My page about the controversial series of DVDs called The Truth Behind Hip Hop produced by G Craige Lewis of EX Ministries has provoked such a large amount of feedback that I have had to set up extra pages for readers' comments. Read The Original Article

What do you think of The Truth Behind Hip Hop? Read other people's comments below and then let me know.

I had the honor and the privilege of seeing and hearing G Craige Lewis at my church last night. My pastor is the only true honest person I know, a true example of a righteous man of God, and he would never bring anything to his flock that was untrue or that would hurt them. He's had G Craige Lewis to our church twice but this is the only time I’ve seen him. I have to ask those of you who have doubted that hip-hop is an instrument of the devil, what do you think is behind this hip-hop movement that has got young adults worshipping performing artists like idols? Why do they lift their hands to ordinary men and then fall asleep in church. You may not believe all of what G Craige Lewis says but you've got to question why so many young people are in love with pop culture and not with God. I mean is that supposed to be okay? And what would be so bad about giving up hip-hop anyway? You’re not gonna die if you can't listen to that latest Kanye West album; besides hip-hop at its basic level is degrading to women, violent, and profane, and that is not God. If those things are not a seed of evil, I don't know what is. — Donielle

Before I even heard of The Truth About Hip Hop, God dealt with me about the many issues that he spoke of in his DVDs. When I decided to be obedient to God's will for my life I no longer needed those things that pleased me when I was of the world. I threw away CDs of Gospel artists and Hip-hop artists. I felt at that moment in my life I had to decide whom I would serve, God or Satan. Either you’re going to live totally for Christ or not. You can't be a part-time Christian. Many people want to live for Christ but choose not to give up some things. I feel that if you want to live for Christ you’ve got to make a sacrifice. I respect Craig Lewis for his boldness to expose the enemy’s plan. So many pastors feel like they have to be like the world to draw the world into the church. It doesn't take all that. Many young people just want the truth and that is what Craig Lewis gave us. There is going to be controversy and yes many artists are going to be upset. Hey! If that's what it takes to awaken those spirits I know that God has Craig’s back. Look what they did to Christ. Anyone that lives for Christ is going to face spiritual warfare and persecution. — Denise

I think that this is a case of asking God for a spirit of discernment. When I got deeper into the Word I started to question the music I listen to. I also question the leaders I listen to. I trust none implicitly. I think that the truth is hiphop like all other music forms can either uplift, or degrade. God gave us the Word and common sense to figure out what messages we are listening to. All music belongs to God first. If someone is preaching the word of Christ through hiphop who are we to judge another man's servant? At the same time, I don't think we can readily rely on the world to provide Godly instruction. Music originally created to glorify God is used to glorify self and sin. Does that mean we stop music? I don't think that is the case. Let each man judge according to what God guides him to do. — Mimi

In these last days we will all need to choose whom we will serve, whether God or the devil himself. Many will want to look, act and be the devil (they will regard the devil as their idol or source of inspiration). Seek God for yourselves and be wise to discern what is true teaching of Jesus Christ, and so far the man of God Craig has my careful attention. So God bless him! — Joshua

The message seems clear to me: if we are new creations in Christ, why do we insist on looking like the creature we used to be. Other religions seem to have no problems in changing names and appearances when they change, yet African-Americans want to claim salvation while looking like damnation. There is no one person I totally agree with all of the time, but the timbre of their message as it resonates with the Word is the important matter. More power to G. Craig. I tell every student who dresses like the demonic hip hop stars, acts like them, fornicates like them that HIP HOP IS BAD. As for Christian hip hoppers, I keep it simple: looks like a duck, has feathers like a duck, pierced body like a 5%'er, tattoos like a heathen, speaks slang like a pagan, appears to be closer to the heat than they are to the clouds. — Gino

When I first heard about this DVD called The Truth Behind Hip-Hop I was really not into it because I was all in to hip-hop. I felt like it was a part of me but after I saw the sermon it was like I couldn't get right. It was disturbing to me, I couldn't sleep right because I knew that God was trying to get something out to me and I didn't want to accept it but then I began to realize why I wasn't trying to hear what God was tryin to say because I was in the world and I knew that every thing that God was giving to Pastor Craig was true. And what Pastor Craig said about Missy Elliot blew my mind but I thank God for Pastor Craig and the word that God gave to him because all though it wasn't easy to accept hip-hop for what it was and give it up, to me it had to be done and it was done. I was delivered by God and it ain't easy. — Carllie

