I spent more than a decade searching for quality hip hop and rap music. If it wasn’t for one of my former upper classman students at Red Lion, I might be still looking today. Yet, thanks to Dan, I was introduced to Lecrae. While Lecrae’s solo albums are good, the best one I’ve found is when Lecrae teamed up with K.B., Trip Lee, Tedashii, Derek and the crew.
Train up a child in the way he should go [and in keeping with his individual gift or bent], and when he is old he will not depart from it, Proverbs 22:6.
While I realize hip hop and rap isn’t for everyone, 116’s lyrics has the ability to reach an audience that most Christians can’t. As someone who grew up listening to Run DMC, 116 doesn’t compromise the gospel while bringing a fresh sound to hip hop and rap lovers. As you begin to prepare for 2024, don’t be afraid to Man Up to make a difference in your community and at work.
As I go through my own music collection, I continue to search the internet for the opinion of other Christians. My goal is to blend top artists with groups that were influenced by popular secular artists. My latest search led to a list: 13 Of The Greatest And Most Famous Christian Rock Bands. Number one on this list is P.O.D., a group I featured on my year long series Sing A New Song. While it’s unfair to limit any group to a specific genre, P.O.D. reminds me of a modern version of Run DMC.
For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord, Romans 6:23.
P.O.D. is short for Payable On Death. While one site categorizes P.O.D. as nu metal, this group is essentially a mix of rap, hard rock and metal. Music videos like Youth of the Nation highlight the target audience of POD. The lyrics of this song speak to teenagers who are struggling to get through life. Perhaps, this has led many Christians to place P.O.D. at the top of their all-time lists. As you listen to the lyrics of the attached You Tube this week, may the lyrics and sound speak to those of you who grew up listening to Run DMC.
Evanescence is one of those groups that isn’t Christian but has songs with lyrics that parallel biblical themes. Evanescence is a rock band that began in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1995. Singer, pianist, and keyboardist Amy Lee joined forces with guitarist Ben Moody to form Evanescence. Today’s song reminds me of a mix of the Back Street Boys, Heart, and Run DMC.
Jesus said to her, I am [Myself] the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on) Me, although he may die, yet he shall live; John 11:25.
What attracted me to today’s song is that human beings all reach a point in life where we feel dead inside. Sometimes this is due to being tired or worn out emotionally. Regardless of why we feel this way, finding motivation or strength just to get out of bed can be a chore. Whenever you find yourself in this helpless state, call out to Jesus in prayer so that the Holy Spirit will breathe new life into you.
After watching the film Young Frankenstein, Steven Tyler was impressed by the part played by Mel Brooks. This character inspired the lyrics to Aerosmith’s hit song Walk This Way. Steven Tyler wrote the first draft of this song later than night in a hotel room. Walk This Way was originally the second single on the 1974 album Toys in the Attic. Twelve years later this song was revitalized by Run DMC on their album Raising Hell.
Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night, Psalm 1:1-2.
The Bible refers to a similar mantra. The Psalmist uses the analogy of walking, making choices along the way. The passage above details two different paths, like a to do and not to list. Anyone who does not walk with wicked counsel, stand with questionable individuals and avoids joining those who ridicule others will be rewarded. According to this author, the key to staying on the right path is meditating on God’s Word day and night.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, Psalm 119:105.
Later on in this book, this concept is brought up again, using the illustration of a light. The Bible serves as a spiritual lamp, to illuminate right from wrong. Unfortunately there aren’t many believers left in college and public education to reinforce Judeo Christian values. Instead, liberal leaning voices are expanding gray areas between right and wrong. Thus, when leaders proclaim walk this way, some might quietly think, “are you sure about that?” If you want to find the treasure of gold at the end of the rainbow, walk toward the Bible to see what’s right.
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