Christian rappers speak out on gun control laws and violence

In the wake of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary and other areas of the United States, the debate over gun control is perhaps more heated than ever.

Some blame assault weapons or violent content in video games for the violence in our culture.

But others, like Thi’sl, argue more gun restrictions are not the answer. Here’s what he said about the issue in a recent appearance on the Christian Broadcasting Network.

Other Christian rappers have also responded to this issue. Shortly after the Sandy Hook shooting, Houston’s Bizzle pushed his song “Better Way – Part 2″ online.

Lines include:

“They like ‘Where is your God?’ / I’m like ‘I don’t know
When you kicked Him out of your schools / where’d you tell Him to go?’”

and in reference to the Sandy Hook shooter:

“Maybe he misunderstood / maybe he thought what he was doing was all good
Maybe what he heard was ‘School – and kill ‘em in the room’ / When you really said ‘It’s cool to kill ‘em in the womb”

And Cincinnati rapper D-MAUB released “Calm Down” as a reminder that outside pressures should never lead to a violent response.

Grammy performance reminds us to pray for Nicki Minaj

Earlier in the evening Nicki's "priest" appeared to be her red carpet date and dressed as the Pope
- Photo via Billboard.com

I hesitate to post anything about the horrid performance piece by Nicki Minaj on last night's Grammy Awards telecast since it's simply giving her/it the publicity it so desperately attempted to capture.

Still, if anything needs to be said about the talented rapper's cheesy, offensive, and sad stage "exorcism" of Roman Zolanski (the gay male/demon alter ego subject of her upcoming album) it's that we need to remember to pray for entertainers like her.

In fact, Houston Christian rapper Bizzle reminded of this months ago when he penned "Plead With You (Letter to Nicki)" about the influence he saw her peddling to young children like his niece.

Bizzle's 2nd album hits #5 on iTunes Rap chart

Bizzle, the Houston Christian rapper whose debut album hit #7 on iTunes Hip Hop/Rap charts last June, has done it again. This time around it's a collaboration album with St. Louis hip hop singer Pretty Willie (aka P-Dub.)

At the time of this post (on its drop day at 3pm) the album currently sits in the #5 position of Hip Hop/Rap chart of Apple's digital music store.

The project is titled Best of Both Worlds: The Album and is a follow-up to their Best of Both Worlds free mixtape that also blended rap with R&B.

Interestingly enough, it's a setup that brought similar success to R. Kelly and Jay-Z (Bizzle's previously verbal target) with their own Best of Both Worlds and Unfinished Business collaboration albums in the early 2000's.

Christian rapper Gifted da Flamethrowa explains his 'response record' to Rick Ross' 'Holy Ghost'

When I saw that popular secular rapper Rick Ross dropped a free mixtape last week with the first song’s title being “Holy Ghost” I knew a vocal member of our Christian hip hop community would probably respond.

Houston’s Gifted da Flamethrowa didn’t let me down.

Late Monday, January 9 he released his own version of the song on YouTube – something he calls a “response record” and not a “diss.”



Gifted’s “Holy Ghost” uses the same backbeat but attempts to take the song’s original artists (which includes Sean “Diddy” Combs) to task for their public “disrespect of God.”

Ross’ version contains lyrics like:

They say I’m gettin’ money, must be illuminati
Talking to the Holy Ghost, in my Bugatti
He knockin’ on the do’, don’t let the devil in
He knockin’ on the do’, don’t let the devil in

And

You talkin’ to the Holy Ghost
I’m smokin’ ’til I overdose
When I **** she let the ***** soak
Even my lawyer be askin, "Is it dope?"
Never break the code, shock me with a million votes
I’m forever dope, touched by the Holy Ghost

“It’s obvious he [Ross] is going out of his way to disrespect God. We can't say he is doing it for pub because he is already a top seller. So what he is doing is from his heart,” Gifted explained to me via a Facebook chat on Monday night. “When I heard that song it immediately sparked my brain to reach out.”


