This past week, I watched a documentary called Next Level: Hip Hop’s Final Frontier. The film, released in 2001, covered the Christian/Holy Hip Hop scene of the time and its most prominent artists. As much as I enjoyed it, the movie as a whole, is not the focal point of this article.
Two of the many artists being interviewed were the Gospel Gangstaz and a lesser known artist named LaRue. They both said things that really stuck with me.
The Gospel Gangstaz discussed the fact that they were tired of the constant cycle of their former street life. Mr. Solo shared that when he and Tik Tokk first joined the church, they were so happy to be free. No longer did they have to look over their shoulder, worry about who may jump them, or worry if they’ll get arrested, etc. With they’re new found freedom and excitement, they couldn’t help but dance with any move they could think of.
Detroit rapper LaRue recalls the times when he was strung out on drugs. He would do any and everything just to get his next high. Once he became a Christian, The Holy Spirit told him to treat the Bible like he did drugs, to do any and everything to more and more of God’s Word. He then performed a song about it.
So where am I getting here? Recently I have been wanting to get closer to God. Like LaRue and the Gospel Gangstaz I want to feel an overwhelming excitement for Jesus and a hunger for His Word.
I have been a Christian for as long as I can remember. I’ve never been involved in gang activity nor have I ever been on drugs. I didn’t have to get delivered from those kinds of things but I also shouldn’t rob myself of freedom and happiness in Christ.
Watching the documentary reminded me of the times when I first fell in love with music. I loved (and still do) discovering new artists, new albums, and new songs. At least they were new to me. Because of the timeframe of this film there were certain themes that would longer apply today. It made me feel nostalgic, and I often wish I could have been there when these artists were still performing and I could still go and buy their CD. The film also made me miss the times when I read the Bible a lot more often and I did it because I wanted to and not out of obligation. A lot has changed since the 2000s.
Oftentimes I wonder and even worry that I’ve heard all of the good music that there is to hear and that there’s nothing left. I also feel this way sometimes when it comes to Christianity. I feel as if I’ve heard all the Bible stories, heard all the sermons, perspectives, and revelations and that there’s nothing left. I know that in the cases of music and The Bible, this feeling isn’t the truth.
So in light of the holiday, I encourage you (and me) to make time to spend with God. Do whatever you can to get more of Him. Fall in love with Christ.
Happy Valentines Day!
Also if you’d like to see Next Level: Hip Hop’s Final Frontier, you can check it out on the Holy Hip-Hip Hymnal Youtube channel. I really enjoyed it and hope you will too!
