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.

Many people don't agree with what Craige said because they are so used to what they are listening to and don't want to change anything. Not because what he was saying was not correct because it was. It did alot of change in me and some of the people in my church. God has sent us a message by using his servant and I hope that people at least think about changing what they are listening. — Yvonise

I believe that hip hop is a tranlation for teens to turn their backs on their parents and friends. It is a translation to respect the devil and hate God. I myself am a teen and think so. When I did listen to rap I did not draw closer to God by it, so I changed my life forever for God and my life. — Camilla

I’ve seen this video "truth behind hip hop" and it’s crazy bout that Jay Z thing. He calls himself Jay and Hova... which in bible terms is Jehovah.... (I’m God). So I think that Grey Album thing was real. If a nigga thinks has really God then that’s all the proof I need. — Trey

Wake up people, the truth is in your face, start living right for God. U can be in the world and wit god, the bible also says that the church should never look like the world. I am watching some of the photos in this web site and I can’t honestly tell if these people are serving god or the world. — Peter

Let us stop looking at Craige and all start looking at ourselves. If he is wrong or if he is right the Lord of all hosts will give him his just deserts. — Ezekiel

In all due respect the bible teaches us not to slander or even talk not to mention say something about his anointed ones. Some of us feel that Craig Lewis is condemning the youth and the music they listen or even our own christian musicians. Well if he is guilty of this then let it be because at the end of the day God will deal with his anointed ones and those that he has called in the office of the five fold ministry. The word says that we should not be conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of mind. Now the reason I stated this is because why does the church feel that we need to draw the youth by hip hop but that is a worldly form of music so why do we feel the need to impersonate these individuals in order to draw the youth. After seeing Craig Lewis's DVDs I have realised that at the end of it all we as blood washed Christians should be able to discern between fact or fiction truth or lies as we have the power of the holy spirit to do this. So I leave you with this instead of slandering Lewis's teachings (a teaching after all is a guideline) let's pray for him and pray that God's will be done in the youth rather than condemning his teachings fully. No matter what we say, God's will will be done and he will be Glorified and Exalted in all the Earth. — Dereck

You all need to stop criticising this man if you truly don't understand his calling. Maybe there are some flaws in his sayings, but maybe he doesn't know that the album didn't belong to Jay-Z. But no one can convince me that he is wrong or that this music is right. I'm only 18, but, before I ever heard Craig's message, it bothered me when I heard Rap, R&B, Hip-Hop. All that stuff. My spirit just wouldn't accept it. It is so negative. He's not saying that he's some type of judge and come to point all that is "wrong" with the world, he's just letting you know the truth so you can be aware, and research these things for yourself. Of course music comes from the church. All music does, but since the devil was the minister of music in heaven, he can take that which is holy and completely corrupt it. But God can take what is corrupted and make it completely holy. This is what Craig is saying. Just because it started in the church, doesn't make it alright. Some prostitutes, drug dealers, homosexuals, come out of the church and are still in the church. That doesn't make what they do right. They have to be cleansed and made into a new creature. I have nothing against homosexuals. I used to be a lesbian, I know that in God there is no corruption. I also know that God can take the corruption off you, and create something totally different out of you. You don't need to take what the devil corrupted and try to make it right. It's up to God to cleanse it and turn it all the way around. This is the message that Craig is teaching. We are not perfect and we don't know everything, but God is perfect and he does know everything. Follow Jesus (not your feelings and emotions) and you can never go wrong. — Angelica Praise

I truly agree with G Craige Lewis. He's hitting Dallas for The Truth Behind Hip Hop 4 so get ready. And trust me the pastor of my church has been preaching for 50 years and there's no way he would allow G Craige Lewis to mislead the people of Christ. And many of the people he has mentioned haven’t denied if it’s the truth or not but no-one but the fans, so tell me who are you really serving. So many people think he's bashing but true is true. We really needed this in a time like this and I'm getting as many youth together who have not heard it to hear what this man of God has to say. — Sam

G Craig Lewis was right about everything! People always want to use the word "judging"! Man this was powerful and I’m glad he exposed hip hop. I threw away all my Christian hip hop CDs. — Mike

