We’re a little bit into 2022 now and while we probably have high expectations for the sub-genre known as Christian Hip-Hop aka Christian Rap aka Gospel Rap aka Holy Hip-Hop (for the super christians), we probably have a few things we could take and leave in this fiscal year.
Below are things we need to bring and things we should definitely leave behind.
1. BRING – CHH Specific Shows & Festivals
-If there’s a big takeaway from an event like the Holy Smoke Fest (which I know isn’t the first), it’s that CHH/CHH-adjacent specific events can be done objectively well and be presumably profitable from a business standpoint.
Now this isn’t necessarily the same as an artist’s tour, but rather events specifically curated by and for the sub-culture that hold a candle to our mainstream counterparts (fingers crossed on 2020 Summerfest someday).
2. LEAVE – Hyper Criticism/Faux Fan Outrage
-Whether it’s fans thinking that their personal views automatically equals what’s biblical, low-quality YouTube videos trying to capitalize on artists’ missteps or perceived flaws, or straight up disrespect written in christianize and a 🙏🏽 emoji, we need to move on from this yesterday.
Artists are Christians that grow, struggle and are not all pastors, nor should they be expected to have the same biblical authority of someone from the pulpit as someone creating from their perspective through a biblical lens.
If your concern leads you to publicly question their salvation before the action of privately reaching out and praying for them, odds are, your concern isn’t genuine.
3. BRING – Collabs
-Whether it’s collaborative songs, projects, tours, etc., let’s see more unity in Christian Hip Hop. Let’s make the whole #sameteam super collab from 2014 an intentional mindset across the board, across outlets, labels, dancers, signed & indie artists, and across the faith as believers.
4. LEAVE – Diss Tracks
-Diss tracks where it’s clear there’s been no dialogue or even an attempt at dialogue is corny. If your concern is genuine, pray. If you’re still concerned, pray again. If still in doubt, do your music better instead of focusing on their music being worse. The truth will outlast while controversy and clickbait rarely becomes sustainable or genuine to the listener.
Also, if prospective fans or potential believers see the dominating conversations in CHH are arguing or diss tracks instead of great music and the greatest hope in Jesus, why would anyone want to join a seemingly toxic community of believers?
5. BRING: Originality
-This should be self-explanatory, but things like a Christian content warning instead of a explicit content warning are more cheesy than clever or original. Creativity and a Christian message aren’t exclusive nor do they have to be.
If it can’t stand on its own objectively, music may not be the lane for you.
6. LEAVE: Conversation of Lack of Originality
-CHH has grown enough to where there is enough music for every occasion both casual, theological, and everything in between. Don’t like a certain artist or sound, don’t listen. Like a certain artist or sound, listen.
It’s simple.
7. BRING: Quality
-Everything from the lyricism and flow to the mixing and artwork to the rollout and promotion needs to be quality. People already have a skeptical view of Christian anything. Don’t let subpar work reinforce that stereotype.
8. LEAVE: Buying streams, followers, etc.
-Not only is it disingenuous, but it does a disservice to you from a business perspective.
How can you accurately measure growth or sales if you can’t differentiate between actual fans that engage with your content and paid followers that could care less?
What do you think about this list? 🧐
Is there anything you would add? 🤔
