The positive rapper

[freesoulhope]

Hello, im a positive rapper, who raps about all kinds of social issues that happen in the world. I rap about my experiences, things that happen on the streets of london and in the rest of society, and i give positive encoragement to combat it. when i became a catholic, god became apart of my experiences, and although i felt embarassed to speak about it in my liricks, i felt that i had to give thanks to god and at least express god in some of my songs and my christian faith. but i also know that not all people relate to god and christianity. So i would like to make an album that is possitive and that everyone can relate to, but also expresses that im a Christian believer. this is so that even if they dont come away with a belief in god, they can aleast have a positive experience and respect it on that level.

My question is, becuase im a christian, does that mean that i have to make a strictly christian album, as in, every song has to be about god. Or can i make an album that is positive and diverese in nature, while still making it apparent that im a Christian, with christian morals.

 

[thistle]

freesoulhope:

Hello, im a positive rapper, who raps about all kinds of social issues that happen in the world. I rap about my experiences, things that happen on the streets of london and in the rest of society, and i give positive encoragement to combat it. when i became a catholic, god became apart of my experiences, and although i felt embarassed to speak about it in my liricks, i felt that i had to give thanks to god and at least express god in some of my songs and my christian faith. but i also know that not all people relate to god and christianity. So i would like to make an album that is possitive and that everyone can relate to, but also expresses that im a Christian believer. this is so that even if they dont come away with a belief in god, they can aleast have a positive experience and respect it on that level.

My question is, becuase im a christian, does that mean that i have to make a strictly christian album, as in, every song has to be about god. Or can i make an album that is positive and diverese in nature, while still making it apparent that im a Christian, with christian morals.

It seems a strange question to me. There are thousands of singers who are Christians. There is nothing to say you have to make every song about God. Why would you think that? As long as your songs are not against God’s teachings!

 

[melbourne_guy]

Some of the best rappers included christian themes
Tupac-hailmary
Jay-z-lucifer
kanye west- jesus walks
Actually most of the good rappers have mentioned god iun there songs, and there are alot of latino rappers in america that are catholic.

 

[freesoulhope]

I get paranoid, some where in the bible it says, that those who believe in jesus and do not hide him or throw him away for the company of humans, will not be thrown away in the presence of his father. I read passages and take things to the extreeme im sorry.

 

[Lorarose]

You aren’t required to make every song about God, but probably your status as a christian will influence most of your material.

There are many christian authors, artists and musicians who use very diverse subject matter.
You will see the world a certain way, and you will have ideas come to because of your worldview.
Go with the ideas that come to you and you should be fine.

 

[ProudArmyWife]

freesoulhope:

I get paranoid, some where in the bible it says, that those who believe in jesus and do not hide him or throw him away for the company of humans, will not be thrown away in the presence of his father. I read passages and take things to the extreeme im sorry.

freesoulhope -
Perhaps you want to look into a teaching Bible like the Navarree. Remember not to just read one scripture verse and come to conclusions. The Bible only has “verses” because man put them there. Read the entire passage (at the minimum) and understand why the letter was being written, who it is written to, and when it was written. Doing these things will not have you wander off the path (at least as much .

Peace!

 

[AlanFromWichita]

The first time I listened to “rap” lyrics they were from the background music of “Office Space.” Granted, this is not really hard-core stuff, but I found them to have Christian themes even though they had no clear intent to be that way.

For example, the song "D*** it feels good to be a gangsta’ " by Geto Boys from that sound track actually opened my ears to hear that there can be Christian messages given in a way that does not sound preachy at all, and in fact if one just caught a word or two here and there would think it satanic. The slang used may put off many believers, but nevertheless the message is still there. This song seems to be about being self-confident, and not having to prove it because one feels no inadequacy.

My point is that even within the “rap” genre, I think certain positive messages can be gotten across. It depends on your audience. If you are singing something that is spiritually sound but hardly anybody listens to it, is that as good as singing something with a less religious “flavor” that gets a large audience? It depends on your purpose and what messages you are trying to send, and of course your intended audience.

Just in case anybody wonders what kind of “Christian messages” I found in this lightweight gangsta rap (but don’t want to get your hands dirty) here are some of what I got our of the song I mentioned above.

