 |
|
|
|
|
March 20th, 2013
04:54 PM ET
Christian rapper's raw lyrics about racism stir controversyBy Keith Lovely Jr., CNN Atlanta (CNN) - Christian recording artists often shy away from controversial subjects in their music and cautiously avoid the use of harsh language, but Christian hip-hop artist Amisho “Sho Baraka” Lewis wanted to do just the opposite with his latest album. The Atlanta-based 33-year-old’s latest album “Talented Xth” champions not just a picture of Christian salvation but also focuses on education, relationships and social change - all filtered through a biblical worldview. He told CNN the goal of the album is to challenge listeners to “be exceptional for the benefit of others.” The album’s title is based on a principle championed by activist, professor and sociologist W.E.B DuBois. DuBois wrote in an essay titled "The Talented Tenth" the "best, or the talented tenth of the black community, must be elevated and cultivated, to in-turn guide the mass away from the contamination of the worst in their own race and other races.” Follow the CNN Belief Blog on Twitter Though DuBois used Christian principles in his calls to uplift the black community, he was widely considered to be either agnostic or an atheist at the time of his death, as Brian L. Johnson writes in his biography "W.E.B. Du Bois: Toward Agnosticism, 1868-1934." Lewis makes it clear it’s the Christian principles DuBois championed and not his beliefs about God that inspired his album. Still, the DuBois connection isn't what has ruffled feathers among some Christian listeners, but the subject matter of his song “Jim Crow” aka “N*gga Island.” On the song, Lewis addresses the negative effects of racism and ignorance. He uses the "N" word and profanity to get his point across, a move too close to secular hip-hop for some Christian rap enthusiasts. Fans have flooded the comments sections of Christian hip-hop blogs saying they won’t listen to the rapper anymore because of the harsh language and what they believe are divisive lyrics. One blogger has even questioned whether the song “harmed the gospel.” A common argument in Christian circles centers around the idea of Christians separating themselves from the world as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians, “Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD...” Lewis agrees with the scripture but doesn’t believe it means Christians have to totally shut themselves off from the world. He doesn't think it matters that his album gains inspiration from those outside the Christian faith. In the end he said, “Wisdom is wisdom and…that all wisdom comes from the Lord” and that “creativity, education, and all things good are not monopolized by Christians.” CNN’s Belief Blog: The faith angles behind the biggest stories Lewis says the goal of the album is to create an urban revolution. He said he wants to go beyond just pointing people to Jesus in his music and remind them that "Jesus stood for more than keeping people out of hell; he wanted to change their lives here on earth." The controversy certainly hasn't had a negative effect on sales. The album debuted on the top of Billboard’s Gospel Album charts in February.
« Previous entryRainbow house gets revenge on neighbors
|
  About this blog
The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
|
|
|
http://youtu.be/Kppx4bzfAaE
This is boring... i'm going home
Me too.
Hindu and hindered aren't Latin. Sorry.
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php
Still not Latin, old boy; sorry.
LET's Religiosity Law #3 – If you habitually spout off verses from your "holy" book to make whatever inane point you're trying to make, and not once does it occur to you to question whether your book is accurate in the first place, then you are definitely mentally retarded. (See Law #4 & #5)
Does that count for atheist copy/pasters on here as well?
@Doi – ahhh... did the christard feel a sting?
@duh, but at least you're more amusing than the kevobx drone
Sounds like someone has a problem with being asked questions.
Was it too difficult for you to answer? It's ok if it was, I don't expect much from ppl that use ad hominems as easily as you do.
Sorry duh, i'm at work and on 3 different networks, so i'm not really hanging on your every comment. To answer your question... well, I don't really give a crap what you asked...
I doubt you do, small minds don't like to be challeneged and will find some excuse to hide their cowardice.
what a lame article... must be a slow christard news day...
Wow..what insight, must be a slow day in the tiny mind of LET.
@duh – ouch, your repartee is so sharp...
ahhh... did the atheistard feel a sting?