The one simple question I would want to ask all is, what would Jesus listen to? Why not do same? — Emmanuel

I watched the video last night and it had a tremendous impact on my life and perception of music in general. But for me, the issue is not whether Craige is wrong or right. What struck me was his teaching on "atmosphere, climate and stronghold" in the light of music, coupled with the fact that "God needs my body". If these are true and music can permeate your mind and influence your conscience and consciousness without your permission (which is true), then please let's screen and examine what we hear and listen to. — Opare

I think you were right about the truth about hip hop. — Brandy

Compromising truths leaving air holes for the devil to creep in... then what are you gonna do when he gets the best of you... can you honestly say that God and only God caused you to stand? Take away hip hop, strip down to the bare minimum... what is there? Come on from behind the trees Adam and stand in front of it with your pain and your shame as Jesus did and let Him tell you who you are... let His spirit give you the identity he created you to be and not the spirit of hip hop... it gives you false identity and you look like a poser... got all the elements, but no substance cause you won't look within... beloved, it hurts I know... but if you go through it, in the end you'll stand on a confidence you never thought possible... what you'll feel is unstoppable... you'll be a first rate version of yourself, rather than a second rate version of someone else. — Jeff

I personally think that G. Craige Lewis' message is what is needed for the youth of today. Everyone is going around trying to be thugs and gangstas, but at the same time claiming to be Christians! The youth of today are making the rest of us look bad, the ones who really believe in God and his word. Some people may disagree with G. Craige Lewis' message, but I personally stand behind him 100%, things that are in the world aren't meant to brought into the house of God! I think that even if you don't agree with G. Craige Lewis' message, it will at least open your eyes to things that you never noticed, or did, but didn't want to accept it. — Mikaela

I 100% agree with Brother Craige, there is no holy hip hop. I have done modelling for hip hop and have listened to it. Before we even go to the word of God just check out their beliefs, get an understanding of that, then will can start opening the word of God. I think that’s where a lot of us are missing... may God reveal these things to you. — Dorothie

I think hip hop is a bad thing coz it can possess you. — Richard

This DVD has made sense to me. I never knew none of this until I saw it. I am a Seventh Day Adventist but some of my friends aren’t so I took them to see it and some of them don’t listen to rap music any more. I am from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. — Josae