The tactic of using a rapper’s own song/lyrics against him is a time-honored tradition within hip hop. In fact, Monday was also the day that Chicago artist Common raised the stakes in his beef with Toronto’s Drake when his version of “Stay Schemin” from Ross’ same Rich Forever mixtape hit the Internet. However, Gifted denies such retaliation and battle rap actions inspired him to rework “Holy Ghost.”

“I've been aware of Common and Drake's beef for a while. On top of that I don't consider what I did a diss. I consider it more of a rebuttal. That’s why I was careful with the wording,” Gifted said.

He said he created the song to hopefully let Rick Ross hear a different point of view and create a dialogue.

“Everything in that song is what I would say if I were ministering to him face-to-face,” Gifted said.

In the YouTube clip, Gifted also includes footage from the unreleased documentary The Fence* which interviewed Rick Ross when he was in Houston for the 2008 Ozone Awards about his faith and responsibility as a rapper.

“I am a proud Christian and a follower of Jesus Christ. So if you say you are too but the character or action you display is against the belief, then you open yourself up to be questioned and corrected by other Christians,” Gifted said.

Gifted said the same thought goes for Diddy who has publicly professed to be a Christian. During our online chat, Gifted pointed to Matthew 12:31-32 from the Holy Bible which states:

31 And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.

I told him I knew that passage had varying interpretations among Christians and asked if Gifted believed that with this song Ross and Diddy committed the "unforgivable sin" and will therefore go to hell because of this track.

Gifted replied: “Well, blasphemy is defined as ‘A contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God or a sacred entity,’ so yes, the things said in the song are blasphemous.

“Will this song send them to hell? No, I wouldn't make that broad generalization. I truly believe as long as there is breath in their bodies they can repent. God judges the heart of man.”

The episode recalls another Houston Christian rapper (Bizzle) who jumped to prominence a few years ago by recording and releasing “Explaining to Do: Jay-Z Expose” after the questions arose about the New York MC’s imagery and lyrics concerning Jesus Christ.

I know that Gifted has spoken and worked with Bizzle on several different occasions and asked if he believed these type of response records were an effective form of hip hop ministry.

“Our battle is not against flesh and blood. So it’s our job to keep dialogue open. I can't minister to a person by disrespecting them,” Gifted said.

“So no, I don't suggest for us to look at these cats like our enemies. I do suggest for everyone to do what God has called them to do. Don't start jumping in this type of stuff if you are not led. If you are going to rebuke, do according to how the Bible says do it.”

Your thoughts?



* Full disclosure: I was a part of The Fence's editing and production team.

Recap: Holy Hip Hop for Hunger 2011

On Saturday, November 12 members of Houston’s vibrant and active Christian rap community joined together for a concert and awards show that raised both food and awareness for Houston’s hungry.

The Holy Hip Hop for Hunger event was organized by Von Won and handed out awards to local hip hop ministries for their efforts throughout the past year. Attendees were asked to contribute 5 canned goods (or more) for entry.

The artists and staff gathered for prayer before the event

The night's music started off with a worship set

Von Won, wife, and son

Rev Rob got things going

The dynamic duo of 007 and Gifted da Flamethrowa also performed

As far as the awards go, there were over 700 online votes for a variety of categories. Nominees are listed below with the winners' names in bold.

Male Artist of the Year:

Bizzle
007
Gifted
Foe
Corey Paul
Reconcile
Von Won
Govenor
J-Flo

Female Artist of the Year:

Hilary Pradia
Christ Clear aka Rage
Zeeda
Raishein
HillaryJane
K Mor

Album of the Year:

Govenor - True Seed
F.O.E. - The Word
S.O.M. - The Next Chapter
Bizzle - Tough Love & Parables
Gifted da Flamethrowa - Bulldoze City
Von Won - One City Under God

Single of the Year:

Von Won - "Bow Down"
F.O.E. - "Which Way"
Frontline - "U Rydin"
S.O.M. - "On My J"
Corey Paul - "Go Girl"
J Flo - "Filled With Fire"
Govenor - "Another Chance"

Music Video of the Year:

