5 Christian Rap Albums for fans of Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers by Kendrick Lamar

On the album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, Kendrick dons a diamond-crusted crucifix, adopting an altruistic perception of the self to be a personified version of his savior. In doing so, he ironically proclaims that he is done trying to be the savior of culture and is more focused on his family and internal well-being. While statements could be made concerning his view on adorning Christocentric iconography, I think there is an interesting statement about a grown man deciding to focus on what matters most. It’s a pretty prolific statement to say that he’s adulting. Good for Kendrick in that regard, at least.

But also, here’s some Christian rap about adult men picking up their cross and going on their journey.

(sorry if the intro came out a little, saucy)

moMINTs. — Tobe Nwigwe

Why haven’t I featured Tobe on this list before? Or on any list? Sometimes I worry that a name like Tobe might overshadow some of the other talents on this list. But who cares, right? As far as straightforward rap records go, this is some of his best work. He even pulls off a very effective visual element to his work in a fashion that we have not seen before, though he is always consistently tight with the visual components of his work. Tobe is pretty consistent in his approaches to music thematically. His devotion to his faith and what that looks like in terms of how he interacts with people who don’t think like him, the industry, and similar topics. His dedication to his family — to protect, serve, and provide for them. His devotion to his wife and his desire to be as authentic as he can be.

the people we became — nobigdyl.

This is the first full-length record that we have had from nobigdyl. in a very long time — four years, to be exact. He does not skimp on bars or conscious content. He’s soaring sonically in the production more so than he has before. This album has been a long time coming. The aforementioned artist has been on pause from releasing full projects for the past half-decade, instead releasing noteworthy singles ranging from deep and conceptual “Sleepin’” to fun, simplistic “Coach”. This record is the culmination of philosophies, both in the spiritual and practical realms, explaining the artist’s ethos and overall perspective. Concerning many hot-button issues, dyl. takes a stance as he tactfully paints the nuance of every topic. The production is an interesting, industrialized, and hypertextualized version of jazz rap instrumentation, blending boom-bap and trap music.

Terraform: The possibility — Propaganda

I have laughed at the notion of “grown-man rap” in the past, more so from outside the Christian space. Artists like Propaganda are reasons why I chuckle at that sentiment. With this album, he paints a picture of being an efficient, effective adult man, husband, and father, beginning to master and cultivate the seeds of how he provides for his family while also painting images of what can be — a possibility for future generations behind him. It is self-effacing in a different way but in a way that motivates me to open up a coffee shop or something.

New Era Leader — RALI

This is a record that is worth listening to. It sounds like Kendrick Lamar if he were a theater kid, and it is so great. Of course, there is a lot of youthful energy and talent that has the opportunity for cultivation. This is an emotional ride with many moments that feel like I’m watching a Broadway show. I like the way he interweaves his internal monologue with the reality of his experiences within the context of each song. I’m excited for whatever this guy has next. He’s extremely talented, and I don’t think anybody will be disappointed if they listen to this record.

In Fatherhood — Beleaf

This is an older album. I can’t comprehend that it’s nearly about to be 10 years since this album came out at the time of writing this. Despite predating Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers by a large margin, it shares a lot of what you would like about the aforementioned. This is the conclusion to what I like to think of as the fatherhood trilogy. I think it lands brilliantly, not with necessarily larger-than-life songs, but each song is a very confident statement on the subject matter it addresses.

And now, Ladies and gentlemen…..

Kendrick Lamar but Christian!

(follow me on Instagram: @medialpoint)