View source for Christian hip-hop

{{Short description|Subgenre of hip hop music and Christian music}}
{{Infobox music genre
| name              = Christian hip-hop
| stylistic_origins = {{hlist|[[Hip-hop]]|[[Christian music]]}}
| cultural_origins  = 1980s, United States
}}
[[File:Lecrae performing live in 2017.jpg|thumb|Rapper [[Lecrae]] performing at the [[Phoenix Concert Theatre]] during his [[All Things Work Together]] tour in 2017]]
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2017}}
'''Christian hip-hop''' (originally '''gospel rap''', also known as '''Christian rap''', '''gospel hip-hop''' or '''holy hip-hop''') is a cross-genre of [[contemporary Christian music]] and [[hip-hop]]. It emerged from [[urban contemporary music]] and [[Christian media]] in the United States during the 1980s.

Christian hip-hop music first emerged on record in 1982 with a track entitled "Jesus Christ (The Gospel Beat)" by Queens, New York artist McSweet. The first full-length Christian hip-hop album, ''Bible Break'', by Oklahoma artist [[Stephen Wiley]], was released in 1985, with the title track becoming a hit on [[Christian radio]] in 1986. Other early Christian hip recording artists from the mid-1980s included [[P.I.D.]] (Preachas in Disguise), who recorded to funky rock rhythms, as well as JC & the Boys and Michael Peace. During the 1990s and 2000s, rapper [[KJ-52]] rose to prominence in the field.

[[Christian rock]] band [[DC Talk]] blended hip-hop and rock, and were successful in mainstream [[Christian music]]. All three band members have had successful independent careers, [[Michael Tait]] and [[Kevin Max|Kevin Max Smith]] in [[Christian pop]], and [[TobyMac]] as a Christian rapper and label owner. Along with [[Lecrae]], [[NF (rapper)|NF]], [[KB (rapper)|KB]] & [[Emcee N.I.C.E.]]<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/kb-emcee-nice-travis-greene-christian-gospel-no-1/|title= Billboard #1's|newspaper=Billboard|access-date=September 15, 2021}}</ref> who have emerged recently on the mainstream rap scene along with [[American popular music]] figures [[DMX]], [[Snoop Dogg]], and [[Kanye West]].<ref name="Freeman 1970">{{cite web | last=Freeman | first=Kathryn | title=DMX Bared His Sins and Soul to Make His Music a Testimony | website=ChristianityToday.com | date=April 16, 2021 | url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/april-web-only/dmx-earl-simmons-christian-faith-rap-bible-struggle.html | access-date=March 23, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Perkins 2018">{{cite web | last=Perkins | first=Mai | title=Is Snoop Dogg's 'Bible of Love' Actually Biblical? | website=RELEVANT | date=March 21, 2018 | url=https://relevantmagazine.com/culture/snoop-doggs-bible-love-actually-biblical/ | access-date=March 23, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Dolbee 2021">{{cite web | last=Dolbee | first=Sandi | title=How hip-hop gravitated toward religion | website=San Diego Union-Tribune | date=June 13, 2021 | url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/religion/story/2021-06-13/how-hip-hop-gravitated-toward-religion | access-date=March 23, 2024}}</ref> Outside of the United States, there are Christian rap scenes in the UK,<ref name="Rapzilla 2017">{{cite web | title=10 Christian Rappers from United Kingdom you should know | website=Rapzilla | date=January 24, 2017 | url=https://rapzilla.com/2017-01-10-christian-rappers-from-united-kingdom-you-should-know/ | access-date=May 21, 2022}}</ref> Australia,<ref name="Vision Christian Radio 2018">{{cite web | title=The Rise of Christian Hip Hop – D4C | website=Vision Christian Radio | date=August 8, 2018 | url=https://vision.org.au/radio/2018/08/09/christian-hip-hop-d4c/ | access-date=May 21, 2022 | archive-date=July 2, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702085931/https://vision.org.au/radio/2018/08/09/christian-hip-hop-d4c/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> Brazil,<ref name="Rapzilla 2020">{{cite web | title=5 Brazilian Christian Rap Artists to Watch in 2020 | website=Rapzilla | date=January 23, 2020 | url=https://rapzilla.com/2020-01-5-brazilian-christian-rap-artists-watch-2020/ | access-date=May 21, 2022 | archive-date=June 27, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627232347/https://rapzilla.com/2020-01-5-brazilian-christian-rap-artists-watch-2020/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> Mexico<ref name="The Jakarta Post 2021">{{cite web | author=The Jakarta Post | title=Migrants find safe haven with Mexico's hip-hop pastor | website=The Jakarta Post | date=June 3, 2021 | url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2021/06/03/migrants-find-safe-haven-with-mexicos-hip-hop-pastor.html | access-date=May 21, 2022}}</ref> and Canada.<ref name="KAZI MAGAZINE 2022">{{cite web | title=Jesus and Music: Meet Rapper Not Klyde From Canada | website=KAZI MAGAZINE | date=May 19, 2022 | url=https://kazimagazine.com/music/discovery/jesus-and-music-meet-rapper-not-klyde-from-canada/ | access-date=May 21, 2022}}</ref> Asian, Black, and Latino rappers are becoming a major part of the genre, and this success is expanding the appeal of both Christian hip-hop and [[Christian electronic dance music|Christian EDM]] within general hip-hop and broader [[popular music]].<ref name="Bellini 2016">{{cite web | last=Bellini | first=Jason | title=The Fearless Call of Asian Americans in Christian Hip-Hop | website=ChristianityToday.com | date=June 9, 2016 | url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2016/june-web-only/asian-american-christian-hip-hop.html | access-date=May 21, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Huckabee 2022">{{cite web | last=Huckabee | first=Tyler | title=Meet the Next Generation of Christian Hip-Hop | website=RELEVANT | date=March 21, 2022 | url=https://relevantmagazine.com/magazine/the-rise-of-christian-hip-hop/ | access-date=May 21, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Rapzilla Latino 2017">{{cite web | title=Christian Rap's Latino Minority Quickly Becoming a Major Force | website=Rapzilla | date=May 12, 2017 | url=https://rapzilla.com/2017-05-christian-rap-latino/ | access-date=May 21, 2022}}</ref><ref name="Marovich 2020">{{cite web | last=Marovich | first=Bob | title="Meet Me Where I'm At" – Trampolines | website=The Journal of Gospel Music | date=May 21, 2020 | url=https://journalofgospelmusic.com/gospel/meet-me-where-im-at-trampolines/ | access-date=May 21, 2022}}</ref>

