An Online Discussion
Gangsta Rap, Hip Hop & Gospel

Greetings family,

I Picked this up off another newsgroup "Sons Of Africa" (soa@yahoogroups.com)

Though I often find myself at odds with CALPatton, I must respect his consistency and integrity. He has the unique ability to stimulate needed conversation and debates on important issues of faith and politics.

I'm posting this because I feel the topic of Gospel and Gangster Rap need to be discussed in order that we as responsible parents and spiritual leaders may better understand the pros & cons, and not just speak out of preconceived notions.

Peace & Gods Blessings,

Jim Neusom

-------------------------Original Message----------------------

Message: 14

Date: Tue, 09 Apr 2002 15:17:44 -0000

From: "KRISTLElashan"

Subject: Re: GANGSTA RAP MUSIC & GOD

I really hate to be critical of your stance, but regarding gospel

rap, i think you are wrong. if you look at some of the hymns sung in

church, and know their history, I don't see how you could take that

view. many hymns are merely old drinkin' tunes set to new words.

This was a way for those in the church to reach a secular audience.

and you cannot attack the g.r. without also attacking many gospel

artists. i am in agreement with you that many are merely looking for

the fame and fortune. but at the same time, anything that brings

people closer to god, can't be all bad. and just as the hymn writers

of their day reached out to an "unreachable" crowd, so to are today's

artists and gospel rappers.

secondly, there are several venues for you to display your poetry.

setting up a website, for instance, putting your work in your

church's bulletin, on the other hand.

-------------------------Original Message----------------------

 In soa@yahoogroups, CALPatton@a... wrote:

Subj: gANGSTA rAP Music and GOD

Date: 4/8/2002 3:36:17 AM Central Daylight Time

From: onegodsouldier@b...

To: CALPatton@a...

Hello,

I am very interested in the comments concerning the Music and

The Church. For years I have been telling people that I do not

believe that the Beat of the devil is to be used in Music designed

to Glorify God! I even went as far as to say that Rap Music Hurts

God's Ears!

Years Ago I had a chance to speak on this issue of Gangsta Rap

Music and it's effects on the Youth! I also spoke on the effect it

has on the Adults! I even spoke about how Christian Parents and

many other parents actually allow the blatant disrespect of Satan and

their children by allowing them to purchase and to play this

gANGSTA RAp TRASH!

In the beginning I was only focused on the gANGSTA Rap and was

not to sure about the gospel Rap issue! gospel Rap is to me A Very

DANGEROUS and DETRIMENTAL form of Music!

In this day and time there are too many devils in disguise in

the Sanctuaries of the World that are all about the DOLLAR!

I feel that many of the artists out there are way over the

line with their use of the devils beats and styles of delivery!

Once I wrote that trash and God spoke to me and told me that I

was not to use the gift of poetry I had to glorify the devil! I

obeyed God and I have a collection of inspired from above poetry

that I am working on getting out to God's people!

As all do I need money, but I will not take the chance of even

in the remotest of ways using what God has given me to Glorify

myself! There should be an avenue out there for individuals such as

myself to get their works published and circulated through the use

of the resources God has provided his people! I mean not one penny

should be required for the circulation of this type of poetry and

the profits from any monies raised from it should be used to do God's

will!

A lot of people think I have lost my mind, because I am sitting

here with all of this Poetry I have written and I am continuing to

trust in God for the handling of all that is necessary to get it to

the people!

God gave me a gift! I give it away! This makes no sense to

some and no money for me, but God has also anointed me in other areas

of writing that I will be able to benefit monetarily from!

As of late I have written a song for the Church I attend and

we are going to perform it this coming Sunday! It is entitled "He's

Always There!" I know from experience that God is Always There!

I really enjoy reading your materials and I admire your

OUTSPOKENNESS when it comes to the word of God.

Many people do not realize that we have to die in this

physical to get to Spiritual Heaven. I see that you are Not Afraid

to Die! I too am Not Afraid to Die! As a matter of fact I have died!

I died to Sin and I continue to Die DAILY! May God be with you

and please continue to spread the message! I too am on the

Battlefield and I take this attack on the Kingdom of God by these

gANGSTA Rappers very personal!

I am a HIT MAN! A HOLY GHOST FILLED HIT MAN FOR ONE GOD on a

mission to deliver the message personally to some of the demons NOT

IN DISGUISE calling themselves Rappers! Both In the Church and Out

of the Church!

Carry ON!

-------------------------Original Message----------------------

Message: 4

Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2002 08:51:04 -0700
From: "Jim Neusom" <jneusom@dellepro.com>
Subject: RE: An Online Discussion about Gangsta Rap Music & God

Greetings family,

As many of you know, I reprint these online discussions (in their entirety)
on my website http://www.citylightssoftware.com/reporterindex.html as forum
for the voice of the black online community.

