The truth about Hip Hop

I felt the need to write this or rather quote some words from Gerard Bonner of Gospelflava.com. Alot of kids from some of the churches and youth groups that i have worked or performed at have been asking me via mail and sms what my stance was on this subject after a dvd with the title "truth about hip hop" made it rounds in the city.Thing is, i'm known to be a dude that likes to stand out because i know i was not created to "fit in". I never wanted to be a "churchy" or normal christian but the kind that had character and who's faith was booming.I've always maintained that i love Hip Hop, but I love God more.Over the past few years i've dealt with young and older christians who always condemn things that they don't understand. Whether from the pulpit on a Sunday morning, a show at the BaxterTheatre, or a concert at a High School, if Jesus is being lifted up, and if He is being presented consistent with Who scripture says that He is and what He has done, then this is a presentation of the Gospel.The "truth" about hip-hop is the same as the "truth" of any other element of the world's fallen culture, be that jazz, pop, classical music, poetry, theatre or cinema. The Lord has placed us on this earth to be the light to the world. Light is only necessary in areas of darkness.Hip-hop frequently does contain darkness —we're not saying that it doesn't. But it doesn't have to. And it's certainly not our job to throw out an art form simply because others use it for worldly or fleshly purposes. Rather, it's our opportunity to fulfill our God-given purpose and be the light to hip-hop that cannot be hidden. It's our option to transform it.It's the same reason that God has placed the vast majority of us in jobs in the milieu of a secular workspace. We're not there solely for a paycheck. Rather, God has given us a mission to infiltrate the darkness of our society with the light of Christ. We've been given this assignment on our jobs and Christian artists have been given the same task in the music industry.We shouldn't look to leave our job because everyone around us in unsaved. In fact, that's the field that God's planted us in so that we can gather a mighty harvest. Running from it solves nothing. Cursing it solves nothing. Staying and making an impact is the solution.So lemme ask this:" why are we at war with each other over silly issues like caps,girls wearing jeans or make up,tattoos,skateboards,etc. when the real war is outside and the world is dying?"So to the kids who are genuine in their faith and loves to be different,"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe" 1 Timothy 4:12Jesus was hated and killed 'coz He himself was different and spent time amongst the thugs and murderers 'coz they needed to hear the TRUTH.Someone once said ; " you're only worthy of living if your willing to die."So today if you're feeling like you're being attacked because of your love for hip hop also check, are you influencing the culture or are you being influenced by the culture?In mainstream hip hop it's all about getting your name out there and being famous. With Holy Hip Hop, we're lifting up the name of Jesus but not just in our lyrics but our lives as well.I'll end my note with the words of a famous poet and rapper;" only God can judge me"