A common argument in Christian circles centers around the idea of Christians separating themselves from the world as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians, “Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD...”
They do it heavily with their children. Apparently they are so afraid that the child might learn about reality that they isolate them with Christian schools or home schools and only friends from church, and that sort of thing. It's a paranoid seige mentality.
if Jesus wanted to change lives of HIS people here on earth, he has failed miserably, HIS followers are turning into the types exactly Jesus wanted to avoid, orthodox.
I love it! Keep being true to your God-given design, Sho. It's all about viewing all things (God owns all, after all, right?) through a biblical lens. Showing the world that their paradigm isn't all there is. Others have the right to hyphenate rap and everything else (or elect *not* to hyphenate) according to their worldview. Keep pointing people to the Messiah.
People dont get what Sho is doing. I do. I like Talented Xth a lot. I think its pretty great in terms of content. I really loved Jim Crow the first time I heard it because it was talking about what its like being black middle class in America or a black person trying to do anything positive in some regards. People are upset bc of diction but I feel like its not a big deal, sometimes strong language gets the point across a little better. Its a good album that tackles social issues that need to be talked about in Christian circles an Christians need to get more involved.
That's actually NOT a real thing, its a spoof..good job buddy lol!
Why the term "Christian rap"? It seems a little odd. We don't call music by atheist "Atheist pop/rock/rap/etc" or Buddhist "Buddhist rap/pop/rock/jazz". It's music. Plain and simple...
Anywho, I think the message that he is trying to get across is very positive. It's just an issue because he is a Christian and then using a the n-word, which has so much negativity behind it, can be troubling. I like the overall message (after I googled the lyrics – gotta love Google!) but I think he could've chosen more eloquent words...
Christians need to have their own particular religious brand of music labelled.
They'll get confused if you did not place the "christian" brand name on it. They live in their bubble after all.
It's labeled that way for everyone's benefit. Not everyone lives in a world of make believe.
putting the xian label on it $ell$!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Really? There's tons of "Christian rappers" who aren't making a whole lot of money...not that that's why they're making the music. But most of the ones I know of still need another job to support their music career...
Besides in these days of free downloads & Spotify, no artists are really making money lol
To those questioning about Hell,
Hell is the choice you make when you reject Christ. The logic behind this is the same logic our government uses for making laws and what everyone follows on an everyday basis. The government creates laws for the protection of the greater good as God created His laws for the protection of our souls out of love. When we break laws the government is set up in a way to discipline us to reveal to us what we have done wrong and to correct it. This is the same way God works and He is where governments have gotten this logic from. If you reject this logic, then you should probably choose to live outside of any government, which is close to being impossible. In the end, you should seek God for the answers to your questions and if you choose not to believe that is your choice, but the opportunity is still there so that you can not say God did not give you a chance to come into a relationship with Him. He truly loves you and everyone. If you do not believe that then of course a Christians relationship with God won't make sense to you. We are all sinners, Christ came down, died, and rose again in order for us not to be controlled by our sins and fall victim to the devil, if only we would lean on Him and strive for a deeper relationship with Him. To reject Christ who died for us and our sins would be like someone denying the acts of and disrespecting all the cops, soldiers, firefighters, and etc. who died and are continuing to put their lives on the line so that we can have a better life. Only with Christ, He died for our eternal lives and not just our lives on earth. In the end, God is God and no human being will be able to change that no matter the argument. I rather be completely sure of my eternity founded in Christ then to get to the end and be in the presence of God and be confronted with my mistake in rejecting Christ that will last all of eternity.