Let start by scolding my young brothers and sisters in
AAA-RapHipHop@yahoogroups.com. Many times I have read extensive debates
over the rhythmic messages of the likes of Jay-Z, R Kelly, Ja Rule, Dr Dre
and many more. I'm surprised by the silence from this group. HipHop is the
message and voice of a new generation. It is (in my opinion) an original
American art form similar to jazz.

How often have we heard the excuse that "Art is just a reflection of life"
and the message of Gangsta Rap is just a reflection of life in the streets
of urban America. If that's the case then why the silence? Why are there
no defenders of Gangsta Rap and HipHop? Is it not true that there is a
voice for religion, politics, and social activism in the Rap and HipHop
community.

I wanted to stimulate an intelligent discussion on Gangsta Rap Music & God.
I expected to hear (especially from this room) a resounding chorus about the
messages of Puff Daddy/P. Diddy , Jill Scott, Music Soul Child, even Tu Pac.
But the responses I've read so far are similar to the one below from brother
Cal Patton. Many have downed the efforts of Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary and
others that have stepped up to the challenge of delivering the Good News of
the gospel to a young and defiant audience. Jesus did not just go to the
temples to spread his message. He set and "reasoned" with sinners,
prostitutes, drunkards, tax collectors and more. Should we not follow his
example "musically"?

Every week there is a new awards show on cable. More and more the first
thing you hear rap artist say is; Giving all honor and glory to God, To God
be the glory, and I could not have done this without God. Even Missy Eliot
(nasty as she wants to be) one of the hottest producers in rap and HipHop
was heard to say at the Soul Train Awards; "That I'm really a very religious
person and I just want to take the time to give God the credit". Who would
have thought, after listing to Get Your Freak On, and her latest Opps, there
goes my dress, up over my head.

When I was a child coming up in the sexual and experimental 60's, I remember
hearing the words of Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway and the
Commodores. They made me stop and think. They stimulated group discussions
on the legitimacy of Christianity and the Black Church. There was no longer
the peer pressure or fear of talking openly about Jesus Christ. Their music
brought many from darkness to light.

Now I ask again ..... Where is the voice of the Rap & HipHop generation

Peace & Gods Blessings,

Jim Neusom

-------------------------Original Message----------------------

From: AAA-RapHipHop@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2002 5:08 PM
To: AAA-RapHipHop@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AAA-RapHipHop] Digest Number 618

________________________________________________________________________

Message: 2

Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2002 17:31:28 -0400
From: "Scott, Tarik" <tarik.scott@voicecom.com>
Subject: RE: RE: An Online Discussion about Gangsta Rap Mu sic & God

The people that dis Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary are not in Hip Hop, they are
in the Church, so go and hollar at them.

You want Gospel Rap then check out KRS One's Spiritual Minded. Then go
check out Cee Lo Green's new joint dropping "Perfect Imperfections" I think.
If you want to hear some spirituality on the singing side check Erykah
Badu's album Mama'a Gun, then check out Reflection Eternal and Common Sense.

I'm not talking about just Christian rap, I'm talking about spirituality.
Why do people assume that everyone is Christian just because that's what
they are?

Look at Minister Farrakhan he's meeting with the music industry striving to
encourage them to put inspiration, information and God in their music.
Things are going on may be your just not really apart of hip hop to see it.
up until recently many of the Gospel rappers were waaaaaaaaaaaaaaack. So
that may have something to do with the success or lack of.

-------------------------Original Message----------------------

From: charter [mailto:maxgetwell@charter.net]

Sent: Friday, April 12, 2002 11:20 AM

To: Jim Neusom

Subject: RE: An Online Discussion about Gangsta Rap Music & God

Lets, focus on what the Messiah said, "the kingdom of

God is within. If each and every one of us would take a look

at the person in the mirror, we would see that where all messed up.

However, I've notice some postive messages in Rap Music that can

be beneficial for the elevation of consciousness.

Moreover, I don't see Christians complaining about nursery rhythms

that teaches children two make wishes on stars. There's one important

lesson that I have learned with my walk with Christ is to let my words

be for the edification for saints and to die to self daily.

Peace and love

Max

-------------------------Original Message----------------------

From: CALPatton@aol.com 

Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2002 10:03 AM
To: 
Cc: 
Subject: Re: An Online Discussion about Gangsta Rap Music & God

Writers Note: The True Christian can distinguish between the world and the church. If you are in the church and you have confusion about what is of the World, Satan and what defiles the church, you have not submitted to God.

You don't take a tooth-pick to a bear fight? Do you take roller skates to the ice skate? Do you eat turnip greens without corn-bread? The Bible is found in the church and not comic books, Tabloids and lottery tickets.

Peace,

Carl A. Patton, FreedomJournal
The Confrontation of Truth and Knowledge
THE WORLD SATAN AND THE BLACK CHURCH

(Ungodly Blasphemy)

Part 8: What Is So-Called Christian Rap and Hip Hop Music?