== History and notable examples ==
The first commercially released and distributed gospel hip-hop record was MC Pete Harrison of Queens, New York. Under the recording name McSweet, he released ''The Gospel Beat: Jesus-Christ'' (1982), written and arranged by Harrison and produced by Mac Sulliver on Lection Records of [[PolyGram]].<ref>{{Cite web|author=Busy R. |url=http://www.hhhdb.com/index.php?id=544 |title=The Holy Hip Hop DataBASE – The ultimate online Christian Hiphop resource |publisher=Hhhdb.com |access-date=April 21, 2013}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/MC-Sweet-Adam-Eve-The-Gospel-Beat/release/2104798 |title=MC Sweet – (Adam & Eve) The Gospel Beat (Vinyl) at Discogs |date=1989 |publisher=Discogs.com |access-date=April 21, 2013}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.hhhdb.com/index.php?id=544|title=The Holy Hip Hop DataBASE – The ultimate online Christian Hiphop resource|author=Busy R.}}</ref> The first notable full album released was [[Stephen Wiley]]'s ''[[Bible Break]]'' (1985), written by [[Wiley (musician)|Wiley]] and produced by Mike Barnes on Brentwood Records.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Stephen_Wiley/Bible_Break/44557/ |title=Stephen Wiley – Bible Break |publisher=Crossrhythms.co.uk |access-date=October 6, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.josefsorett.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/beatsrhymesbiblestaap-websiteexcerpt.pdf |title=Beats, Rhymes and Bibles: An Introduction To Gospel Hip Hop |access-date=October 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004054918/http://www.josefsorett.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/beatsrhymesbiblestaap-websiteexcerpt.pdf |archive-date=October 4, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Stephen-Wiley-Bible-Break/release/2882637|title=Stephen Wiley – Bible Break|work=Discogs|date=1985 }}</ref> In the same year, David Guzman founded JC & The Boyz. Some of America's premiere Christian rappers, such as [[Michael Peace]] (one of Christian rap's first solo artists), [[Soup the Chemist|Soldiers for Christ]] (S.F.C.), [[Dynamic Twins]], [[Peace 586|MC Peace]] and [[T-Bone (rapper)|T-Bone]] came out of this crew. A more commercially successful group known as [[P.I.D.]] (Preachers in Disguise) released five recordings.

[[Jon Gibson (Christian musician)|Jon Gibson]] (or J.G.) is also considered a pioneer of Christian [[pop rap]],<ref name="SoulTracks">{{Cite web | url = https://www.soultracks.com/jon_gibson.htm | title = Jon Gibson profile | first = Chris | last = Rizik | year = 2003 | publisher = [[SoulTracks]] | access-date =January 2, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://open.spotify.com/artist/3aMbmEzbX0itcXFCYC9bIb | title=Jon Gibson | website=[[Spotify]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.musicstack.com/records-cds/jon+gibson | title=Jon Gibson records and CDs| website=Musicstack}}</ref> with "Nation in Need" (1983) including a quasi-style rap verse<ref>{{cite web| url=https://real80sccm.com/2024/08/28/jon-gibson-standing-on-the-one-1983| last=Mansfield |first=Ray |title=Jon Gibson – Standing On The One – 1983 |website=real80sccm.com |date=August 28, 2024 |accessdate=September 18, 2025}}</ref> and his first rap solo being "Ain't It Pretty" (1985).<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://music.metason.net/artistinfo?name=Jon%20Gibson&title=Live%20In%2085 | title=Live In 85 – Jon Gibson – Artist Info}}</ref> [[Contemporary Christian music|CCM]]'s first [[Hot Rap Songs|rap hit]] by a [[blue-eyed soul]] singer and/or duo, "The Wall" was later released on Gibson's successful album ''[[Jon Gibson (Christian musician)#Discography|Change of Heart]]'' (1988),<ref name="allmusic.com">{{cite web| url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/change-of-heart-mw0000875286| title=Change of Heart – Jon Gibson – Songs, Reviews, Credits | publisher=[[AllMusic]]| access-date=March 1, 2018}}</ref> and featured [[MC Hammer]] (previously as the [[MC Hammer#Music and entertainment career|Holy Ghost Boys]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/26261/mc-hammer/|title = MC Hammer &#124; full Official Chart History &#124; Official Charts Company|website = [[Official Charts Company|Official Charts]]}}</ref> Other tracks included the No. 1 "Love Come Down" and "In Too Deep" from ''Jesus Loves Ya'' (1990).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/jesus-loves-ya-mw0000938391|title = Jesus Loves Ya – Jon Gibson – Love Come Down & In Too Deep – AllMusic|website = [[AllMusic]]}}</ref> Gibson also collaborated with MC Peace on "Enough Is Enough" (1990),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://real80sccm.com/tag/jon-gibson |title=Jon Gibson – Real 80s CCM|website=real80sccm.com |date=January 28, 2022 |access-date=December 9, 2022}}</ref> "Happy to Know Jesus" (1992)<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://open.spotify.com/track/3NnYQ8eOH4wh2S9jzqKum4 | title=Happy to Know Jesus | website=[[Spotify]] | year=1995 }}</ref> and "You Are the One" (1992).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jon-gibson-mn0000254698/discography|title=Jon Gibson Albums and Discography|website=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> Additionally, he [[Jon Gibson (Christian musician)#Additional credits and collaborations|notably collaborated]] with [[Soup the Chemist]] on "How I Cope" (1994) and "As the Sun Rises" (2000).