Uhmmmm Where shall I begin? I have read what people have had to say on various sites about G Craig Lewis. All I have to say is... Don't shoot the messenger... In my experience, the studying of the word and my relationship with Christ I always have to go back to simple questions that I always want to have a sound spiritual answer to. Such as, the message that Lewis brings should makes me question... What would I allow to separate me from Christ? Does it matter whether Lewis is right or wrong or should we assess how often we are choosing to “go to bat” for the music and/or preaching of people whom are choosing to live their life in a questionable way, spiritually? The focus should be are you seeking Christ when you listen to what you listen to and is it motivating you to "develop a relationship with him" or not. We as humans make things so hard when we desire what we desire. Now, to be a secular artist singing R & B OR HIPHOP is fine, but if you are going to talk about Christ, sing about Christ, and lay hands in the name of Christ should you at least be expected to uphold the principles of Christ? Christ followers do not expect the same from those people but Musical artists and preachers and the like display behaviors that make me question their motives. Why are you doing what you do? IF you are singing to Christ then it should be about worshipping Christ, performing for Christ, living for Christ, leading others to Christ. If Christ is whom you serve and if Christ is whom you are truly seeking to please. The problem is that the motives for most artists and preachers are money, fame, and acceptance (accolades). Well Christ said do not do things to achieve man's acceptance do it to please him. So I ask you again, Is all this worth the possibility that you could be wrong and not taking heed to Lewis's message could lead to being separated from Christ or being distanced from him? Does it really matter that these artists and preachers that youth are patterning themselves after have blemishes, questionable character flaws, suspicious motives and not to mention your hard earn money? For me, I ask myself if God asked me these questions would, I have an answer. or would I appear more concerned with someone else's lifestyle(that they chose to have for themselves)than what my master(Christ)told me was expected of me and whether he would be pleased with my actions and stance? A person will live their life according to the values and morals they uphold for themselves. If you live like a thief, you will be considered a thief. Does it matter that you were never caught? No! If you live by the sword, you shall die by the sword. Does this just apply to criminals? We elect people to office all the time looking into their past to see whom they "ran with "what circles they were affiliated with and we base our votes on this. Why are we so accepting of people whom are in the spotlight claiming to sing for Christ? You give them your money, your time concerts) and your loyalty. What should you get in return? To get my support, an artist/preacher must live an exemplary life. They must be careful whom they are around and what influences them and the activities they get involved doing. These are the standards that I uphold for myself to ensure that, I am obedient to the master I serve (obedience is better than sacrifice). A lot, is just common sense. If you have a gift, are you pardoned from having to walk a less stringent spiritual walk? No! You’re in the spotlight you have more people following you faster, and at a larger mass because your exposure is greater. Now, Christ being the example, never charged to be heard, never sought grand exposure, always left the audience with more than they came with, and always kept the focus on God the father. Are we better than Christ is? Is the need of artists/preachers greater our need to follow Christ, his way? Alternatively, are they seeking for their own gain? Do artists/preachers want all the focus on them? My mom always said that people will talk about you until you die, you just make sure that (if the gossip was the wrong thing you should have been doing) that it is not true. In addition, as for me and my house we ONLY SERVE the lord. As for my house and me, we will let nothing separate us from the presence of Christ! We may listen to, or even look at, artists/preachers, but if we are enlightened on anything that shows us that those artists/preachers are not doing “thus sayeth the lord” then they are turned off. Because the ONLY thing needed to walk this Christ, following walk is the word, our faith, and our God! I want in the end for the lord to welcome me and mine & not turn us away because we did not take heed of a message that was sent at a time when prophesy was being fulfilled and revelation was apparent. I and mine will live for Christ and all others are irrelevant! Oh! In addition, I still remember the words to music before my time “Swing low, sweet chariot coming for to carry me home….” — Christfollower

I think hip hop music has a strong influence on our youth culture which results in many violent acts. I’m working on a project this very minute, and I’m desperate for more information on the hip hop group Bone Thugs n Harmony. I’ve covered many topics and researched many of their lyrics only to find a lyric played backwards from a song title Double Glock saying repeatedly “I am the beast, I am the beast....we will find entry to your church.” — Layla

I saw the complete collection of The Truth Behind Hip Hop and it's like every time I watch it, it's renewed. It made me stop wearing hip hop clothes and even listen to the so called Holy Hip Hop. I thought twice of the difference between worldly music and Gospel music. Even some of the "Christian" artists such as Kirk Franklin, T-BONE, Yalanda Adams, etc, seem so fake to me. I think this DVD had a great impact on me and I'd highly recommend it for everyone. — Dibora

The Truth Behind Hip-Hop really opened my eyes to something that I never noticed before. Craige Lewis brought us this message in such an up beat way that you would actually want to listen. He was straight forward and he told us that Hip-Hop is ruining the youth of our world. I Thank Craige Lewis for helping the young people in my congregation realize the junk we listen to and who brings this junk to us. The devil has many servants and we need to stay far away from them. I have not listened to any demonic music since I watched that series. So thank you Craige for saving my soul! — Nickey

I definitely agree with the message that is taught by G Craig Lewis. A lot of people are mixing up the things that he says to take away his credibility. He’s not saying rapping is bad, but instead the hip hop culture. There is the greatest difference between rap and hip hop. Hip hop is not a music genre. There is more to it than that. It’s a practiced religion. Once you understand that point that he clearly makes, you will realize how right he is. I don’t think people understand yet the fullness and purpose of life. When you understand that fullness and put it together with The Truth Behind Hip Hop, you will receive a divine revelation. — Demonslayer

