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In the late 1970s, Hip-Hop impacted youth culture to another realm of creativity, and with a open mind of poetry. Secular artists that range from Run DMC, Slick Rick, LL Cool, Tupac, J Cole, Drake, 50 Cent, and Tyga all created music that was new, and fresh to society. After all, before the artist had chance to create great music they had to follow the three important elements that I believe that could get anyone excited to listen to rap.
First, you must be able to be open to different genres of music to understand certain changes that the artist creates a masterpiece song to. For example, Run DMC's 'Rock Box' mixed in the electric guitar sound and the excitement from what Rock would bring while at the same time rapping. Run DMC new innovation proved that a simple two step beat and scratching of records are not always needed to create a great Hip-Hop song. Next, Hip-Hop must have a beat that anyone could dance to. For instance, Drake's latest song, 'One Dance' is song that has sort of an Caribbean beat and techno sound that anyone who like those genres could dance to. And lastly, the lyrics much give inspiration, or reveal a vivid image of an life story, or an political cause. For instance, Kanye West 'Jesus Walks' explains his life on how his enemy tries to break him down spiritually, and he encourages others to keep moving forward and stay positive.
So where can Christian Hip-Hop be among the three elements? First and foremost, questions such as, "What is Christian Hip-hop? Does it exist? What?" are ask constantly or just questioned as not as normal. But, to answer those uncertainties Christian Hip-Hop has a variety to offer. Overall, the music is used motivate others to love Christ, and to not worry about the pressure of judgment from others. After all, Christian Hip-hop is diverse with mixtures of different genres, a hip beat to worship and praise God to, and delivering a message from their lyrics are about relationship with Christ, encouraging words, and pride standing up representing Christ.
Now, in order to begin listening and understanding Christian Hip-Hop, here is a chronological list to gradually ease your way into the newer songs produced today:
1. T-bone:
From the beginning, to understand Christian Hip-Hop, the song 'Can I Live' is a great song to start listening first. This song describe how the judgement of others not being happy for you when God bless you is wrong. The music score produced for this song was the early two step beat that could get anyone to nod their head to as they go along with the message from the lyrics.
2. Sean Slaughter:
Now, you are gradually getting closer to modern Christian Hip-hop. Sean Slaughter brought auto tune and the mixture of poetry into his lyrics that define the harsh struggles of an gangsta life to living in the blessing of his walk with the lord. A must to add to your music collection to grasp the emotion behind his lyrics.
3. Lecrae:
And last but not least is Lecrae. The song made by him called 'Nuthin' incorporates the millennials beat that is relateable today. The message reveals that we all should not be too caught up with the influence of drugs and alcohol because it does more harm to our lives than good.
Recommendations:
Peak (Its alright)
Andy MIneo, Tedashii, Trip Lee
Bang!( New millennials love this. Its like the new gospel music for them)
Erica Campbell, Skrip, Vicktory, Qheem the reedemed, BrvdonP, and Social Club Misfits.
So now, that you have an general idea of what Christian Hip-Hop sounds like clearly, and feels like spiritually, I recommend that you check out more artist and be open minded to the overall positive message that they bring and live by beside the nonsense that other secular hip hop artist do.