Frontline - "U Rydin"
The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. ATX - "All Good"
Bro Blessed - "It Hurts Me"
Von Won - "Bow Down"
Bless't - "Dope Tales"
Bro Joseph - "Forgive Me"
2 Crunk - "Jesus On Da Mainline"

Producer of the Year:

Bruce Bang
Sypreme
Cameron Giddings
Jimmie Natural
Josh Paul

DJ of the Year:

DJ Primo
DJ Hope
DJ 808
DJ Wiz
DJ Revelation
DJ Nonchalant

Mixtape Series of the Year:

2 Crunk - Struggle Muzik
Bizzle - The Messenger
Corey Paul - No Snooze Buttons
Gifted da Flamethrowa - Monsters Do Exist
GS - Warning Before Destruction

Group of the Year:

S.O.M.
Frontline Movement
Second Entertainment
The W.A.R.R.I.O.R.S. ATX
Youth In The Booth
S.T.C.

Hunger for More Honors:
Pastor Terrence Levi

Tre9 played host

Second shows off HillaryJane's FAOY trophy

A small sampling of the canned goods that were collected

Bless't and bigAL

And here's my brief (and nowhere near exhaustive) video recap:

Bizzle's "Tough Love & Parables" hits #10 on iTunes Hip Hop Charts

Bizzle, the Christian rapper from Houston who is best known for targeting a song at Jay-Z questioning Hov's dark imagery and Jesus-related lyrics, released a new album today that is currently in the #10 position of iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap charts.

Since "Explaining to Do" hit WorldStarHipHop.com over a year ago, the passionate MC has developed a sizable fanbase through his free Messenger mixtape series and furious retweets (RTs) of compliments from fans including mainstream artists like Malice (from The Clipse) and MC Hammer.

Tough Love and Parables is Bizzle's first full album and includes production from Houstonians Beanz N Kornbread (who have made hits for rappers Z-Ro and Paul Wall) and Canada's Boi-1da (who recently won Grammys with Eminem and Drake.)

The album started its chart ascent earlier today despite reports from some fans about technical issues with iTunes' download service.

And interestingly enough, to hit the #1 position Bizzle's package of Christian poems will have to unseat an album titled Hell: The Sequel by Bad Meets Evil - the side project from Eminem and Royce Da 5'9".

No Joke: Bizzle’s God Over Money Records Signs Bumps INF

Many fans know “God Over Money” as the tagline for the hip hop movement sparked by Bizzle, the MC who created a massive online buzz with his Jay-Z’s got some “Explaining to Do” track/video and his The Messenger series of free mixtapes.

Today, it’s also the name of the label he intends to use to launch other like-minded rappers. First up: Cleveland, Ohio’s Bumps INF.

Bumps INF

Bumps INF’s fierce lyrics have recently been heard on his Who Is Mark James? EP and on Messenger mixtape songs like “Never Let You Go,” “I’m Gon Shine,” “Southernprayeristic,” and “CHRIST Reigns.”

“When I first started rapping about my faith and got labeled a ‘Christian rapper’ I wasn’t really sure how much talent was on this side of the cross,” Bizzle said. “But when I heard MCs like Bumps I was impressed and knew we should link up.”

Aside from its authenticity, the fact that Bizzle’s music is also gaining the attention of Grammy-winning producers like Boi-1da (Eminem, Drake, etc) and respected rappers like Malice (from The Clipse) makes joining the God Over Money team exciting for Bumps INF.

“God is definitely using Bizzle to make some waves in the mainstream rap market,” Bumps INF said. “Our prayer is that He can continue to see us as vessels available at His disposal to continue to give him glory through hip hop.”

Bumps INF’s first official GOM project will be a mixtape titled Who Is Mark James 2.0 to be released on April 19, 2011.

For more info visit: www.GodOverMoney.com

My 5 Favorite CHH Albums of 2010

Sure, we’re almost into the second month of 2011, but I’m just egotistical enough to think you might be interested in my selections for the top five Christian hip hop releases of last year.