OK, we need to be doctrinally correct and not get caught up in the hype of a "new" revelation. Hip hop or rap or whatever you want to call it indeed has evil roots. The culture today is definitely demonic in its secular glory. But WHAT PART OF SOCIETY ISN’T? Someone on here said that God cannot use what was evil to redeem it and preach the Gospel. That is so doctrinally incorrect that it’s appalling that so many people agree with it. Paul said that "I became ALL things to ALL men to win some". When Paul preached to the Romans and they had statues of many gods (evil) and one particular one that was the "unknown" god (there for just in case purposes) Paul said ok since you have an unknown God I’mma tell you about him...and then proceeds to speak the gospel. PAUL USED SOMETHING THAT WAS EVIL (a false god) TO PREACH THE GOSPEL! The very essence of Christianity is based on the redeeming nature of God. What do you guys think the word REDEEM means? Jesus Himself used a sinful means...(humanity) to redeem humanity itself. So I guess Jesus was wrong in coming down here as a human? Now Im NOT for making diss tracks, and Im NOT for rapping over secular beats that were already used for evil. But Christian rap has been around for like 20 years and I have seen people’s lives changed and brought to the newness of life in Christ due to the hook of Christian rap. So are you telling me that these conversions are null and void? There are WAYYYY too many examples in the Bible that point to using the things that the devil has perverted and redeeming it, putting under the submission of Christ and using it for his glory. Let’s RIGHTLY divide the word of truth. Although secular hip hop is evil... rap is not inherently evil. Its like if I read a poem over a rock beat... or a slow hymn style instrumental... is that evil?? What about the parables Jesus spoke in? Back then that is the mode in which secular philosophers spoke to people. Jesus didn’t use the traditional synagogue style snooze fest to get people to open their eyes. He used what they knew. If Jesus could do it... then so can we. — Kwuam T

I watched the DVD last night with my daughter. Lewis said everything I have been saying for years about hip-hop. The lyrics simply represent a new low in the "arts." We are now reaping the whirlwind in cities like Detroit, where we are seeing what a generation of young, largely fatherless men, will do after being raised on Tupac, etc etc. And please folks, don't be fooled by the verbal acknowledgements of Christ that these artists engage in. First, belief calls for obedience. Secondly, the devil rarely stalks about completely unmasked, he puts on a little makeup and perfume so that if you want to, you could mistake him for something other than what he is. A lie likes to walk around in the company of some truth, it opens hearts and doors! It fools adults and confuses teens. In my city, one of the largest churches in the city, whose pastor is also head of the local NAACP just got finished burying a hip hopster. The obituary, which featured a not very disguised threat to deal with "playa haters" from an incarcerated friend, simply should not have been distributed in a church. Just like Chrysler's ads featuring a known pornographer, the good reverend just made it a little bit harder out here for parents to raise decent productive children. Keep elder Lewis in your prayers. He is a courageous man! — Denise

This video series is life changing. The problem is that too many people forget that for EVERY natural occurrence... there is a spiritual link that we spend too much time NOT thinking about. WAKE UP! I'm just thankful that someone was listening to God on this one. I had to make some serious changes in my habits and I'm sure many others did. — Roger

I watched parts 1 and 2. As far as that Jay-Z '666' thing goes; he should have mentioned that the Grey album was not an official Jay-Z album. He made it like it was Jay-Z that actually said those things, when it was blatantly Danger Mouse (who made that mixtape), who screwed his words around. However, he can still have a point, as whoever responsible for that track had such intentions when making it. And personally, I see listening to Hip-Hop in the same light as playing violent video games or watching violent movies. However I am very conscious of what I listen to, or watch, and this DVD made me even more cautious. There are certain artists I don't listen to, such as Wu-Tang (because of that cartoon where Jesus is getting beheaded). And this whole 5% teaching is based on them believing Jesus is the white man's god? That is the most backwards belief, and that theory is blatantly rooted in the fact that some man just decided to believe that because blacks were being oppressed by whites in those days. Peace. — Azubuike

