Jesus likes Rap Music

I’ve almost undoubtedly got a few people reading this because of the title. That was the goal, actually.

Jesus likes rap music. I have proven it. Some of you are thinking, “I can’t stand rap music… I can’t understand what they’re saying… all it talks about is drugs and sex,”— not my kind of rap music.

Some of you may know I am a huge fan of Christian Rap Music, or CHH (Christian Hip Hop). It has been such an integral part of my faith for the last few years. It’s been a big influence on my subconscious, as in, what I think about, and how I view my own sin. And it’s been a huge encouragement for me. More on that later.

One of my favorite artists— probably my favorite, actually— is Nobigdyl. Nobigdyl., or Dylan Phillips, is a CHH artist from Tennessee. I heard about him a long time ago when he released a single called “Indie.” I got on the wave then. From that point forward, he has done nothing to disappoint. He has so much talent. His instrumentals have been all unique and organic. His lyricism is astounding. He has switched up his flow and production so many times. He has a voice made for the mic. He’s a really solid artist. In the genre of Christian Rap, there is a “really good” artist out of every 30-40 new ones. No joke. It’s a very saturated market. Nobigdyl. is that 1 out of 30-40. He’s really good. I’m a huge, huge (or yuge, as Trump would say) fan. God talked to Moses from a burning bush. God talked to John in visions. God talks to Cooper Short through the Bible— which is the inspiration for a lot of the music I endorse. So, to put it simply: God => the Bible => CHH Artists => my ears. Make sense? Let’s keep it moving.

Nobigdyl. released an album in the spring on 2018— SOLAR. On this album, Dyl. has a song called “Orion.”

The song changed my life. 

When I listen to this song, or CHH in general, I tend to put myself in the song. I find myself in the spiritual ramifications of the song. The spiritual implications of the songs go way deeper and way longer than I intend to delve into on this average little blog site. But let me break down a few from this song for you and hit the highlights. It’s good stuff.

The basis for the song is 1 John 1:5-7.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 

That is some real, quality truth right there. I won’t even comment. Next point.

The chorus says, “All my people, push back evil, that’s on sight.” I think of Hebrews 10:24-25. The necessity of spiritual relationships with other believers is crucial to our growth in Christ. Psalm 133 speaks to this. With the help of other brothers in Christ, I can hope to battle against sin and temptation effectively. I’m doing so with a discipleship group here at school— effectively called SCRAM! 

The chorus also says, “we gon’ fight, we gon’ rage against the dying of the light.” No doubt a line from the famous poem (which I have always really liked), this line is a great one. We’re (the Church, that is) going to fight. We’re going to fight sin and push back the powers of darkness together. “God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him.” And He’s on my team. That’s freaking sweet.

The second verse says, “They disparaging us… but my Advocate, He ain’t having it.” The world is going to hate me because it hated Him (John 15), but He will never cease finding value in me, His child (Matthew 10). That’s big money right there. No investment is worth more than His.

I really could go on. That’s not the ultimate point. The point is this— Jesus loves rap music. The whole genre is amazing because they are taking something that mechanically screams, “worldly!” and actually making it sacred. I, along with plenty of people around the world, have reaped the benefits of Christ-followers making Christ-centered  rap music. My ultimate worldview and hope is found in the life and words of the Bible. It’s a definite plus when people out there make music based on what the Book has to say. That’s a game changer.

Don’t misunderstand me– I don’t treat CHH like it’s the Bible. It isn’t. But neither is a mission trip. Or a sermon. Or Winter Jam. Or Young Life. These are life-changers, and all can be and are often inspired by the Bible. CHH is no exception.”Orion” changed my life. It fired me up to evangelize my campus. It fired me up to focus on what my true spiritual output was— and that really starts with spiritual input. The implications of the song, which all point to the Cross, are undeniable. A lot of people, in their faith, have that one moment where Christ cried out to them, “This! This is it! This is your purpose!” Christ did that to me when I was 15. He called me to ministry. But ministry, for me, isn’t going to start at the pulpit. It’s going to start on this campus. I knew that. I did. And I ignored it. Christ caught up to me in the spring, threw this song at me, and here we are.

Jesus likes rap music— Christian rap music. I know He does because Jesus loves those of us that are His, and His essence seeps into everything we do. Counselor? Coach? Mailman? Waitress? Guy who lives in a treehouse? Professional Athlete? Teenager? Rapper? Jesus can change them all.

“Well, Christian rap can’t have a legitimate message because of (insert some excuse here).” Come check it out. See for yourself. I can show you the Cross in SOLAR.-— along with plenty of other songs, albums, and artists— just as well as anything.

“Well, Christ can’t be legitimate in His message because of (insert some excuse here).”

Come check it out.

See for yourself. 

–@CShort_116