So here we go. In no particular order (because I kinda hate the year-end-ranking thing):

Bizzle – The Messenger: Volume 2

Bizzle certainly made a mark in 2010 with his “Explaining to Do” Jay-Z shot from The Messenger: Volume 1. But I believe that The Messenger: Volume 2 really allowed him to shine and show that he was capable of crafting more than just songs addressed to celebrities.

On V2 he was also assisted by a handful of respected Christian rappers who had reached out to and clicked with him when the publicity storm hit shore. It’s a secular remake style offering, but a good one (witness Bizzle, Sevin, and KamBINO stomp on that stellar “Beamer, Benz, or Bently” beat.) You’ll also get a little bit more insight into the post-Jay-Z era (“From the Horse’s Mouth”) and an original cut like “Legal Money” with Von Won and Dre Murray.

Interested listeners can cop the free download here.

Braille – Weapon Aid

As I noted in April, Weapon Aid has a somber-but-hopeful mood which is surprising, yet expected, from a follower of Jesus who has experienced a mass of emotional turmoil the past few years.

Braille has spoken publicly about his father’s death, his painful divorce, moving from state to state, and caring for his young daughter. Add in the, then recent, demise of his Hip Hop is Music company and the public diss from a former labelmate and you’ve got a justifiable recipe for depression. Still, his lyrics convey an air of ultimate trust and rescue through Christ the King.

They process the concerns of a “Blessed Man,” admit periods of doubt, darkness, and defeat, but never lash out. Instead, Braille seems to seize the opportunity for self-examination.

On record, betrayal never leads to bitterness. This is the route we wish RedCloud would have taken.

Weapon Aid is heart-sleeve hip hop in the emotional vein of Kanye’s 808s & Heartbreak. I’m guessing that five to ten years from now we’ll look back on this dark period in Christian hip hop and say that this album was a healing catharsis for us all.

This is another great album you can download for free here.

Playdough – Writer Dye

Playdough has always impressed me on the mic but Writer Dye definitely took it up a few notches. A large part of it has to do with the hipster-cool concept – for this project the MC took lyrics from other bands and genres (including The White Stripes, Kings of Leon, The Violent Femmes, and Nirvana) and turned them into hip-hop songs.

The lifts aren’t always obvious and often depend on the depth of your own listening experience, but still, it’s quite a feat. Dude’s got a freestyle vibe on nearly every song that reminds me of an X Games snowboarder gliding from topic to topic and he infuses just about every rhyme with a Scripture story, theme, or reference.

And of course, there’s the ill cover image. What more can you ask for?

To download this project, name your price here.

If you dig it, you may also want to read two of my Q&A sessions with Playdough here:

5 Questions with Playdough

Q & A: Playdough Talks Writer Dye, Battle Rapping, and White Rappers

Sho Baraka – Lions and Liars

I’ll admit, I wasn’t a big Sho Baraka fan before, but I mos def am now. My appetite was mostly whet by Reach Records’ excellent advance promo which included the lion character, teaser music videos, and deluxe package options.

What I really appreciated was that L&L showed such a breadth of topics, from manhood to loving your wife to issues of social justice, and of course, the supremacy of Jesus the Christ.

How much did I cut for Lions and Liars? I bought a copy for my pastor to introduce him to Christian hip hop. ‘Nuff said.

Buy it now from Reach Records

Theory Hazit and Toni Shift - Modern Marvels

In some circles, this joker flew under the radar but it needs to be top shelf. Theo’s an impressive producer, but my man can rhyme as well. I was impressed by the brave nature of two songs in particular – “Concealed Sorrow” and “Marvelust.”

“Concealed Sorrow” is a gut-wrenching tale of a gay kid who faces bullies on every front and contemplates taking his own life. Mind you, this track was recorded and released before this became one of 2010’s biggest news stories.

Meanwhile, “Marvelust” shares the story of a Christian father in a blended family. The narrator is brutally honest about his own failings to his wife, kids, and Lord but still expresses hope and trust in his Savior.

Those two tracks are daring enough for any hip hop artist, much less one who claims to follow Christ. The rest of the album is just as good, but even if it were just mediocre, I probably still would have listed Modern Marvels here on the strength of “Concealed Sorrow” and “Marvelust.”