CHRISTIANITY: FALSE TEACHING, FALSE DOCTRINES THE BLACK PREACHER: THE SHAME OF THE MINISTRY

In the name of God, Master of the universe, Ruler of the earth.

We thank God for granting us the strength to record His messages of Truth. From the beginning man has embraced evil and resisted the power and authority of God the Creator of the world. Again we appeal to those who have knowledge of the Word and the lost.

The Freedom Journal is a servant of God. Therefore, it is our duty and responsibility to witness to the world. We are not in the Blessing business nor are we in the Judging business. God alone has that power. However, we bear witness that those that have been under the Word should be able to distinguish between what is evil and what is good.

Evidently many people in Black churches are not saved. Thus, when they accepted Jesus Christ they did not become a new creature. Therefore, their minds, souls and physical bodies are still in the world from which they came. This is the most straightforward response we can make concerning the invasion of Satan and the world in the Black church.

Before we move to a discussion on contemporary Gospel Rap and Hip Hop, we will note a very important point on Gospel music. Thus, in response to our critics we note the following:

We cannot relate gospel music to Rap and the ungodly, contemporary Gospel. We realize that there was some opposition to Gospel when it was introduced by Thomas Dorsey in 1932. For a example of the sacredness of this music I invite you to listen to "Precious Lord Take My Hand."

This moving and often spell-binding song was written by the legendary and divinely gifted Thomas A. Dorsey.

Some of our greatest and soul-stirring singers have recorded this song. Marion Williams, Mahalia Jackson, C.L. Franklin, Aretha Franklin, The Gospel Southernaires are some of the most prominent. The lyrical rendition and the arrangement of Precious Lord rendered by these creative artists is a tribute to Almighty God. These artists also are a credit to the song-writer who stated that he wished that this song would always be sung with a feeling.

The brief and clear critique of contemporary Gospel is found in the term cross-over. God does not cross-over to Satan. Thus Satan inspires the cross-over, and clearly Satan is ungodly. The music industry in their desire to market music and personalities thrive on cross-over as a means to maximize profits. However, sacred music knows no cross-over.

True Christians do not sing to be paid by man. Let me say that again. Economic gain (as performing artists) does not motivate True Christians. Thus anyone who enters Gospel music and conforms to the world has lost sight of God. We ask your prayers for the very few true Christian Gospel singers. We pray that they will stay with God and not allow Satan to tempt them with money, fame and a puffed-up worldly spirit. We also invite your prayers for the ungodly that seek to disgrace the church and our sacred music.

An avid reader of the Freedom Journal made several comments on the article in this series that noted the ungodly nature of Prosperity Ministers. The following are several quotations from this Sister's comments:

"So-called Prosperity/Televangelist are taking this nonsense to a level I never thought I would see. A sister on "Wheel of Fortune" asks her church family to pray for her as she spins the wheel. A Gospel choir in the audience sings for Bob Barker on the "Price Is Right," not to mention the singers of filthy songs thanking their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for wining various awards handed out by Devils."

This Sister goes on to say that many women in the church and TV Ministers are painted like Jezebels and in various stages of undress. Thus she notes that she sees the Black church as a hindrance rather than a mechanism to get closer to God.

The Freedom Journal realizes that these are very critical statements but they are true for the most part. However the most crucial aspect of her statements is that she is turned away from the Black church. This Sister is like many other people in the Black community. They have seen so much confusion and ungodly behavior in the Black church they have looked elsewhere for Spiritual help. The World and Satan are destroying the Black church. When many people see the same performers in clubs performing in the Black church, they get sick. It is a sick sin to see homosexuals that have failed in the worldly music scene flip-flopping back and forth from soul to Gospel and even organizing churches and preaching.

It is sickening to see athletes, who wannabe singers, donate money to a church or a TV Evangelist and attempt to sing Gospels. It is sad to see fallen Rock and Rap Stars invade the Gospel music scene with the blasphemy of so-called Christian Rap.

A Gospel group with a name like Gospel Gangstaz should send a negative message to a Christian. Even a Christian that is a babe in Christ. The Holy Spirit will lead and guide all Christians. If you have not been baptized in the Holy Spirit, ask God, we have not because we ask not.

We have no power but we come to warn and condemn. WE bear witness that those who seek to defile the church with the music of Satan you will get your just reward. We declare that those who claim to sing in the name of God dressed like harlots and whores will also be judged by God.

Let it be written that those that dance to the so-called Rap Gospel like they dance in the night clubs of the world will also see the darkness of the light. It is for certain that those who have placed God and Jesus in the midst of ungodly lyrics are also preparing for the fire.

We warn the Preachers, the record companies and the Pimps of Gospel Rap that the wages of sin is death. We also warn the older people in the Black church who should no better to stop destroying our youth. Stop telling them it is OK to play with God, because Rap music in the church is blasphemy.

Cont. Part 9: Materialism in the Black Church: The Garbage Can of the World

Email: zanpsyche@aol.com

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