while I may agree with ‘fundies’ that I’d prefer not having rap as part of my Sunday morning worship, I certainly wouldn’t be calling it Satan’s music. These young men are now battling the same musical prejudices that have always greeted artists who have dared to buck the church ‘norm’. Do yourself a favor and check out what these guys are rapping about. After all, God’s truth is always enjoyable, no matter what style is used to teach it.

If you’d like to take an inside look at a Christian rapper, then check out Shai Linne’s “listeners guide” to his “The Solus Christus Project” CD.