As for the album, I have no problem with the words because I know Sho's heart behind it. Words our things created by society that vary from culture to culture. So, there is no way to definitively term a word bad or good, but only based on what that culture deems as good or bad. Our culture happens to be on both sides of the fence so it is hard to have a concrete opinion on this. My only concern is that we as Christians are called to refrain from language and actions that could cause offense to others. But I think Sho has covered this by creating both a clean and an explicit version for those who are offended and for those who are not. If you are offended, then listen to the clean version. If not then the words, will not matter only the message. Christians are called to be set a part from others in the way that we act, but not in a way where we completely isolate ourselves from the rest of the world. Labels are just labels its all about your heart and your actions that are a outflow of our hearts. Hence, there are many who call themselves Christians and are really not. Artist are humans and should be treated as such, however as Christians we are called to hold each other accountable which I know is happening with Sho because I do know his background and his heart behind things. But don't take my word explicitly for all of that has been said concerning Christians and Christ. This is all found in the Bible which I encourage everyone to read=]
"This is the same way God works and He is where governments have gotten this logic from. "
Umm. No. Governments do not get "logic" from god. The laws in our country are not based on the bible.
"Words our things created by society that vary from culture to culture. So, there is no way to definitively term a word bad or good, but only based on what that culture deems as good or bad."
It's "are things," not "our things." And you had better take up the issue of the culture deciding what's good or bad with Lie4Ever or Chad. They seem to think that is atheistic.
I'm sorry, "Anonymous", but all that (especially the capitalized words) is mythology and unfounded.
You must be new to the subgenre. The reason it's labeled as such is similar to the reason rap has been hyphenated in the past (i.e. gangsta-rap, positive rap, etc.) It's just to make a distinction. I too think it's ultimately "rap" and that's it. But I understand why some folks want to make a distinction. And either way, even if cats want to blend in, mainstream media will *still* refer to them as Christian emcees. lol.
Simeon has clearly demonstrated that he is a wimp.Tuck that tail in and go home, little Simeon.
DEVIL MUSIC!!!!!
Wow, I haven't heard that one in almost half a century! Last time I heard it, Christian dingbats were burning their fingers on Beatles records (which drove sales of Beatles rescords way up in the South – idiots were buying them to burn them, and making the Beatles richer).
Devil music. Just too damn funny!
Salt kills the earth. Terrible for plants.
3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.[a]”
4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”
5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit[b] gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You[c] must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”[d]
Why can't people stick to the truth and the positive message of the gospels?
You mean aside from the fact that they are neither truth nor positive?
I mean, if "obey or be tortured for the rest of eternity" sounds positive to you, well, then good luck with that.
Why is obedience a tough deal for ya? Whether you like it or not , you monotonously obey rules and laws all day long! Why aren't ya cribbing 'bout that?
Simeon, you wimp. Nice pick and choose, NOT. Show some guts and speak to what Laramy was really getting at, especially the torture side that you so conveniently omitted.
Why is accepting the gift of salvation such a hard thing for you Gus?
Simeon
Gifts can be accepted or returned without consequences. Since you believe that there is a huge consequence, hell, for not accepting your religions salvation it is not a gift, it is an ultimatum.
Simeon avoids the question and changes the subject.
Without doubt, Hubert. Did you get that, Simeon?
Simeon, again you wimp, stop trying to change the subject. Speak about the torture part that you so conveniently omitted.
I can't understand why it is difficult for you to accept a gift? The gift of salvation is accepting Jesus Christ as my savior. Very easy first step. 🙂
It should be pretty easy for you to understand. When I'm offered a gift that is invisible and undetectable, I don't see the point of "accepting" not to mention I don't know how you even accept a gift that is invisible and undetectable.
What is so hard to accept about the logic you've been offered on god's ultimatum (not gift)?
Unless you have experienced this gift, how can you claim it to be undetectable? It is real, very real!
Nope. Completely undetectable. Most atheists are former believers.
Why do you refuse to deal with the problem of your god allowing sadistic torture as a consequence and thus your "gift" is an ultimatum with the most horrific consequence imaginable?
Simeon, again you wimp, stop trying to change the subject. Speak about the torture part that you so conveniently omitted.
I am not able to understand what you call as a former believer. Believing in Him is like a relationship, it is a continuum , till the rest of your life.
Gus,
I like to think of the positive aspects of accepting the gift. It is exhilarating.