S.F.C. was led by [[Soup the Chemist|Chris Cooper]] who originally performed as Super C (short for Super Chris or Super Christian), then later became Sup the Chemist and Soup the Chemist. Other rap groups emerged in the late 1980s, including [[DC Talk|dc Talk]] and E.T.W. (End Time Warriors). ETW was led by producer Mike Hill, who went on to pastor one of the largest inner-city youth groups in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Christian [[Master of ceremonies|emcee]] [[Danny Rodriguez|Danny "D-Boy" Rodriguez]] was another well-known early gospel rap artist, but was murdered in 1990 in [[Texas]].<ref name="DBoy">{{Cite web |url=http://www.christianmusicarchive.com/artist.php?id=5581 |title=CMA: Danny 'D-Boy' Rodriguez |publisher=Christianmusicarchive.com |date=July 26, 2010 |access-date=October 6, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309103139/http://www.christianmusicarchive.com/artist.php?id=5581 |archive-date=March 9, 2009 |df=mdy }}</ref> Prior to his death, he helped launch the career of his sister Genie Rodriguez-Lopez, known as MC GeGee. She was one of the first female Christian rap artists, with D-Boy collaborating on her first album ''I'm for Real''. GeGee would go on to release a second album in 1991, titled ''And Now the Mission Continues''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.christianmusicarchive.com/artist.php?id=2135 |title=CMA: M.C. GeGee |access-date=August 30, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211031646/http://www.christianmusicarchive.com/artist.php?id=2135 |archive-date=February 11, 2007 |df=mdy }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ovguide.com/mc-gee-gee-9202a8c04000641f8000000008208efb|title=MC Gee Gee Video – Interviews|access-date=August 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913103645/http://www.ovguide.com/mc-gee-gee-9202a8c04000641f8000000008208efb|archive-date=September 13, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The trend of rap artists blending faith and rap continued in the 1990s, with [[Disciples of Christ (hip-hop group)|D.O.C.]] (Disciples of Christ) who emerged from [[Oklahoma]], as well as the [[Gospel Gangstaz]] from [[Compton, California|Compton]] and [[South Los Angeles|South Central]], Los Angeles. In 1991, JC Crew featured the West Coast [[beat box]] champion Maximillian and T-Bone. In the mid-1990s, rapper [[KJ-52]] originated in [[Tampa, Florida]], and Jewish rapper [[John Reuben]] from [[Columbus, Ohio]]. [[The Cross Movement]] group was based in [[Philadelphia]], with [[The Ambassador (rapper)|The Ambassador]] and [[Phanatik]] as members.

[[File:TobyMac in Concert.jpg|thumb|[[TobyMac]] who is known for his solo Rap and Hip-Hop and his work as a member or [[DC Talk]]]]

More Christian rap artists include Dynamic Twins, Freedom of Soul, IDOL King, Apocalypse, 12th Tribe, and Holy Alliance. [[Scott Blackwell#Artist collaborations|12th Tribe and Holy Alliance]] were produced by [[Scott Blackwell]] of [[Frontline Records|MYX Records]], among others. S.F.C.'s (Sup, QP and DJ Dove) 1992 album ''Phase III'' was [[Disc jockey|DJ'ed]] and produced by DJ Dove, whose credits also include the 1993 debut album ''Gang Affiliated'' by Gospel Gangstaz. Around the same time as ''Phase III'', Dynamic Twins (Robbie and Noel) came out with their 1993 album ''No Room To Breathe''. Freedom of Soul (MC Peace and DJ Cartoon) followed with their second album, ''The Second Coming'' (''Caught in a Land of Time'' was their first), also their last album as a group.

[[Grapetree Records]] was the first Christian rap label founded by Knolly Williams and Jeff Adams 1994. [[Gotee Records]] formed in 1994, co-founded by dc Talk member [[tobyMac|Toby McKeehan]], better known as TobyMac, making it the first record label marketed explicitly for Christian hip-hop and R&B that was backed by a major label.<ref>Justin Sarachik, [https://rapzilla.com/2016-02-tobymac-s-influence-on-hip-hop-and-how-he-signed-john-reuben-over-kj-52/ TobyMac's Influence on Christian Hip-Hop and How Gotee Records Signed John Reuben Over KJ-52], rapzilla.com, USA, February 9, 2016</ref><ref>Randall Herbert Balmer, ''Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism: Revised and expanded edition'', Baylor University Press, USA, 2004, p. 296-297</ref> The label was among the first to market the [[Contemporary Christian music]] market through distribution at Christian bookstores and playing on [[Christian radio]].

In 2004, the founding of the label [[Reach Records]] by the Americans [[Lecrae]] and Ben Washer also had a considerable influence in the development of Christian hip-hop.<ref>David Daniels, [https://hiphopdx.com/editorials/id.2729/title.on-faith-how-lecrae-reach-records-went-from-potato-chips-to-the-grammys# On faith: How Lecrae & Reach Records went from potato chips to the Grammys], hiphopdx.com, USA, February 04, 2015</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Harris |first=Travis |date=Spring 2014 |title=Refocusing and Redefining Hip Hop: An Analysis of Lecrae's Contribution to Hip Hop |journal=The Journal of Hip Hop Studies |volume=1 |issue=1 |page=23 |id={{ProQuest|1513811093}}}}</ref> In 2015, the label have been setting records with sales and award-winning albums.<ref name="Daniels 2015">{{Cite web | last=Daniels | first=David | title=On Faith: How Lecrae & Reach Records Went From Potato Chips To The Grammys | website=HipHopDX | date=February 4, 2015 | url=https://hiphopdx.com/editorials/id.2729/title.on-faith-how-lecrae-reach-records-went-from-potato-chips-to-the-grammys | access-date=May 21, 2022}}</ref>

In 2019, [[Kanye West]], a popular artist and producer, released his ninth studio album, Jesus Is King (shortened as JIK). JIK was described as an "expression of the Gospel" by West himself. However, he has since longer professed faith in Jesus, returning to mainstream hip-hop.