I believe that the effect that the DVD (especially the first one) had on the youth in my city was phenomenal. I bless God for the message of us being separated from the world that Minister Lewis placed in his teachings and I feel that is essential for us to live successful Christian lives. But even with that, I completely disagree with the way he was slandering the Christian artists along with the secular ones in the series. In my humble opinion, it didn't seem as though he was doing it in a spirit of meekness and with fear (Gal. 6:1). I read Hazakim's response to his verbal remarks and they had very compelling arguments. If it is true that some of the information that he has about the origin of Hip-Hop is not true, I feel as though he should be a true Man of God and acknowledge the fact that he was wrong, ask the Lord for forgiveness, and pray that message will still be blessed. The Bible is clear in saying that all things done in the darkness shall come to the light. So with the wide-spread, positive affect that the DVD has had on the youth of America, an even greater negative effect would kick in because of the willingness to place known errors (aka lies) in a message that supposedly came from a true and holy God. — Julian

I understand your frustrations. I once traveled presenting a seminar called "Is The Music Really Alright?" After years of researching the music of every period, I was amazed at the spiritual presence God uncovered before me. God revealed valid, frightening information about music and certain musicians like Maurice White of Earth, Wind and Fire; Alice Cooper, and Stevie Nicks who delved deep into the dark crevices where some of music's maestros make their abode. Once I mistakenly made a comment about Stevie Nicks. After my presentation, I was immediately confronted by a young African American sister who corrected me, defending Stevie Nicks. I realized that despite the truth that Stevie Nicks supported witchcraft, there are some who claim to be Christians who support her. I believe G Craige Lewis means well. It would be great if he would sit with some truly Christ-centered people who would provide Christ-centered input. I believe he is protective of his life due to some of the comments I have even read that disfavor him. The best thing to do is pray for G Craige. God will being every secret to light one day. As long as G Craige's motive if to glorify God and expose darkness, God will prosper his ministry. — Lloyd-E

I have heard the argument again and again that God can use a bad thing and turn it to good. The question no one is asking is why does God need to use a bad thing when He has all He needs to do His work? What happened to separation from the world which was a fundamental part of Jesus message? Why do we call the truth slander and judging? The holy hiphop guys are only helping Lewis’s message and thank God for that. We don’t need to change anything. God does not copy from anyone. To suggest that is an insult to god and to the church of Christ. God does not need to use an evil culture to reach anyone. This kind of thinking is absurd. There is no where in the bible where God ever did this. It is an insult to God to suggest that He is so short of ideas, he has to use ideas from the devil. I have done extensive research after hearing Craige Lewis and he is 100% right. In fact after going thru the Internet if realised Craige Lewis was even mild. It is even worse than he showed. There is a grand idolatry out there and Lewis’s message is a timely intervention from God. You better believe it, Jesus is coming soon! — Dico

My older sister and me were at a seminar G Craig Lewis commenced back in June. During the first hour of it, I was blown away! He brought on cold facts behind these artists and their mediums, which made me hink twice about hip-hop. I grew up in the hip-hop era, everything from the Sugar Hill Gang to Nas. Being a saved young lady in my late 20s, I am very choosy with my music collection nowadays. There are still some CDs I need to rid myself of because of the convictions within me. Guaranteed, God will speak to those who need a certain area of their lives changed. I have one of the DVDs at home and showed it to a close friend and we thank God for using this man to bring the truth home. True, many opinions have spawned from this issue and most are valid. However, it's what Jesus and God thinks hands down because "why cast your pearls before swine"? May He bless each and everyone. — Angie

Everything G Craige Lewis addressed was 100% true. I've looked at many web sites and saw many comments people had to say about him and they were foolish statements. For example, ZionnoiZ said, "The album is not made or endorsed by Jay-Z, yet Lewis does not make this clear". The point is not that Jay-Z had anything to do with the song itself, G Craige was showing us how the devil shows himself boldly. Although the Grey Album was not endorsed by Jay-Z, I'm sure that Jay-Z heard or knows of it the same way we do. The point is that hip hop is a sub-culture and a religion. It has its own way of life and so do Christians. The issue is that people who can't face the truth always want to have one foot in and one foot out. The is no such thing is Christian hip hip or Holy hip hoppers, or gospel gangsters. What is that? That's compromising, that's what it is. I don't understand what is so hard for people to understand; hip hop is not from God, it was created out of anger and rebellion. All of the holy hip hoppers need to stop being in denial and start serving what does come from God. Smooflow says, "All music belongs to God". What? I guess people forget about what God had given us, which is free will. Just because someone in the world makes a beat does not mean it comes from or belongs to God without God's consent. Those Biggy and Tupac songs certainly don't belong to God. I don't understand what's so hard to see. The point is that whatever glorifies satan, sex, drugs, money, evil doesn't belong in the church. — Patrick

