What kind of music do you listen to? I like contemporary Christian, country music, rock and roll, worship music, beach music, easy listening, and even some classical. I would have to say, I am not a fan of rap music… well, that is until today.
Much of the rap music out there today sings of the degradation and objectification of women. In many cases the songs glorify pimping, drugs and violence. The survivors of human sex trafficking I know have shared how rap music was all their pimps played, much of it very violent in nature.
This morning I grabbed my iPod for my morning run and searched my playlists for something upbeat. [Before you wonder if I’ve been invaded by the body snatchers, let me explain. Those of you who know me well know I don’t run. I hate it, in fact. However, my son wants us to run a 5K together when he comes home in August and being a mom who loves her kids, I agreed. So, I’m trying to work up to it. Now back to the post. ]
I noticed Sam’s 10K playlist was on there, so I decided to play it. With him overseas for three months, I’ll do just about anything to feel close to him. The first couple of songs were familiar to me, like the Anthem by Jake Hamilton. Next came the rap music. I almost changed the playlists to one of mine, but I decided to tough it out and keep running.
As I listened to songs by Lecrae, 116 Clique, and Tedashi, I realized that all rap music is not alike. Christian rap music is quite possibly the most Biblically sound music out there. Most of what they sing in rap music comes straight out of the Word of God, just translated into street language. One of the songs I listened to was Send Me by Lecrae. The chorus comes straight out of Isaiah 6:8,
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
The song goes on to challenge the listener to get involved in spreading the Gospel and fulfilling the Great Commission [Matthew 28:18-20]. The end of the song is a strong challenge to the listener when he says,
Yeah… the Great Commission says make disciples of all nations
Have we even made them in our own nation?
Come on Christians
Missions exists because worship doesn’t
People don’t worship the God that made them
We ambassadors…. Let’s Go!
What I learned from my son’s rap music is all rap music is not the same. There is some incredible rap music out there I can fully get behind and may even quote from time to time. Depending on the song, instead of challenging the music, we may need to allow it to challenge us.
What kind of music are you listening to? Is is challenging you? Is it making you more Christ like or more world like?
I’d love to hear your comments on rap music here. What has been your exposure or experience with it?
*Other rap songs I listened to on my morning run that I’d recommend: Truth by Lecrae, Amped by 116 Clique, Fanatic by Lecrae, and Represent by Lecrae.
For those that may not be familiar with Christian rap music, all of the songs Susan mentions at the end are all really good.
Hi, Susan:
I found this post searching for worship songs for an event we are putting together after a mission trip to Nepal where we focused on anti-trafficking efforts. I too had a poor opinion of rap music for much of the same reasons. I stumbled upon Lecrae’s song, Beautiful Feet, and had the same reaction as you. And it does make great running music! Thanks for the other suggestions in this post. I’ll have to check them out.
Lisa,
Both of my children have introduced me to some amazing music I wouldn’t have found on my own. I think Lecrae is a brilliant songwriter. His lyrics run deep. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and hope you find the music you’re looking for to celebrate your work in Nepal.
I would love to hear more about what you do in Nepal to fight human trafficking. I am in the fight here in Atlanta and love connecting with others called to the same fight.
Blessings,
Susan