== Influence and style of artists ==
{{See also|List of Christian hip-hop artists}}

Although generally described to be Christian rappers, artists such as [[Lecrae]], [[Andy Mineo]], [[KB (rapper)|KB]], [[Trip Lee]], [[Tedashii]], [[Social Club Misfits]], [[NF (rapper)|NF]], [[John Givez]], [[Derek Minor]] and [[Propaganda (musician)|Propaganda]] describe themselves as hip-hop artists who are expressing themselves, yet are openly Christian.<ref>{{cite web|title=Preach The" Christian Rapper'?|url=https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://www.brain-magazine.fr/article/reportages/21255-Que-pr%25c3%25AAchent-les-__christian-rappers__-&prev=search|website=Brain Magazine|access-date=November 28, 2014}}</ref> Just like in [[Christian rock]] and other [[Christian music]] genres, some artists welcome being called Christian artists while others do not want to be labeled as "Christian music", as to not limit their music to the Christian music market.

The record label Ministers of the Underground was one of the few labels to showcase underground hip-hop with the group, Secta 7. Members included: Apocalypse, Optixs, Blackseed, Lord Metatron, Righteous Knight, Kaoticgal (who later was known as Keturah Ariel), O.N.E., The Final Chapter, A.T.O.M. the Immortal and Stress. Ministers of the Underground had a small-time show on Christian television, but was taken off the networks when Christian television opted for more orthodox style programming. The Ministers of Underground hosted events at a series of venues under the name CRU VENTION, or the convention of Underground Hip-hop for Christ, until around the year 2001.

A few Christian rappers have emerged from Atlanta, including Remnant Militia, D.I.R.T., and 1K Phew. While many notable studios and artists share influence in holy hip-hop, not one style dominates. Christian hip-hop features all conventional [[list of hip-hop genres|hip-hop styles]], such as Midwest ([[Hostyle Gospel]]), West Coast ([[T-Bone (rapper)|T-Bone]]), East Coast ([[BB Jay]]), Dirty South ([[Pettidee]]) and King Wes. Some, such as [[DC Talk]], include a mixture of hip-hop, rock and gospel music in their songs.

Christian hip-hop is also embraced and performed in the United Kingdom, by Gospel rappers including: Jahaziel, Dwayne Tryumf, Guvna B, Triple O, Sammy G, Simply Andy, MpFree<ref>{{cite web|title=Baptist rapper puts faith into inspiring Scots prisoners|url=http://glasgow.stv.tv/articles/314037-rapper-mpfree-on-touring-faith-and-helping-scottish-prisoners-with-hip-hop|website=STV Glasgow|access-date=March 17, 2015}}</ref> and Just C.

In the UK, Christian hip-hop is often merged with a music style known as [[Grime music|grime]], which gives the music a different sound from American hip-hop. Many agree that grime music originated in London's black community and is predominantly described as a [[secular music|secular genre]]. Although British, grime music has a strong [[Jamaica]]n influence as many of the artists are of British-Caribbean heritage.<ref>"John Burdick – The Color of Sound Race, Religion and Music in Brazil 2013"</ref> The GL Live music event 2010, held in the United Kingdom, included a fusion of Christian rappers (both American and British) celebrate their faith together whilst demonstrating their own unique styles. The event was attended by [[Trip Lee]] and [[Tedashii]], who performed several songs during the event including "Jesus Muzik" and "No Worries".

== Reaction and acceptance ==
=== Industry ===
Christian music awards shows such as the [[GMA Dove Awards]] and [[Stellar Awards]] have added rap and hip-hop categories.<ref name="GMA">{{Cite web|url=http://www.doveawards.com/history/browse.cfm?cid=34|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20061020022325/http://www.doveawards.com/history/browse.cfm?cid=34|url-status=dead|title=GMA Dove Awards History: Rap/Hip Hop recorded song of the year|archivedate=October 20, 2006|accessdate=June 24, 2021}}</ref><ref name="Stellar">{{cite web|url=http://www.gospelflava.com/stellar/stellarresults-2007.html |title=22nd Annual Stellar Award WINNERS (2007) |publisher=Gospelflava.com |date=January 13, 2007 |access-date=October 6, 2011}}</ref> Historically with the notable exceptions of [[tobyMac]] and his label [[Gotee Records]], and [[Lecrae]], no Christian rapper or hip-hop group has garnered the attention of the mainstream Christian music industry. However new artists like [[Forrest Frank]] are introducing Christian rap into major CCM and secular industries.

=== Markets ===
There is no identifiable Christian hip-hop market, as the majority of Christian hip-hop has been underground, or marketed towards the mainstream Christian music scene.

In Australia, a multi-denominational group of Christian hip-hop artists, led by Mistery from [[Brethren (Australian group)|Brethren]], have started a hip-hop church, Krosswerdz.<ref>[http://www.hope1032.com.au/Mp3.asp?ChannelID=6&year=2008&page_no=4] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309165638/http://www.hope1032.com.au/Mp3.asp?ChannelID=6&year=2008&page_no=4|date=March 9, 2012}}</ref> The church has been modeled on Crossover Church in Tampa, Florida.

A small Christian hip-hop scene has also emerged in the UK.

=== Festivals ===
{{unreferenced section|date=May 2015}}

[[File:TDot2012.jpg|thumb|upright|Christian rapper [[Tedashii]] performing live in 2012 at an [[Ichthus Music Festival]]]]

Rap Fest is an all-day, outdoor, evangelistic outreach concert which takes place every summer. 2011 marked the 18th year for this event held annually in [[South Bronx]] area of [[New York City]].

Flavor Fest Urban Leadership Conference is held yearly at Crossover Church in [[Tampa, Florida]], founded by Pastor Tommy Kyllonen, lead pastor of Crossover Church of Tampa.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FlavorFest |url=https://flavorfest.org/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=FlavorFest |language=en-US}}</ref>

Fire Fest International Ministries was founded by Charles Onley (a.k.a. King C) in conjunction with Terence A. Townsend, "Apostle T", founder of Save Our City Crusades and Conferences (SoCity) to reach the international community of holy hip-hop with a message of encouragement, enrichment, education and unity.  Fire Fest conducts artist retreats, artists/industry conferences and new artists showcases, and is a traveling music festival organized to encourage and enrich holy hip-hop artists in their ministries, while giving them insight on navigating the music industry.