I 100% agree with you, brother Patrick. The truth hurts and unfortunately, it makes people become bitter. Didn't God's Word say, "For there's nothing covered that would not be revealed, nor hidden that would not be made known" (Luke 12). Note: Not good with quoting exact verses, but what makes the difference is that I am a doer of the Word, not a hearer only. Let's get this fact straight, folks. God, in the name of Jesus, can take the worst of sinners and make them His true vessels. There's nothing in the Word that says He can take the things of the world and use them to transform the sinners. Leave that job to the enemy because He is the "Father of Lies". You see, God and the world are like oil and water- they don't mix, period. He said boldly that you can't be His friend and be the world's friend, too. The Christian walk is not easy, I'll be the first to say that! However, we suffer for righteousness sake every day, like our Savior did. To those to who downplay G Craig Lewis, it's okay. He, like the rest of God's warriors against evil will prevail in the fight. I commend you, bro and keep on bringing it home. When it's all said and done, we all will have to face the Throne of our Lord that day for our own actions, beliefs, ways and thoughts, etc. May He bless each and everyone. — Angie

The DVD was really life changing. It made many points. Anyone that sees it will be impacted. It’s very hard to stop completely because of all the temptations around us. Everything we needed to know, it really it is the truth. Thank you Mr Craige Lewis. — Crissa

I feel that elder Lewis was very thorough when he came to backing up his claims. He had scripture to prove what the artists are doing is not of God. If we call ourselves Christians then why do we fight against what the word of God says? There is a battle going on. And we need to be aware that the enemy is doing what ever he can to mess our young people up. A lot of people talk about research. Those people need to research their bible and find out what God has to say about what is going on. — Steven

I am saved for real and thank God that someone is righteously bold enough to say what the true God wants him to say. And everyone that has made a negative comment about the truth being revealed or has rejected true knowledge doesn't want to be saved for real and 10 times out of 10 is still in sin. — Saved For Real

I was definitely made aware and I understand the distinction and from that difference came a little clarity. If I ask 1000 people is the Bible true, opinions will vary. The Bible isn't true because we agree but that the results and its history has proven itself. No one's opinion can withstand the total delivering power of Christ. In that, our view or opinion of what hip hop and rap should be based on the foundation and for what purpose. Everyone is mad at Lewis but no says anything about being smack in the face with information from the source of this culture. Who cares what you think today? We're in the 3rd generation of this. The message is watered down but the true influence is prevalent. I know even the Christian artist seem to feel attacked. But a humble servant examines himself to make sure he is in the faith. These people are not without error or temptation. They make bad choices too. Singing for Jesus takes a voice and a message. Not perfection or being above reproach or rebuke. These people have done and said questionable things before this and have interesting acquaintances. As I watch my 7 year old son change when he gets a "hip hop "attitude", I know the influence of power. He feels invincible, acts rebellious, treats siblings disrespectfully, etc. These may be feelings he has but he has to learn to channel them into something positive and spiritually healthy for all of us, instead of the destructive behavior. But this is what the culture promotes. Most dress codes and mindsets are rooted in self love, materialism, and open defiance. None of that is of the God of the Bible. Maybe it is of the Hip Hop Church. The message of Christ isn't even about the messenger but the Christ and His Message. Lewis' message: let's keep it about Jesus and that's it. And beware if we don't. And if you saved out of a Cracker Jack box you might not be living anything but the Bible says that you should be living without sin in your heart, mind and body. Now be enlightened and enjoy the DVD. — Ron

It seems that the people that don't want to give up their hip hop are the ones against Minister Lewis. Has hip hop ruled your life so much that you can't hear God? It has a strong hold over your life! God does not need gimmicks (music, plays, poetry, etc ...) to reach and save souls. You are putting hip hop on a shelf that it doesn't belong. The Bible says that we must die to our flesh daily (1 Cor 15:30), if you can't give up hip hop, then you have made it a God! — CL

