“Keep it real” is a major phrase of the urban hip-hop generation. The problem today is that what is seen in commercial and corporate rap music is anything but real.
True hip hop is about keeping it real, community, peace, love, and having fun. These principles are expressed through the lives of the emcee, the deejay, the bboy (or break-dancer), and the graffiti artist. Those who live out the principles and elements would be considered true “hip hoppers” being honest about the good and bad in their lives.
Instead, today’s gangsta rap genre gives us portrayals of hustling, gang banging, and pimping. This lifestyle is promoted as one that brings money, fine women, and other perks to urban young men, so that this becomes the main way to deal with the challenges of growing up in the hood versus, let’s say, going to college.
It’s not that gang banging, pimping, hustling, and drug selling are not real challenges facing and tempting urban young men today. The problem is that these illusory diversions will never bring real, lasting fulfillment in life.
Rap or Wrestling?
Watching today’s mainstream rap videos can be about as real life as WWE “pro” wrestling. Some of the moves and the blood are real; but, overall, the presentation is scripted in order to create entertainment and make money. Just like so-called pro wrestling, there are video games and other merchandise designed to enhance the fantasy by giving the young urban consumer a virtual reality of a successful life.
It is time for real and relevant teaching and preaching geared towards urban youth. We must present the reality of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom He proclaims.
Jesus or Muhammad?
I’m concerned today that many urban youth would rather accept the teachings of the Nation of Islam or the Five Percent Nation — both unorthodox, Islamic-based sects — because the Jesus of today is presented as white and more relevant to middle-to upperclass suburbanites. The teachings of the Nation of Islam or the Five Percent Nation are presented by certain socially conscious rappers — even some gangsta rappers — as the religion of urban, African-American youth.
One problem is that many Christians in the United States aren’t doing much to counter the watered-down image of the white, suburban Jesus who desires for
you to fulfill the American dream. Kids can see this message on some Christian television broadcasts and hear it from numerous pulpits.
As a result, many urban youth are still in search of something real. I desire to preach and teach passionately on the reality of Jesus, the Kingdom He portrays,
and the cost of following Him. I’ve been so privileged to have urban youth come up to me after my talks and say, “Thanks for keeping it so real!” I don’t
think this happens because I’m the greatest preacher out there.
I refuse to preach comfortable sermons on how you’ll grow rich with Jesus. That message creates a big disconnect between Jesus and the urban, hip-hop, and multiethnic emerging generation. The urban church must keep preaching and teaching the suffering Savior who was acquainted with our griefs.
The multiethnic Jesus of Matthew Chapter 1 must be taught. The Jesus who was the Word in the beginning with God and is God of John Chapter 1 must be
taught. The liberating Jesus of Matthew Chapter 25 must be taught.
This presents not only the real Jesus, but also One who is relevant to urban, multiethnic youth. By keeping it real in our preaching and teaching of Christ, we
can reach a generation looking for something way beyond the ghetto.
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Efrem Smith is pastor of The Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis, Minn., an itinerant speaker with Kingdom Building Ministries, a member of the YS
Core training team, the author of ‘The Hip-Hop Church‘ and other books, and a contributing editor for YouthWorker Journal.