Minister Lewis had a vision from god, and has been traveling the country for so many years presenting this theme. And people are going to sit there and try to call him on some little correctness of information. Maybe he is wrong on little insignificant details, but the overall message is that hiphop is devilish, rock and roll is devilish. If you can’t see that, you need to get the demons inside you flushed out because something is clouding your vision. Try to sin while listening to Christian music. Try doing any kind of sin that you'd do in your daily life listening to Christian music. It'll be hard, do it with evil satanic music and tell me what happens. God is not sugar coated. He isn’t going to come to you and ask you to love him. If you don’t worship God he will torture you in hell for eternity. It makes me sick to my stomach to see these people defending hip hop and trying to discredit Craige Lewis. Hiphop is a culture that is anti Christ. End of story. — Jake

G Craig Lewis is a true man of God and the hip hoppers are going to defend hip hop because he is messing up their money. Plus the devil is in the back ground pulling the strings so you can not get mad at the rappers. They’re controlled by satan, some willingly and others unwillingly. we have to remember that the only power we have over satan is through Jesus and the people in the church that are not taking heed to the message, what god do you serve? If you are serving the right God and in a real spiritual relationship with God then what G Craig Lewis is preaching would touch your spirit and you would know it was from the one and only true God Jesus Christ. And for all you COGIC folk you know what he is saying is true. We have been taught this. God bless. — Ellesse

Looking at the DVDs helped to explain a lot of things. Plain and simple, those who don't want the truth will run from it. They will fight it because they do not want true salvation and holiness. The Lord said we are not to partake of any acts of sin, nor eat of any food that has been offered up to false gods. Jesus is the King of kings. What are so many of these rappers and R&B artists calling themselves now? The king of Hip Hop, the queen of R&B. The Bible says you will know my people by their fruits. Tell me then, who in the Bible was a Christian saying that they are living for God yet singing of killing another rapper, or sexing their lover (who on top of that isn't their spouse)? And since I know some of you are going to say, David was a warrior, and the children of Israel fought in battles, notice I said Christians, not Old Testament followers of the Laws of Moses. We are to follow Christ's life, to be Christ-like. This is just another ploy of the devil to distort the truth. Plain and simple, if people think that hip hop can be used for holiness, argue not with them. For they are the same ones who like the Pharisees think that they can do anything and it will glorify God. The Bible says, "we are a royal priesthood, a peculiar people". Peculiar meaning unique, set apart from the rest of the world. How can you truly say hip hop can be used for the Lord, when they act just like the worldly rappers? You can't. So, God will reveal those who are His in the coming of that Great Day. Stop trying to tell people that they can use evil works for God, if they just say it's holy this or Christian that. And if you truly are saved, whoever reads this and thinks that hip hop is ok, try seeking the Lord and His Holy Spirit. When His conviction comes upon you, harden not your hearts. For a reprobate mind leads all to hell. — CR

I think that this Craige Lewis brother is a raving fanatic. Indeed there are poisonous elements in hip hop, but there are many positive ones as well. I refuse to denounce a music form that has been a major influence in my life. We don't need fanatics, we need people who are going to help educate and liberate the youth and people. — Legacy Leonard

I’m a senior at high-school. When I watched the movie it scared me and it made me tremble when I found out about what I was listening to was affecting my relationship with God. I even got proof when I played some of my old rap songs backwards then threw them away and since that day I never listened to rap again. Thanks Craige. — Ne' Kwae Jr

Brother Craige is right, I always wondered about the word hip hop. He gave me truth, if I was a Christian rapper, I would give up the name hip hop because it comes from voodoo, antichrist spirit. — Wayland