Buy it now from Illect Recordings

**********

So there you have it, five of the albums I considered to be the best of 2010. Three of them are being offered as free downloads by the artists so don’t blame me if you’re still spinning an empty iPod.

Related: Top 5 CHH Releases of 2009

Top 10 Christian Hip Hop Stories of 2010

Y’all know how we do. The end of the year equals countdown lists and I’m teeing up the Top 10 Christian Hip Hop Stories of 2010.

Let’s go!

10. Richie “s/ave” Douglas passes

This one is deeply personal but also carries great significance for the entire faith-based genre. We entered 2010 by losing one of the greats – Richie “s/ave” Douglas. He was the man who founded DaSouth.com, was the original Christian hip hop journalist, and my dear friend.

s/ave was only 36 years old and died in his sleep as a result of an epileptic seizure. He was, and still is, sorely missed.

9. Oklahoma on the rise for Christian hip hop

As you know, I’m a Texan and we tend to have just a little bit of state pride, okay, who am I kidding? A LOT of state pride.

Still, I gotta keep it real and tip my hat to our northern border neighbors in Oklahoma. They’ve got guys like Dre’ Murray, Fedel, Kadence, Cam, and Sean C. Johnson going hard body lately.

All these cats seem to really be putting a professional shine on their art and represent well. They’ve also got the collective force of an organization like Positive Hip Hop.tv pushing them to the forefront and are hosting events like the Oklahoma Hip Hop Hope Unity Conference.

Is O-K the new Christian hip hop hot spot?

8. The Houston Chronicle covers Christian hip hop on the regular

This June, after several months of relationship building, I was invited to become a regular blogger for the Houston Chronicle’s Belief subsite. I retain full editorial control over what I cover and average about two or three posts a week about news and events in our genre.

Several of those stories get featured on the front page of the Chronicle’s main website and a handful have even made it into their weekly print edition. Houston is the nation’s fourth largest city, but only a one newspaper town. All that means is that this opportunity is definitely bringing some much needed exposure to what God is doing through hip hop as a whole and in my city in particular.

7. Rawsrvnt attempts “The Ultimate Merger”

A Donald Trump-produced reality dating show with previous Apprentice villain Omarosa as its focus doesn't seem like a place where you'd find a Christian rapper as a contestant.

Then again, it's probably the exact reason one was added to the cast. We're talking about it here, aren't we?

Yep, Eddy “Rawsrvnt” Puyol was one of 12 eligible bachelors looking to win Omarosa’s heart on “The Ultimate Merger.”

The story goes that Trump’s people hit up Rapzilla.com looking for candidates and the Florida-based worship-hop artist was nominated.

Raw told me his goal in going on the show was to demonstrate what the walk of a true man of God looks like and to show how he treats and relates to women.

He only lasted three episodes, but anyone who saw the show can’t deny that Raw accomplished his task.

6. RedCloud torches Christian hip hop

"Evandalism," RedCloud’s firebomb diss track, hit YouTube on Good Friday. In it, he vented about his break up with his former label and his disappointment with many of the spiritual leaders within whom he had placed some trust.

What was obvious in this track was that he was hurting. The lyrics were laid over Diddy’s “Angels” beat and the original hook lines of “love don’t live here no more” and “I need someone to trust” that bled through were haunting. Cloud also screamed out “Lord, deliver me from your followers” and “Somebody feel my pain!”

His pain was indeed felt. And thankfully, after several individuals reached out to him, Cloud removed the clip from the net the next day. Still, the damage was done.

We’re still praying for you Cloud.

5. Braille’s Weapon Aid provides catharsis

Braille had spoken publicly about his father’s death, his painful divorce, moving from state to state, and caring for his young daughter. Add in the demise of his Hip Hop is Music company and the public diss from a former labelmate (see RedCloud's outburst above) and you’ve got a justifiable recipe for depression. Still, his lyrics on Weapon Aid convey an air of ultimate trust and rescue through Christ the King.