"[[God's House of Hip Hop 20/20 Summer Fest]]" featuring 75 Christian hip-hop, Latin Christian hip-hop & Gospel hip-hop music.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://rightondigital.com/2020/01/25/upcoming-summerfest-gods-house-of-hip-hop-line-up-announced/|title=Upcoming Summerfest: God's House Of Hip Hop Line-Up Announced|date=January 25, 2020|publisher=RightOn! Magazine|access-date=August 4, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dailynews.com/2020/01/27/gods-house-of-hip-hop-20-20-summer-fest-announces-lineup/|title=God's House of Hip Hop 20/20 Summer Fest announces lineup|work=Daily News|date=January 27, 2020|access-date=August 4, 2020}}</ref> in [[Los Angeles, California]] Founded by [[Emcee N.I.C.E.]] and Chantal Grayson of [[God's House of Hip Hop Radio]]. Although postponed to July 2021 due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, 20/20 Summer Fest gained national attention securing one of Los Angeles's most premium venue's [[Banc of California Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/festivals/8527794/gh3-radio-inaugural-2020-summer-fest|title=GH3 Radio Slates Inaugural 20/20 Summer Fest|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 4, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/2020-music-fest-coming-create-space-minded-believers|title=20/20 Music Fest Is Coming To Create A Space For "Like-Minded Believers"|date=August 20, 2019|publisher=Grammys|access-date=August 4, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.pollstar.com/article/2020-summer-fest-lands-at-los-angeles-banc-of-california-stadium-exclusive-140766|title=20/20 Summer Fest Lands at Los Angeles' Banc of California Stadium: Exclusive|date=August 20, 2019 |publisher=Pollstar|access-date=August 4, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.2020summerfest.com|title=God's House of Hip Hop 20/20 Summer Fest Official Site|publisher=20/20 Summer Fest|access-date=August 4, 2020}}</ref>

=== Crossover ===
Holy hip-hop has enjoyed some [[Crossover (music)|crossover]] acceptance as well. One of the early accepted artists were [[Disciples of Christ (hip-hop group)|Disciples of Christ]] (D.O.C.).

One of the most notable mainstream reactions to Gospel rap was to [[KJ-52]] (pronounced "five-two") and his single "Dear Slim", which was written to [[Eminem]] in an attempt to reach him with the message of Christ. The song became famous and controversial among Eminem fans when it was featured on the hit show ''[[Total Request Live]]''. {{Not a typo|KJ-52}} began to receive [[hate mail]] (including death threats) from Eminem's fans, though {{Not a typo|KJ-52}} claimed that the song was not a "[[Diss track|diss]]".<ref name="KJInterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2003/kj52-0903.html |title=ChristianMusicToday.com: {{Not a typo|KJ-52}} Interview – Getting It Right |publisher=Christianitytoday.com |access-date=October 6, 2011}}</ref> This also led to the single being disparaged by [[VH1]] as No. 26 on their "Top 40 Worst Moments in Hip Hop",<ref name="VH1 Top 40 Worst Moments in Hip Hop">{{cite web|url=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4361045648095264170&q=thoughtquotient |title=KJ-52 – 2006 GMA Music Awards |access-date=October 6, 2011}}</ref> an issue the artist addressed in "Washed Up". In contrast, the [[GRITS]] song "[[Ooh Ahh (GRITS song)|Ooh Ahh]]" received positive exposure on various TV Shows and movies, such as ''[[The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift]]'' and ''[[Big Momma's House 2]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.paducahsun.com/features/current/427685-gritty-artists|archive-url=https://archive.today/20100731151212/http://www.paducahsun.com/features/current/427685-gritty-artists|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 31, 2010|title=Grits, Hearts of Saints bring local connections to town|last=Shull|first=Adam|date=July 29, 2010|publisher=Paducah Sun|access-date=August 18, 2010}}</ref> It was also featured as the theme song for the second season of MTV's hit show ''[[The Buried Life]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fusemix.com/en/the-leak/1578-grits-ooh-ahh-my-life-be-like-finds-unparalleled-success-as-a-digital-single-chosen-as-theme-song-for-mtvs-the-buried-life-fusemixcom-music: |title=GRITS "Ooh Ahh (My Life Be Like)" Finds Unparalleled Success as a Digital Single, Chosen as Theme Song for MTV's The Buried Life |publisher=Fusemix.com |access-date=October 6, 2011}}</ref>

Christian symbols and themes have also been invoked by rap artists who do not consider themselves "Christian rappers", and do not claim to represent any particular set of religious beliefs. Examples include [[MC Hammer]]'s No. 2 single "[[Pray (MC Hammer song)|Pray]]"; [[Richie Rich (rapper)|Richie Rich]] and his first single "Don't Do It"; and many of [[Tupac Shakur|Tupac]]'s lyrics with his first [[List of works published posthumously|posthumous]] record ''[[The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory]]'', including the blasphemous image of Tupac nailed to a cross pinned him as a hip-hop martyr. Recent hip-hop artists include [[Jay-Z]] with ''[[Kingdom Come (Jay-Z album)|Kingdom Come]]'', [[DMX (rapper)|DMX]] with "[[DMX (rapper)#Walk With Me Now and You'll Fly With Me Later (2009)|Walk With Me Now and You'll Fly With Me Later]]", [[Nas]] with ''[[God's Son (album)|God's Son]]'' and [[Kanye West]] with "[[Jesus Walks (Kanye West song)|Jesus Walks]]" as well as ''[[Jesus Is King]]''. However, although these artists may profess to be Christians, they are not generally considered to be part of the Christian hip-hop movement.<ref name="AllHipHop">{{cite web|first=Deepa |last=Shah |url=http://allhiphop.com/stories/features/archive/2008/04/29/19752948.aspx |title=Holy Hip-Hop: Hostile Gospel |publisher=AllHipHop.com |date=April 29, 2008 |access-date=October 6, 2011}}</ref> Some Christians believe that hip-hop culture in any form conflicts with biblical teachings, while others consider hip-hop to be a way of reaching the youth and mainstream culture.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://religiousaffections.org/articles/articles-on-music/can-rap-be-christian-evaluating-hip-hop/|title = Can Rap be Christian? Evaluating Hip Hop|website =religiousaffections.org |date = October 9, 2009}}</ref>

