Are you an Urban Gospel Artist or a Christian Rapper? Over the years, I’ve met a lot of both, & I’ve heard of countless more. I’m always trying to understand why they do what they do. I consider myself the former, an Urban Gospel Artist, because my desire is to use music as a bait to preach Jesus.

See when I think of this small genre, I see two different “sects” if you will. On one hand, we’ve got Urban Gospel Artists, & on the other, Christian Rappers. In identifying the two, I hardly use the term Christian rap anymore, it’s too broad of a generalization. I think “Urban Gospel” is a more fitting title for clarification.

The Urban Gospel artists are those who minister; they speak of Biblical matters, stories, values, & principles, all in the form of Hip Hop music. These are they which operate ministries that are just as valid, & important to the Body of Christ, as any other “ministry”. They provide relevant, accurate teachings from the Bible & the life of Jesus, using music as a means to communicate these truths. At shows, they don’t simply get on stage, do their songs, & then leave, unless time restricts them; no, when they’re given a platform in front of a crowd, they preach, exhort, & edify in between their songs & in the songs themselves.

Those who are called to this ministry, not only make anointed music, they can get up & deliver a message without the music. This is our calling & our passion; to reach the lost in America’s sub-culture of Hip Hop. I am an Urban Gospel Artist. On the other side, we have Christian Rappers…

These may be gifted & talented men or women who make music that is generally clean & conscious, but not necessarily Gospel oriented. They may or may not be saved, or actively involved in a church, but their music is profoundly different than that of the world & the above mentioned. They don’t really preach, its more of an entertainment thing.

They provide music that Believers can listen to & allow their kids or congregations to listen to, without the darkness of secular music, but there really isn’t any nourishment or sustenance for the listener’s spirit, as I said before, its more about entertaining. This is fine, but these individuals should be involved in some other sort of ministry in their lives, as God has called us to serve. So which are you? Does your music “scream JESUS”, or is it just “clean”? Are your lyrics about Biblical matters based on Scripture, or more about modern life generalized?

Be clear on who you are, what it is you do, & which category you fit into. If you classify yourself as someone who uses music to teach, then be fully aware that we will face a stricter judgement. (James 3:1,2) If you just want to entertain Christians, make sure you’re within the boundaries of Scripture. Whatever the case, you must understand that, given your platform, when your message enters the ears of God’s people, (whether saved or not) He will hold you accountable for every word. Keep this fact close at heart.

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