They process the concerns of a “Blessed Man,” admit periods of doubt, darkness, and defeat, but never lash out. Instead, Braille seems to seize the opportunity for self-examination.

On record, betrayal never leads to bitterness. This is the route we wish RedCloud would have taken.

Weapon Aid was heart-sleeve hip hop in the emotional vein of Kanye’s 808’s & Heartbreak. I’m guessing that five to ten years from now we’ll look back on this dark period in Christian hip hop and say that this album was a healing catharsis for us all.

4. Bizzle goes at Jay-Z

Admit it, you weren’t aware of Bizzle before his “Explaining To Do” track directed at Jay-Z became a hip hop gossip site staple. Heck, dude lived in my own city and I didn’t even know his name before this.

What some saw as a mere publicity stunt was really just the passionate outcry from a relatively new believer. He saw the game’s top dog dissing his Savior and felt the need to vocalize his frustrations with some righteous anger.

What was great about it all was that it got a conversation started and shed light in a traditionally dark area. And if you still have doubts about Bizzle’s motives, I urge you to download his Messenger and Best of Both Worlds mixtapes and witness his expanded topical focus.

3. Ambassador and Da’ T.R.U.T.H. break their silence

If 2009 was the year of shame then 2010 was the year of restoration. After publicly admitting failures in their marriage in unrelated incidents, both Ambassador and Da’ T.R.U.T.H. eventually broke their silence after a period of retreat.

Ambassador opened up via a video blog, proclaimed reconciliation with his wife, and later led a weekly Bible study on DaSouth.com. Shortly after, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. renewed his wedding vows on his 8th anniversary. DJ Wade-O brought us audio from that ceremony and later sat down with the artist and his wife to share their testimony.

By all appearances, we might even see both guys return to the booth for full albums that will no doubt be dripping with stories of grace.

2. Flavor Fest celebrates 10 years and a new building

The weekend of 10/10/10 in Tampa, Florida ushered in a celebration of two great things. First, it was the 10 year anniversary of Flavor Fest – an event designed to encourage, empower, and equip churches, ministry workers, and artists to better communicate the Gospel through hip hop.

Secondly, it was the grand opening of the new building and campus for Crossover Church – largely recognized as the leading and most vibrant all-out hip hop congregation.

Although I had visited Crossover before, this was my first ever Flavor Fest. I was definitely impressed. If you consider yourself a member of the Christian hip hop community you owe it to yourself to make a trip to Tampa and witness firsthand how God is using that church and that event to make Him famous.

Congrats Urban D and the Crossover Community. We love and celebrate this milestone with you.

1. Reach Records' Unashamed Tour raises the bar for CHH events

With nearly 30 shows and 25 plus cities, the crew from Reach Records raised the bar for a traveling Christian hip hop concert. Aided by the record-setting sales success of Lecrae's Rehab album and the momentum of a handful of other releases from their flagship artists, the Unashamed Tour brought out the masses.

Attendance reports started in the 1,000 person range (as it was in Houston) and continued to grow as the tour went on. Three thousand, 3,500, then close to 5,000.

The stage was set with Reach-provided screens and lights. There were pre-song and artist transitions videos and choreographed moments that perfectly meshed with the DJ Official and a live drummer's accents. But most importantly, the message of the Gospel was expressed and reinforced throughout the event.

When I interviewed the Reach Records team at Flavor Fest, Lecrae told me that he envisioned the Unashamed Tour as a hip-hop like Passion Conference, designed to introduce people to Jesus and lead those who already follow him in worship through hip hop. What a beautiful and well-executed vision.

*************************************************

For more of my thoughts on the year in Christian hip hop (including my nominees for the best newcomer, video, interview, album, artist, and moment) check out my conversation with DJ Wade-O on Episodes 189 and 190 of the The Wade-O Radio Show.

Stream or download them for free right here.

Jay-Z's "Free Mason" verse draws different opinions throughout Christian rap community

The Jay-Z is a Satanist/member of the Illuminati stories just won’t go away.