Simeon
Salvation is not a gift it is something you are compelled to do under a threat of punishment. This is not a gift, it's an ultimatum.
So, you have chosen to not accept the gift of salvation? Are you at peace with the decision you made. The God I know and worship is a loving God and he will want to have a personal relationship with you.
I tell you what, Simeon, I'll consider your god's "gift" if you can demonstrate that it's not an ultimatum as pointed out by the other posters and myself, here.
go
Funny how people want you to believe you have free will to choose, then hold the gun of eternal agony to your head to make sure you choose as you are told to.
No duress or anything.
How can I demonstrate love? It is very personal, you have to accept Jesus to be able to understand his amazing love. I can experience this gift as I chose to accept it, I can say without any doubt that it is real.
I'm not asking you to demonstrate love (although it's not that hard). Try reading. I'm asking you to demonstrate that it's not an ultimatum as it seem so clear to others.
You are either in a relationship with God or you choose to walk away.. It is your choice..for whatever reason you chose to walk away from.. all relationships work that way...
Simeon
"salvation" is not a gift it's a threat, and I don't accept it because I don't believe that the being making the threat exist.
you can argue about whether God is real or not all day long, but you cant argue with a changed life. no one can tell you that you dont love your mother just because that feeling is not "detectable". God's love surpasses all understanding.
Let me try to explain how salvation isn't an ultimatum. Let's say you crash your car and it would cost way more than you could afford to get it fixed, the insurance company offers you a free gift of a new car and not having to pay to fix your old car. If you reject that gift because you haven't seen the car yet you'd be responsible to pay to fix your old car. Salvation isn't an ultimatum because we have earned our death and we can't pay for our sin instead someone paid it for us and we get a new life. If you reject salvation you get what you earn. That's why is a gift. You are essentially are being given a new life. An ultimatum is a final request in a series of request to fulfill a command. So the ultimatum is obedience which is what God ask if us since we all fail that command we can receive the gift of salvation which keeps us from experiencing the consequences of our disobedience. Hopefully that explains why salvation isn't an ultimatum. God bless 🙂
I din't think they understand it at all. Death is inevitable because flesh dies but the spirit lives on. To try to answer a question that was brought up. Picture a man barely treading water in the middle of the ocean when a near by boat sees that the man is drowning. The captain of the boat pulls close and drops anchor, running to the side of the boat he screams for the man to reach out for his hand. Instead of reaching for a life saving hand he chooses to use his remaining energy to swim away from the boat. Would we in good common sense blame the captain for the eventual death of the drowning man? That is a very real case of your "obey or die" scenario. To further expound on that, people often confuse one thing. God is not saying obey or get tortured for eternity. He IS saying "choose me and be with me forever or ask me not to bother you and I will grant that wish for all of eternity." In a place where perfection exists imperfection cannot dwell so God created a place where imperfection would be allowed to exist for eternity. I hope that helps answer the question.
Here is the recipe for Christian rap, popularly known as c-rap:
Start with one scoop talentless performer who cannot cut it in the real world, add a scoop of a music form so bad it makes disco look relatively good, then go for the crowning scoop, Christian music, and VOILA! You have c-rap!
. . . and just make the scoops into a loop!
Exactly, Johan, and as they say in compsci, cr@p in, cr@p out. Christian music is watered down from any real music, in every case, and now Christian rap (cr@p) is the same old thing in a now not-even-new domain.
Christians are really fools, obviously. Fools with very poor musical taste.
lol, this is the craziest thing I have heard in a long time. Obviously you are thinking about Christian Rap from the 90's when they were trying to copy what secular rappers are doing.
Now Christian Rappers are doing their own thing. It's funny you called it c-rap, when you probably haven't even heard any of the good people.
Lecrae
Andy Mineo
Swoope
Eshon Burgundy
Humble Beest
Those are just a small sample of cats ripping it right now...
Or maybe you have heard it but let some of the content alter your opinion about it, and that's cool. But you can't call these people talentless performers. Some of them put most secular rappers to shame.