=== Mainstream and radio ===
In 2003, DJ and producer Vic Padilla shared his love for Christian hip-hop with a [[KRUX]] (FM) [[program director]], and was subsequently asked to host a show he dubbed Holy Culture Radio. Fans would have to stay up late to listen, as the show was only broadcast live. Padilla then partnered up with JZ Designs to bring HolyCultureRadio.com to life, bringing fans 24/7 access to Christian hip-hop.

In 2008, Holy Culture Radio partnered with [https://thecorelinksolution.com/ The Corelink Solution] and James Rosseau (Trig). A year later they launched [https://holyculture.net/ HolyCulture.net], a place where listeners could get the latest news, videos and interviews from their favorite Christian artists.

Prominent Christian rapper [[Lecrae]] released [[Anomaly (Lecrae album)|''Anomaly'']] on September 9, 2014, via [[Reach Records]]. The album achieved mainstream success as it debuted at No. 1 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart, with first-week sales of over 88,000 copies in the United States.<ref name="Caulfield Caulfield 2014">{{cite magazine | last=Caulfield | first=Keith | title=Lecrae Earns First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 | magazine=Billboard | date=September 17, 2014 | url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/lecrae-earns-first-no-1-album-on-billboard-200/ | access-date=May 21, 2022}}</ref> On October 6, 2017, Christian hip-hop artist [[NF (rapper)|NF]] released his third studio album ''Perception'', via [[Capitol Christian Music Group|Capitol CMG]] alongside NF's label NF Real Music LLC. ''Perception'' debuted at No. 1 on the US ''Billboard'' 200 with 55,000 [[album-equivalent unit]]s, including 38,000 pure album sales.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/nf-first-no-1-album-billboard-200-chart-perception/|title=NF Scores First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With 'Perception'|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 8, 2017}}</ref>

In 2018, the Holy Culture [[mobile app]] was launched, the first to solely stream Christian hip-hop and R&P (rhythm and praise) around the clock.

In 2019, Christian hip-hop had a historic breakthrough in radio, when Los Angeles radio station [[God's House of Hip Hop Radio]] (powered by [[Litt Live|Dash Radio]] and curated by CHH artist [[Emcee N.I.C.E.]]) became the first Christian hip-hop station in history to win a [[Stellar Awards|Stellar Award]] (one of gospel music's most coveted trophies) at the [[34th Annual Stellar Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lasentinel.net/emcee-n-i-c-e-and-chani-g-takes-christian-hip-hop-global.html|title=Emcee N.I.C.E. and Chanie G Takes Christian Hip Hop Global|date=April 10, 2019|publisher=lasentinel.net|access-date=August 4, 2020}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.thestellarawards.com/2019winners.html|title=2019 Stellar Award Winners|publisher=thestellarawards.com|access-date=August 4, 2020}}</ref> The win signaled a shift in gospel music and radio overall, with more artists outside of Lecrae (such as [[Andy Mineo]], [[Gawvi]], [[wande (rapper)|Wande]], Shepherd, 1K Phew, Swoope, [[Bizzle]], [[Derek Minor]] and others) receiving commercial notoriety in film, television and gaming.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rapzilla.com/2019-07-1k-phew-nba-2k20-soundtrack/|title=1K Phew & Tobe Nwigwe Made NBA 2K20 Soundtrack Alongside Drake, Post Malone, Lil Wayne & More|date=July 23, 2019|publisher=rapzilla.com|access-date=August 4, 2020}}</ref>

The Stellar Awards did something unprecedented at its radio awards main show when it opened up with hip-hop<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.philasun.com/oasis/the-34th-annual-stellar-awards-announces-2019-performance-lineup-featuring-an-all-star-tribute-to-aretha-franklin/|title=The 34th Annual Stellar Awards announces 2019 performance lineup featuring an all-star tribute to Aretha Franklin|date=March 29, 2019|publisher=www.philasun.com|access-date=August 4, 2020}}</ref> and featured performances with DJ Dwight Stone who won "Gospel Announcer of the Year",<ref name="auto"/> Miz Tiffany (first CHH female nominated for a Stellar Award), Emcee N.I.C.E. & Jor'Dan Armstrong.

In April 2022, with the increased demand for Christian hip-hop and rhythm & praise, [[SiriusXM]] announced the launch of Holy Culture Radio (www.holyculture.net/radio), where audiences could listen throughout the day to faith-inspired music and enjoy any of the fourteen shows within the channel. Holy Culture became a go-to destination for Christian hip-hop.