G Craig Lewis is a false teacher because he has false history about hip hop but some things he said about hip hop I can with agree. Both Jesus and Paul told us to judge false prophets and false teachers; to not listen to them but separate from them. Why do so many people overlook the Scriptures on exercising judgment (I do not mean being judgmental as in “being critical,” but careful) and instead love the person when it can mean the difference between being shipwrecked or being safe, heaven or hell? The Bible says in 1 Cor 14:29: “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.” I Jn 4:1-3 “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” “Test all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). “Judge not” is a popularized phrase for those who want to continue teaching their falsehood. When people persist to teach worthless and false doctrines we are commanded to exercise judgment. Those who teach not to judge are telling people to disobey God and His commands. He has written His word so He has already judged what is right and wrong. When Scripture is quoted to present that something is wrong, that isn’t our personal opinion — it's God judgment. Faithful shepherds will always warn the sheep of dangers from those teaching falsehood, a hireling is one who ignores it. A sheep that does not see the implications of what is false is one that is either a babe in understanding, immature or carnal (See Heb 5:13-14). This man is a business man not a bible teacher. God's word never changes and we have been bought with a price and are born again of incorruptible seed 1 Pt 1:23. 1Jn 4:4 tells us "Greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world." The Holy Spirit is able to keep us separate and clean when we allow him to do so. If we give in we can’t say he is weaker, it really is a matter of choice and an exercise of our will. For one to believe in Christian demon possession a number of factors need to be ignored. Christ is our good shepherd; would he let his people get wolfed? While the scripture says that the Holy Spirit can dwell with sin and that He can dwell in the presence of a demon. It certainly is different to say a demon can dwell with the Holy Spirit. We see the violent reaction of demons to the presence of Jesus and what is Holy. God does not have to flee but demons do. The Scripture shows them in agony just being near Jesus. Many men and women are capable of speaking with authority. It can be a natural gift, a demonic gift or a gift from God. But it is no way to test whether a person is a true or false teacher. Authority can be put on, learned, acted. True authority from God is accompanied by true teaching, true prophecy and the fruit of the Spirit. — Jason

Of all the people that have had near death experiences and heard music in heaven, I have never heard any say they heard hip hop or hard beats! :-) Seriously, I was just wondering where was the Tipper Gore of our generation and,boom, I see this DVD. Well, I haven't watched the whole, just a clip, but I would like to. We need to be wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove. Other than that, I agree with Eric about Cain and Able. Also, God can use just about anybody just about anywhere, but the "church" has become too much like the world in "looking at" entertainers and for entertainment. We got other things to do: The fields are already white for harvest. We need to "look at" the author and finisher of our faith. The true church will repent immediately and not test God. — AW

When people come out from a hole, they are able to blend what was happening in that hole making it look like the same thing. So I believe that God has a purpose for giving this revelation about hip-hop to Elder G Craige Lewis. More people will come to the realization about how the devil works as the Holy Spirit convicts them. God bless everyone who has accepted the message from God and may He lead others to also to accept and live for Christ. — Samuel

There is a lot of information being passed around on this website trying to tear down a man of God. Remember, the word of God says "Touch not my anointed, do my prophets no harm." G Craig is bringing the truth about the evils of Hip Hop and the devil does not want this truth to be known because he is being defeated in this arena. What this site is doing is spreading seeds of doubt about the ministry that is taking place through Minister Lewis. Try the spirit of the music by the Holy Spirit not the false anointing that is on so called holy hip hop that is as holy as having an abortion for the cause of Christ. The bible plainly speaks about people who will do the things that are going on-on this site "calling evil good and good evil". It is my prayer that those opposing the work God Himself called Minister Lewis to do consider living a life that truly pleases God. Remember, ministry is not about music — it is about compelling the lost to come to Christ and be effective in soul winning. He who wins souls is wise! Music has never won someone to God only the drawing of the Holy Spirit through the word of God! God never uses anything the devil had his filthy hands on. God is a creator, not an imitator! Satan has fooled with the church too long and we need to let him have his music back and resist him at all cost and watch him flee in defeat! The fight is fixed satan - we the true believers win! — Mo

I am truly thankful that there is someone like GCL who has the fortitude to call a spade a spade. HHH is something I'm not a part of and my family is not a part of and my church is not a part of. HH is so sordid that merely placing holy in front of it does little to sanctify it. It's still grown men refusing to grow up, dressing like the very people they claim to be saving, speaking a language less English and more a hodgepodge of ghetto-specific catchphrases. How can something so detached from the mainstream culture of America be holy all of a sudden? I hope it's a fad a little late in passing on. — Ville

Many people are saying that music in all belongs to God, but in that case why isn't all music glorifying God? Since that was the reason he created it in the first place. The devil took something for good and turned it into evil so why should we mimic something that started off bad and turn it into good? If the root of something is evil then doesn't the root still and always stand? No matter how pretty we prune Hip Hop and make it look pretty on the outside the root is still there. These are just some questions for those that believe that we can redeem Hip Hop. When did God or Jesus speak about redeeming the culture of other ungodly nations? Only we, as human beings, can be redeemed. God wanted the culture and the ungodly rituals of the other nations to be destroyed. Also I do not see a clear line between gospel hip hop and secular. There may not be any cursing but if you look at a Gospel Hip Hop artist and a secular one there is no differentiation. Yet if you look at the way a secular R&B artist and a gospel artist you can tell that the gospel artist is not the one singing in the world. Craige Lewis may have a lot of strong opinions but look at the word of God for yourself. Don't try to hold onto Hip Hop just because you think it's "cool" and you don't want to have to change your life completely. We need to change how we think, act, speak, and live if we are children of God. We should really have the world imitating the church not the church imitating the world. — Larissa