I’ll translate it the way I like to understand it, which is not necessarily the way the authors intended it. Also, stuff I didn’t understand due to lingo I just skipped. Like I say, I think I can find “Christian” messages everywhere so here goes:
Geto boys:

Verse 1:
It feels good to be a gangsta (apparently “gangsta” here is roughly “a self-actualized person”)
A real gangsta does not shoot off his mouth.
A real gangsta doesn’t start fights.
A real gangsta doesn’t show off because he doesn’t feel the need.
A real gangsta is at peace
A real gangsta thinks deeply and never sleeps.

All you wannabes are not as well equipped for life.

Verse 2:
A real gangsta finds joy in helping the poor pay their bills
(ok so there seems to be a reference to selling drugs here)
Real gangstas come in all shapes and colors,
quote:
“Some got killed in the past”
“But this gangsta here is a smart one”
“Started living for the Lord and I’ll last.”

All you wannabes are not as well equipped for life.

That’s enough to give an idea. Caution: if you look this song up you will find offensive words, and Verse 3 seems to speak of violence in a way I don’t understand.

My point is to know your message and your audience, and go from there. You can do the Lord’s work in all genres, and frankly I’m not impressed by some of the so-called Christian artists who seem lame but get air time just because “God” is in their lyrics.

Alan

 

[AlanFromWichita]

freesoulhope:

Hello, im a positive rapper, who raps about all kinds of social issues that happen in the world. I rap about my experiences, things that happen on the streets of london and in the rest of society, and i give positive encoragement to combat it. when i became a catholic, god became apart of my experiences, and although i felt embarassed to speak about it in my liricks, i felt that i had to give thanks to god and at least express god in some of my songs and my christian faith. but i also know that not all people relate to god and christianity. So i would like to make an album that is possitive and that everyone can relate to, but also expresses that im a Christian believer. this is so that even if they dont come away with a belief in god, they can aleast have a positive experience and respect it on that level.

Comment 1: What is the distinction between giving them a fulfilling experience, and expressing that you, personally, are a Christian believer? I ask because I want to know what the purpose is. Do you have a following which is unaware of your background and you’re trying to inform, or are you starting over with a new audience.

Comment 2: Would you indulge us in a couple of samples of your lyrics or even an audio file or two? If you need a place to store the audio file I can help get you some web space.

Alan

 

[paramedicgirl]

freesoulhope:

Hello, im a positive rapper, who raps about all kinds of social issues that happen in the world. I rap about my experiences, things that happen on the streets of london and in the rest of society, and i give positive encoragement to combat it. when i became a catholic, god became apart of my experiences, and although i felt embarassed to speak about it in my liricks, i felt that i had to give thanks to god and at least express god in some of my songs and my christian faith. but i also know that not all people relate to god and christianity. So i would like to make an album that is possitive and that everyone can relate to, but also expresses that im a Christian believer. this is so that even if they dont come away with a belief in god, they can aleast have a positive experience and respect it on that level.

My question is, becuase im a christian, does that mean that i have to make a strictly christian album, as in, every song has to be about god. Or can i** make an album that is positive and diverese in nature, while still making it apparent that im a Christian, with christian morals. :confused**:

Yes. This is what you should do. You will be responsible to God for your music, so it’s great that you are putting a positive approach to it. In my house, I have always screened every album for lyrics, and never allowed my kids to have anything that is offensive to God. Music has such an influence on society’s children. I’m glad you are taking a Christian approach.

 

[Eileen_T]

I love Fr Stan Fortuna’s rap. Before I listened to him I never really paid much attention to the genre, now I am a fan which my kids (16 - 29) find hilarious.

 

[Rand_Al_Thor]

melbourne_guy:

Some of the best rappers included christian themes
Tupac-hailmary
Jay-z-lucifer
kanye west- jesus walks
Actually most of the good rappers have mentioned god iun there songs, and there are alot of latino rappers in america that are catholic.

That Kanye song is a pretty good one, but Kanye himself is not what I would call a good role model; he’s a racist. My favorite rappers are Common (who made an anti-abortion song), Mos Def (who always seems to have a good message and a smile on his face), Talib Kweli (who made a song about how much he loves his wife and children), Eminem (who is now retiring because he wants to put his family back together), and 2Pac (who made more than one song about respecting women).

In Christ,
Rand