Starting in May 2024, Christian rap artists Lecrae, MTMIsaiah, nobigdyl, the GLO Collective with Miles Minnick, Mike Teezy, Jon Keith, Anike, Alex Jean, Caleb Gordon, EmmanuelDaProphet, Childlike CiCi, Aaron Cole, Kijan Boone, DKG KIE, Josh P, MTM Lou, Noel Camacho, Thomas Austin, Lee Vasi, and Key'ijah were featured on On The Radar Radio.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boice |first=Ed |date=2024-11-25 |title=Christian Rap Artists Who Appear On The Radar to Freestyle |url=https://rapzilla.com/2024-11-christian-rap-artists-who-appear-on-the-radar-to-freestyle/ |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=Rapzilla |language=en-US}}</ref> Additionally, for the first time there was a Christian Rap set in Rolling Loud Miami 2024 with Hulvey, GAWVI, Alex Jean, Caleb Gordon, Jon Keith, and nobigdyl.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boice |first=Ed |date=2024-12-18 |title=Hulvey, nobigdyl. Jon Keith, and More Perform Set at Rolling Loud |url=https://rapzilla.com/2024-12-hulvey-nobigdyl-jon-keith-more-perform-rolling-loud/ |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=Rapzilla |language=en-US}}</ref> Miles Minnick had a solo set in Rolling Loud California 2025, being the first Christian rapper to do so.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Banks |first=Kevan |date=2025-03-16 |title=Miles Minnick Makes History at Rolling Loud with Christian Rap Set |url=https://rapzilla.com/2025-03-miles-minnick-makes-history-rolling-loud/ |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=Rapzilla |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Acceptance and themes ===
Various mainstream hip-hop artists who profess through some of their music to be Christians (including [[Kanye West]], [[Nas]], [[DMX (rapper)|DMX]] and others), have incorporated Christian symbols and messages into their music and videos through images, lyrical content and overarching themes. The 2002 Nas hit song and music video "[[One Mic]]", featured obvious references to his Christianity in the song, including the chorus "Yo all I need is... One God to show me how to do things his Son did..."<ref>{{cite web|title = Nas – One Mic|url = https://genius.com/Nas-one-mic-lyrics|website = Genius|access-date = May 5, 2015}}</ref> Kanye West's 2004 hit song and music video "[[Jesus Walks]]", has received a notable amount of attention for its Christian content.<ref>{{cite web|title = Under the Blasphemous W(RAP): Locating the "Spirit" in Hip-Hop|url = http://ethnomusicologyreview.ucla.edu/journal/volume/12/piece/507|access-date = May 5, 2015}}</ref> DMX incorporated prayers in many of his albums, and his 2006 song and music video "[[Lord Give Me a Sign]]", was highlighted by not only strong Christian lyrical content but actual scriptural quotes ("no weapon formed against me shall prosper and every tongue that rises up against me in judgment, Thou shall condemn") from the Holy Bible. [[Lecrae]]'s album [[Anomaly (Lecrae album)|''Anomaly'']] (2014) reached No. 1 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and received numerous other accolades. He expressed an explicitly Christian message in the majority of his music. However, while generally categorized as a gospel or Christian rapper, he distances himself from the genre of gospel rap saying, "Christian is my faith not my genre".

The use of religious themes in music that is otherwise regarded as illicit has sparked controversy over the validity of the religious messages expressed through the music. Some Christian listeners hold that "rap music, because of what it inherently communicates, is incompatible with the Christian Gospel", and attack the use of Christian themes and symbols in mainstream music as being disingenuous.<ref>{{cite web|title = Can Rap be Christian? Evaluating Hip Hop|date = October 9, 2009|url = http://religiousaffections.org/articles/articles-on-music/can-rap-be-christian-evaluating-hip-hop/|access-date = May 5, 2015}}</ref> On the other hand, "since the mid-1990s [[Michael Eric Dyson]] and others have pointed to some cultural sensibilities shared by Christian churches and hip-hop music; namely [[male privilege]], middle-class biases, sexism, and homophobia."<ref>{{cite web|title = Kanye West's Critique of Prosperity Preaching|date = July 16, 2010|url = http://religiondispatches.org/kanye-wests-critique-of-prosperity-preaching/|access-date = May 5, 2015}}</ref> Some analysts believe that the suffering expressed through rap music manifests itself in a certain spirituality that can be compatible with mainstream religious messages, although it approaches religious ideas in a much less direct way than most forms of religious expression. "Just as the MC slides into notes and dances around beats, "spirit" is not attacked straight on; it is courageously approached from below, from the margins, from youth, from uncertainty, through the structures of capitalism and mainstream media."<ref>{{Cite book|title = The Spirituality of African Peoples|last = Paris|first = Peter J.|publisher = Fortress Press|year = 1994|isbn = 0-8006-2854-3}}</ref> Some think that the use of mainstream religious symbols in predominantly African-American music has increased the extent to which that music has disseminated through predominantly white American culture.<ref>{{cite web|title = The Emergence of Religion in Mainstream Hip-Hop|url = https://www.arts.cornell.edu/knight_institute/publicationsprizes/discoveries/discoveriesspring2006/02marchant.pdf|website = www.arts.cornell.edu|access-date = May 5, 2015}}</ref>

The 2007 Holy Hip Hop Music Awards received a written endorsement letter from the mayor of Atlanta, acknowledging the event's support by the City of Atlanta, and recognizing its 7th year.<ref name="Rapzilla2007Award">[http://www.rapzilla.com/rz/content/view/302/1 Rapzilla.com – Holy Hip Hop awards Recap 2007] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070128053806/http://www.rapzilla.com/rz/content/view/302/1 |date=January 28, 2007 }}</ref> However, EX Ministries and other churches contested the incorporation of secular hip-hop culture into the Christian rap genre, holding that "Holy hip-hop" is still associated with the mainstream hip-hop culture that they view as incompatible with [[Christianity]]'s teachings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.exministries.com/messagetocr.html |title=A message to Christian Rappers |publisher=Exministries.com |access-date=October 6, 2011}}</ref><ref name="ExMinistriesArguments">{{cite web|url=http://www.exministries.com/arguments.html |title=ExMinistries Arguments |publisher=Exministries.com |access-date=October 6, 2011}}</ref><ref name="HolyHipHop_NOT">{{cite web |url=http://www.gospelexpressions.org/ |title=Holy Hip Hop. NOT! |publisher=Gospelexpressions.org |access-date=April 21, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603005409/http://gospelexpressions.org/ |archive-date=June 3, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Whereas many Christians hold that holy hip-hop can be used to evangelize,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.testimonymag.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=141:holy-hip-hop&catid=8:arts-and-culture&Itemid=21 |title=Testimonymag.ca – Holy Hip Hop |access-date=March 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319070043/http://www.testimonymag.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=141:holy-hip-hop&catid=8:arts-and-culture&Itemid=21 |archive-date=March 19, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> others disagree, arguing that the use of this style distorts the gospel message.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://religiousaffections.org/articles/articles-on-culture/is-rap-really-a-canvas/|title=Is Rap Really a Canvas?|work=Conservative Christianity, Worship, Culture, Aesthetics – Religious Affections Ministries|date=June 8, 2012|access-date=October 5, 2014}}</ref>