G Craige Lewis is a liar. We shouldn't waste time concentrating on fighting hip hop. Hip hop is just a genre that says life as it is with no censorship. I think Christians should be focused on improving their spiritual relationship with God and just stop judging the Hip Hop artists. Craige has no say whatsoever on who is going to Hell or not, that’s up to God himself to judge at not man. So Craige, I would appreciate it if you spend your time doing something spiritually productive and not critisizing Hip Hop. Remember on of the commandments, "Judge not for thou shall be judged". Craige is trying to bring an anti-hiphop revolution because he wants fame also and is jealous that some people who sing about material things are more famous than he is. Actually, as a black person I’m offended to see such behaviour from fellow blacks. Although some things that Craige says are the truth, that is the wrong way of teaching the teens about Christ by pointing fingers at Hip Hop. Please find better ways of teaching about Christ will you! — Lox

After listening the DVD I lost a part of me that thrived in music. My passion for music still exists, but I don’t walk around wearing my "I Am Hip Hop” paraphernalia anymore. I destroyed most of my lifetime collection of music. I gave my life to Christ out of fear and shame. Out of anger and pain I later turned my back on God. Now I am questioning God's judgement, wondering why he would bless me with the gift of singing and curse me with the love of music. I believe that people are afraid of what they don't know and are quick to assume. Those who speak don't know, and those who don't speak know. — Javon Celeste

The bible states that Christ came to give life and that more abundantly and that the devil came to steal, kill and destroy. The devil is so sneaky and so deceitful. That's why the word says we are to watch and pray that we enter not in to temptation. The series of CD was absolutely informative and very needed. The devil and his imps know that the end is near and he is busy, busy, busy. These CDs have opened my eyes and I wish that they would broadcast it on cable TV as a documentary. Everybody needs to see it. — Kim

What I want to know is why is it only Christians who are protesting and calling Craig Lewis lies... I don't recall any other mainstream Hip Hop artist other than KRS-One protesting this man. Please ask yourself why? Also for those that don't know Hip Hop is a religion, please check out the website templeofhiphop.org, even the secular artists admit to hip hop and its origins being a religion. The point that Craig Lewis is trying to make is this, examine yourself. As Christians we are required to follow Christ. This means we must submit to Gods will. We must deny ourselves and pick up the cross and follow Christ. People, the only thing that is going to get us into heaven is having a relationship with Christ. We must accept him as who he is and believe in our heart of hearts that he is the true savior of man. There is no action by any man women or child that will get you into heaven. It is by God’s Grace that we are saved. Let us not forget this. Does the music you listen to align itself with your God. This is a yes and no question. Either it does or does not. You have to make that decision. Not Craig Lewis, not KRS-One, not 50-Cent, not Jay-Z or any other Hip Hop/R&B/Gospel artist. I have made the decision for myself that this music does not and therefore I don't listen to it anymore. — Shine