He’s tried ignoring them. Then playing into them. And when Rick Ross’ Teflon Don album dropped this Tuesday, the artist officially took the issue head on with a guest verse on a song titled “Free Mason.”

“I said I was amazing / Not that I’m a Mason / It’s amazing that I made it though the maze that I was in / Lord forgive me I never would’ve made it without sin” – Jay-Z on “Free Mason”

Still, many MCs who claim the cross take issue with Jay-Z’s recent imagery and hints at a dark side. In January, Houston rapper Bizzle made waves when he released a track called “Explaining to Do (Jay-Z Expose’)” that was directed at the man who calls himself “Jay-hova.”

The accompanying YouTube video (now at over 53,000 views) is filled with visual examples of possible connections to the occult and was featured on mainstream rap sites like Allhiphop.com and Worldstarhiphop.com. Overnight, the previously unknown Bizzle found himself in the middle of a firestorm.

“I’m really trying not to get stuck on the Jay-Z stuff and just want to focus on telling people about the Lord and his Good News,” Bizzle said.

But obviously, the kid known for calling out Jay has an opinion about his “Free Mason” verse.

“I think he only cleared up things for ‘blind’ people who want to remain ‘blind.’ They didn’t want to hear a real explanation, they just want to hear him say it’s not true,” Bizzle said.

“And no, I don’t think it was a response to my song. If that’s the case he would have addressed the specific points I raised. To me, the logic should be that if I brought up 20 signs that point to him being a Mason and having Satanic ties then he should have to bring up 21 things that say the opposite.”

Other Christian rappers aren’t so convinced. Dre’ Murray (a Houston native) has shared songs with Bizzle but thinks that Jay-Z’s verse adequately addressed the issue.

“Make no mistake, Jay’z imagery in the past, especially in the ‘On to the Next One’ video, was blatant. But I think he was just trying to push people’s buttons,” Murray said. “I think there was some clarity in ‘Free Mason’ where he owned up to some stuff and denied other parts.

“Could he be lying? Sure, but for me to devote all my time trying to figure out what he is or isn’t really defeats my purpose as a Christian MC. Good should be out fighting evil, not sitting around talking about it.”

Still, there’s no clear consensus about Jay-Z’s lyrics and actions in the holy hip hop community. Here’s what outspoken New York rapper Lavoisier told me when he was in town for The Houston Project last week.



What are your thoughts? Have you heard Jay-Z’s “Free Mason” or Bizzle’s “Explaining to Do?” Does the evidence add up to you or did Jay adequately address these concerns?

Will "Legal Money" get "We Can Be More" love?

Von Won’s upcoming “Legal Money” (featuring Bizzle and Dre’ Murray) track leaked last week and when I heard it, I have to admit, it gave me pause.

My main question is whether or not it would receive the same sort of warm welcome that Sho Baraka and J.R.’s excellent “We Can Be More” song did just a few months ago.

I wonder because neither track is explicitly “Christian” or evangelistic in nature.

Sho’s song offers a God-honoring perspective on an amorous relationship between a man and woman.

Here, Von, Bizzle, and Dre’ seem to take a similar approach to examining man’s constant pursuit of money – cautioning against the illegal means to the end and celebrating a more honorable approach toward those goals.

Von told me he’s targeting this toward mainstream rap radio (as part of his new venture with a Warner Bros. Music-backed label) and believes he’ll receive his first spins on Houston’s 97.9 KBXX this weekend. Many people have also noted that “We Can Be More” can (and should) receive similar crossover exposure.

So, what are your thoughts on “Legal Money?”

My guess is that it won’t receive the same embrace from the Christian hip hop community as “We Can Be More” has, but we’ll see. I’d love to be proved wrong.

Listen/watch: "Legal Money"



Listen/watch "We Can Be More"

Vid: SXSW 2010 in 7 minutes

Here's a quick recap of some of the performances and interviews I captured from the DaSouth.com presents The Life in Hip Hop Stage at SXSW this year.

Look for spots by 007, S.O.M., Bizzle, Gifted, Von Won, Fedel, Dre Murray, k-Drama, Tedashii, and more.