From December 2013 into 2014, Scott Aniol and Christian hip-hop artist Shai Linne had a lengthy exchange about Christian rap (being the core element of hip-hop), with Dr. Aniol arguing that the style is sinful and inadequate for Christian messages and Shai Linne responding that the musical messaging of hip-hop is relative, being interpreted differently by people from different backgrounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://religiousaffections.org/articles/articles-on-culture/discussion-about-christian-rap-with-shai-linne-introduction/|title=religiousaffections.org – Discussion about Christian rap with Shai Linne: Introduction|work=Conservative Christianity, Worship, Culture, Aesthetics – Religious Affections Ministries|date=December 3, 2013|access-date=October 5, 2014}}</ref>

== Forms and subgenres ==
=== Catholic hip-hop ===
{{See also|List of Roman Catholic Church musicians#Hip-hop artists|l1=Catholic hip-hop artists}}

In the early 2000s, rap artists of the [[Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] faith began emerging. Today, a number of active Catholic rappers and DJs are involved in what is known as the "Catholic hip-hop scene".<ref>[http://www.phatmass.com/ Phatmass.com] – "Converting Catholics to Catholicism"</ref> Fr. [[Stan Fortuna]] is the most notable in the scene found nation continue doing the Catholic hip-hop.

=== Lutheran hip-hop ===
Lutheran hip-hop artists include Andy Pokel, who released the ''Here I Stand'' album in 2017, based on the events of [[Reformation Day]].<ref name="Favre2017">{{cite web |last1=Favre |first1=Jeff |title=The hip-hop reformer |url=https://www.livinglutheran.org/2017/07/hip-hop-reformer/ |publisher=[[Living Lutheran]] |access-date=20 February 2021 |language=English |date=21 July 2017}}</ref> [[Flame (rapper)|Flame]]'s album ''Christ for You'' focuses on Lutheran doctrines such as the [[sacramental union]], the Lutheran teaching on the [[real presence of Christ in the Eucharist]].<ref name="Becklo2021">{{cite web |last1=Becklo |first1=Matthew |title="Christ for You": Flame Unpacks His New EP on the Lutheran Belief in the Real Presence |url=https://www.wordonfire.org/resources/blog/christ-for-you-flame-unpacks-his-new-ep-on-the-real-presence/29828/ |publisher=[[Word on Fire]] |access-date=18 February 2021 |language=English |date=4 February 2021}}</ref> Flame wanted his fans "to experience the joy and freedom that I've found in the sacraments".<ref name="Becklo2021"/> His track "Scattered Tulips" is a critique of [[Reformed Christianity]]'s five points ([[Calvinism#Five Points of Calvinism|TULIP]]).<ref name="Veith2020">{{cite web |last1=Veith |first1=Gene |title=The Rapper Flame Becomes a Lutheran |url=https://www.patheos.com/blogs/geneveith/2020/02/the-rapper-flame-becomes-a-lutheran/ |publisher=Cranach |access-date=18 February 2021 |language=English |date=3 February 2020}}</ref> The release of ''Christ for You'' led the [[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod]] to declare that "Lutheran hip-hop is a thing now!"<ref>{{cite web |author1=[[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod]] |title=Lutheran hip hop is a thing now! |url=https://twitter.com/thelcms/status/1358059626772783104 |publisher=[[Twitter]] |language=English |date=6 February 2020}}</ref> The [[Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland]] commissioned two rap videos, "Kaunis Jeesus" and "Hoosianna".<ref name="Järvenpää2022">{{cite journal |last1=Järvenpää |first1=Tuomas |title='Real Gs and pastors in the church': hip-hop esthetics in the rap music video productions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland |date=28 April 2022 |publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]] |language=English|journal=Religion|volume=52 |issue=3 |pages=450–469 |doi=10.1080/0048721X.2022.2068460 |s2cid=248459985 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

=== Latin Christian hip-hop ===
Latin Christian hip-hop is a subgenre of Latin music and Christian hip-hop, taking influence from Latin rap as well as in Puerto Rican music. Some notable names include [[Vico C]], [[Redimi2]], [[Funky (artist)|Funky]], [[Alex Zurdo]], and [[Manny Montes]].

=== Gospel rap in Brazil ===
In Brazil, gospel rap comes out of Pentecostal and Charismatic Evangelical Protestant movements, and emphasizes the message of the Gospel and salvation through faith over black politics and identity. Gospel rappers view their music as divinely ordained, and believe their lyrics are a manifestation of the Holy Spirit speaking through them. The Brazilian gospel rap movement sees itself as divinely favored over the fallen state of rap in the US and other parts of the world, and sees its origins in the Bronx which they see as similar to their own tough neighborhoods. This reflects the gospel rap movement's emphasis on neighborhood and seeking God and opportunities for their neighborhoods.<ref>{{Cite book|title = The Color of Sound Race, Religion, and Music in Brazil|last = Burdick|first = John|publisher = New York University Press|year = 2013|isbn = 978-0-8147-0923-8|location = USA|page = 160}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of Christian hip-hop artists|List of Christian performers of hip-hop and rap]]
* [[Rapzilla]]
* [[God's House of Hip Hop Radio]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== External links ==
<!-- NOTE:
** Discuss on article discussion page before adding or removing.
** NO Links to Artist, Record Label, Stores, Magazines/e-zines, radio sites – only general Christian hip-hop sites with professional reviews or links to other sites.-->
* [http://www.rapzilla.com/ Rapzilla], a Christian Hip-Hop Magazine

{{Christian music articles}}
{{Hip-hop}}
{{Contemporary Christian Music}}
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[[Category:Christian hip-hop| ]]
[[Category:Contemporary Christian music|Hip hop]]
[[Category:Hip-hop genres]]
[[Category:African-American culture]]