I know dis is kinda long but please read in its entirety. Hi. I love music and I love playing music. I have one of the biggest jobs. I am a musician. God has given me a gift to play His music. When the DVD came out, I couldn’t believe my eyes and ears.. Wait, I take that back. I did believe them, the music that us as a community, young African-Americans, listens to is in fact evil. Right now I’m talking to the youth! The next time you go to a club or party, listen to the words in the music you are dancing to. Listen carefully. Listen and watch carefully the next time u are watching BET or any video from the Hip Hop leaders of today. Since I have heard "The Truth About Hip Hop", I would say 99% of all the music that young black people love, is in fact evil. Think of all the slow songs that people listen to that when they come on, all people wanna do is grind and have sex to. Don’t get caught up in the music. Listen to the words please. It’s right there plain as day. Right in our faces and we don’t even know it. The music sounds so good that we don’t even listen to the true meaning of the song. Satan was in charge of music when he was created. He is the best musician ever created. He knows how to make some music that sounds so good, that it blinds us! I believe that Music is the most powerful weapon the enemy is using today. That Ne-Yo Song "Mirror". Lisen to the words. Making love in front of the mirror. Seems harmless right. Bone Thugs have some on the back of their CD that has a bunch of words backwards. If you put in front of a mirror, the words put a curse directly into your soul! Now making love in front of a mirror? Hhmmmm. Now this is a hunch. Not a fact. The next time you listen to this, listen to it as Demons were singing this song. Ne-Yo and the background singers. If reading something in a mirror could have such a detrimental effect on your soul, what do you think fornicating in front of a mirror would do? And then to make things worse, what does the chorus say... "I can see you... can you see me... I can see you... lovin it.” It’s a demon looking thru the mirror at you while you have sex to this song. Ask your friends... or even yourself. If they ever had sex to this song and songs like this. I could go on forever. It’s in all the music. The music out today is turning us against God and we can’t even see it. The enemy is so trick. If you are a Christian and you think that this "Truth About Hip-Hop" is fake, then the enemy’s got you right where he wants you. I’m not tryin to scare anybody… Well maybe we all need to be scared a lil bit to wake up. Youth wake up!!!! And stop listening to this evil music! The words are plain as day right in our faces! It won’t be long!!! We don’t have much time! — Talon McKinney

I don’t really know what to say but when I saw the videos I was not only moved but shocked on how corrupt our world is. If the truth be told all music is bad but it is the motive and the spirit behind the music that makes a difference. I choose not to listen to hip hop, but that is because I know what it does to my head. Craig Lewis had some good points and a lot of research that was surprising, but like he said about the Christian cultural music I have to disagree because Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams and so many more touch my heart because their hearts are on God when they sing. — Jasmine

I would like to know Clarkyboy what is up with your five point star, and the truth is the truth. I’m from the Caribbean, Trinidad, and trust me I know what music could do to a person, even Soca. We have Carnival here (Carnal Evil) and it’s not something you would want your little kid to see. The truth really is ah pain but you have to obey and in His name every knee shall bow. This man did his research and Hip Hop changed even the dress code of Trinidad, the Caribbean, losing their identity because of this rubbish. Just look at their dress code. I’m 20 and the battle as a true believer is not easy but the closer you come to the truth the closer you come to freedom. God bless and keep you all. Love You. — Aaron

It's funny how everyone keeps taking up for Jay-Z. So you say Jay-Z has nothing to do with this backwards messages right? Ok scratch that. Does he not call himself Jay Hova God? Did he not record a flow which played frontwards goes "Curse the day that birthed the bastard who causes church masses". This man blasphemes God openly. Be careful who you take up for. — Rachel

Seek God. — Nigel

My family and I watched the whole series and it changed our lives. It only confirmed what we believed. Hip hop in all its forms, holy or otherwise, is evil. Praise the Lord for G Craige Lewis. — Karen

I just heard about this truth about hip-hop from a friend, he narrated it as best as could and promised he would get me the DVD. I believe what matters is the content of the music. I however find it difficult to do away with some melodies which lyrics are extremely ungodly. What's your advice for me? — Greatfwi

This whole thing is the truth and nothing but the truth. The devil has made us feel there is nothing in sinning. Immorality has come to increase in the world and is chopping deep into a lot of us youth. I think what we should concentrate more on our life by devoting more of ourselves for God, the end is really near and I pray that we will not end up like those people that put deaf ears to Noah and at the end of the day perished. — Francisca

I enjoyed the DVDs. I work at a school where the kids are really down with this hip hop music and dress. I could really use some help in this area. I wish I could really get Mr Lewis or someone to maybe come here to talk with these students. — Craig Steele

I thank God for Craig Lewis! He has made God's people aware of how important it is to protect our eyes, heart and ear gates from the evil one. Keep up the good work. God Bless. — Gambygirl3

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Everyday Process: The Process Of Illumination & Elimination Everyday Process is on a mission. That mission is to use hip-hop as a means to an end, and that end being impacting people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Especially those that normally wouldn't set foot in a spiritual setting like church. Everyday Process consider themselves God's ambassadors and His representatives to these people (2Cor 5:20). The group understands their generation and culture. Having been themselves immersed in the culture, they understand that for many that are into hip-hop, it is often a way of life. They feel a sense of urgency to get this vital message out. A no-compromise message using hip-hop's own magnetism to spread the truth everywhere. In churches, in the streets and on corners, or where ever it needs to go. Available to buy from amazon.com and amazon.co.uk

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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