Can Christian Rappers become too woke?
The “woke” Christian has been a contentious issue in the American Christian community, particularly with evangelicals. Of course, that has been personified with the sub-genre of Christian rap (because rappers who are Christian can only ever exist within a microcosm dictated by evangelicals regardless of background or perspective).
Anyway…
The concept of socially conscious rappers is not a new phenomenon. Long before the term “woke” became popular, rappers created music with a conscious message. The term itself is defined as a genre that “promotes awareness of socio-political, economic and cultural issues… (focusing) on an aversion to violence, crime, and materialism and doesn’t promote it… (but) encourages discovering insights on an individual level that could lead to collective positive change” (Hope, 2022).
Hmm…
That sounds a lot like Christian rap. Speaking of, one such artist that meets this intersection of Christianity and Conscious is Battz. His first full-length LP, Shuck N’ Jive, was released in 2023.
The album is a bold and assertive work, paying homage to the ethical and moral compass of our society, and standing out as a powerful voice in the Christian rap scene. Battz’s music addresses important issues that greatly influence the younger generation, and his sassy and in-your-face style is a refreshing take on the genre. If you’re interested in exploring the intersection of faith and social consciousness, Battz is an artist worth checking out.
He does not let up from the beginning to the end of the album.
Manz is not playing around.
You want someJ. Cole with some Talib Kweli and a sprinkle of College Dropout? Say Less…
At the same time, Battz has no chill. He and his frequent collaborator Aaron Dews put together this nice R&B-style satire called MASSA.
*Warning the following track may cause feelings of wanting to watch 3–4 episodes of The Boondocks.
Oowee! The shade. But I love it!
Here comes the thesis statement of the record. The title track, “Shuck N’ Jive” feels like a throwback to the Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor jazz raps. While not necessarily as conceptual as something Lupe would write, it is nonetheless a compelling affirmation of Battz’s conviction to not take part in a condescending culture while delivering a well-thought-out piece of art.
As I said, he is a conscious rapper. Here is “Prime Real Estate” where he talks about gentrification in his hometown, Nashville, Tennessee.
Can Christian rappers be conscience? Yes, 100%. Many prophets of the Bible critiqued corrupt political power as well as the culture around them.
Remember when Jesus called the people in the temple a “den of thieves”?(Matthew 21:13)
The OG King Solomon once said this…
If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight [of corruption]; for a higher official watches over another official, and there are higher ones over them [looking out for one another]. After all, a king who cultivates the field is an advantage to the land. (Ecclesiastes 5: 8–9)
Lecrae seems to agree.
Well said, sir. Well said.
Battz and other artists alike are needed in a hallowed art form that is still ripe with a lot of issues.
Be sure to check out Shuck N’ Jive by Battz. Follow me for more blogs. Share this with friends.