I truly agree with the fact that hip hop has a lot of influence on us as teens. I am 17 years old and in my senior year. When I first heard about it I had to see it. It's truly an influence on me, it's easier said than done when you listen to rap all the time but with God all things are possible and I know I will prosper in due time. Thanks Mr Craige for opening my eyes! — Alex

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Holy Hip Hop Fasten your seatbelt and prepare to experience the explosive world of spiritually-enlightening holy hip hop ministry, music and entertainment glorifying God! Director and producer Christopher Martin professionally known as Play from the rap and acting duo Kid 'n Play is the feature's host and invites you to meet some of Holy Hip Hop's trail blazin' artists and Ministers of the Gospel, who are a part of a movement that began in the late 1980s and thrives worldwide as one of the fastest growing music genres today, with over 2000 active emcees and legions of fans worldwide. Peep this video and see what these souled out Christian souljahs for the Lord are doing to change the face of music for generations to come with powerful lyrics and bangin' beats — and bringin' nothin' but the Truth. A must see video for any ardent lover of music who wants to be tuned in to the cutting edge, whether you are within or outside the four walls of the church. Available to buy from amazon.com

The Hip-Hop Church: Connecting With the Movement Shaping Our Culture Hip-hop culture is all around us: in the clothes youth wear, in the music they listen to, in the ways they express themselves. It is the language they speak, the rhythm they move to. It is a culture familiar with the hard realities of our broken world; the generation raised with rap knows about the pain. They need to know about the hope. Enter the hip-hop church. Like the culture it rises from, the hip-hop church is relevant and bold. And it speaks to the heart. In this book, pastors Efrem Smith and Phil Jackson show the urgency of connecting hip-hop culture and church to reach a generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ. They give practical ideas from their urban churches and other hip-hop churches about how to engage and incorporate rap, break dancing, poetry and deejays to worship Jesus and preach his Word. Hip-hop culture is shaping the next generation. Ignoring it will not reduce its influence; it will only separate us from the youth moving to its rhythm. Available to buy from amazon.com and amazon.co.uk

Jesus and the Hip-Hop Prophets: Spiritual Insights from Lauryn Hill and Tupac Shakur Cleverly organized into seven short "tracks" instead of chapters, this slim volume offers reflections on the lyrics of two popular recording artists, Lauryn Hill and the late 2pac Shakur. That Teter, director of two More Than Conquerors campus ministries, and Gee, pastor of Fountain of Life Family Worship Center, are knowledgeable fans of hip-hop and admirers of the two featured lyricists is unmistakable. Equally evident is their desire to enable their fellow fans to discover the spiritual truths embedded in the lyrics. The book suffers from the typical awkwardness of the first-person narratives of two writers-the "I, Alex" and "My (John's)" type of construction. Still, the book offers a valuable look at the connection between the harshness of urban life and the prophetic warnings from two singers who managed to find hope amid difficult circumstances. Available to buy from amazon.com and amazon.co.uk

Not everyone agrees with what G Craige Lewis says in The Truth Behind Hip Hop DVDs. Holy hip hoppers Hazakim felt the need to respond with a controversial rap called The Truth Behind Craige. You can read what motivated their response here. Hip Hop Strikes Back

Is it possible to have holy hip hop? According to G Craige Lewis of The Truth Behind Hip Hop the answer is no. He claims that hip-hop is not music, but a religion. However, many take a different view, believing that the church can use rap music to reach out to young people. Holy Hip Hop

If, like me, you were surprised to see Pastor Mason Betha rapping with 50 Cent on his single Window Shopping, you might be wondering what's going on. Mase's conversion to Christianity in 1999 is well documented, not least in his autobiography. Has Ma$e exchanged Creflo Dollar for half a dollar?

Is it all too easy for politicians and the media to blame gangsta rappers for the fact that young people carry guns and knives? Could it be that the alienated youths that do so have been far more influenced by other factors such as poor education or family breakdown? Taking the Rap?

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