Nice try. It would've been true 20 years ago. Have you listened to any Christian music from this past decade? It beats Ke$ha with a stick. If you want to have a problem with Christianity or the message, that's fine, but this criticism of Christian music is an ad hoc criticism not grounded in any accessible reality at present. It's hopelessly outdated and comes across as willfully ignorant.
Actually the quality of Christian rap is better than secular rap. Many people can't tell the difference in the beats and the quality of lyrics is vastly superior. I have played several songs for people and they have all noticed the good quality in the production and music. You could say that about Christian rap back in 2000 but not 2013.
Feelings of trust or affection felt in many cases of kidnapping or hostage-taking by a victim toward a captor.
the African slave trade was justified by Christians, they said thing like those "pagans" are animals and god gave us dominion over all the animals.
another words Stockholm syndrome, the christian god and his followers enslaved the Africans.
I thought it was the African Muslims and tribal warlords in Sierra Leone that sold other Africans, wasn't it?
@Darren
It was both.
You conveniently forget that the debate about ending slavery (which has existed in human civilization for thousands of years) also began with Christians who argued that it was wrong to own another person made in the image of God. Go check your facts before you spout foolishness.
Well he seems like a nice fellow.
If he wants to really drive home that message, he would start by not using that repulsive N word at all. Period.
Hi Akira, just curious, why do you feel that way? (How have you been by the way??)
Hey, AB, I've been fine. And you?
Well, I think that word is repulsive, and I think the double standard is appalling.
It's divisive to race relations.
There is no double standard. The use of the N word by blacks is an intentional slap in the face and a taunt to non-blacks. I'm surprised you don't realize that. It really is pretty obvious.
Akira is correct. Which group says that only one race can use a particular word and another race can't? When a group of people tell a race what they can and can't do because of their race, what do we call that?
If you nor Akira refuse to acknowledge the cuturally or socially-acceptable use of the word exclusively by blacks, then I can't help you change your reality. Is it "racist" when used by blacks? No. It's antagonistic and defiant.
not to mention sarcastic.
If you don't see how it's racist, then I guess I can't help you either. The expectation is that one race can use the word and another race can't. That's the exact definition of racism. Duh.
Oh, and at one time it was culturally and socially acceptable to own slaves as long as they were of a certain race. An idea can be racist AND culturally acceptable. Duh.
Obviously cultural and social mores change over time. The "discussion" was about contemporary use of the N word by blacks. This may change, it may not, irrespective of your agreement or disagreement.
Deal in reality, not in your self-righteous personal standards.
Duh, indeed. You should pursue a career as a Pentecostal preacher, you self-righteous prig.
Actually have heard white people use it with black people if they were cool enough, and no one jumped them. But if you go off randomly calling black people you meet that, they aren't sure where you are coming from. Hence why it's usually best not to use it.
@austin
You think black people call themselves the Nword to make you feel bad?
You got it.
This must be more of Austin's jail experiences.
My point was that something can be culturally accepted and still be racist. It's quite obvious that use of the N word is racist, since the implication is that only one race can use the word "legitimately."
Thanks for the name calling. Such behavior suits you and serves to cement my opinion of your opinion.
No, that wasn't your "point." You're backpedaling on what you initially stated was your offense at the exclusivity of the N word by blacks.
Now you just look foolish.
Darren, please continue to advertise how amazingly stupid you are. I appreciate it and you're doing such a good job of it. Thanks. Your turn.
Thanks, but you can just keep playing with yourself, Moby.
Pfft. As one who thinks it's racist no matter WHAT race uses it for WHAT reason, I really do not care. This is my opinion, Darren.
Accept it, or not. It isn't going to change my mind, even when you come off as a racism apologist.
Nothing is going to change if nobody tries.
The Bible isn't against racism. Are not the Israelites Gods chosen people? Why the favoritism? Sounds pretty racist to me.
That's only because the BIble was written before 'Murica was founded. It's all us now!
Christian and rap music? Sorry, in the game of music – it's two strikes and you're OUT!