Kanye West & the church...

I have a confession... I've had a love-hate relationship with hip-hop music for much of my life. I gotta admit, I like some of the old-school stuff. At it's roots, I believe rap music was decent creative timely artistic self-expression. (I know, I know, a self-described monastic from rural Indiana farm country has no place talking about hip-hop music.) Although some rap was produced simply as fun party music, some of it has had a strong social, political, ethnic, satirical, meaningful message at times.

Some of this post is simply me attempting to justify the fact that I just purchased Kanye West's newest album off of i-tunes. So, bear with me as I try to explain why i like Kanye and why I think the church could learn a thing or 2 from him.

First of all, if you haven't heard of him, he's a multi-platinum record selling rapper. His name became widely known after he said some bold things about the president regarding the government's post-Katrina relief efforts. And his style is quite unconventional compared to most hip-hopsters. But here's how I think he informs the church...

1) He has cross-cultural relevance & rhythm... His style is versatile enough that he has appeal to both lower class inner city as well as upper class suburban.

2) He's not afraid to partner w/successful artists of other genres... On his latest album, with the song, "homecoming", he collaborates with Chris Martin of Coldplay who appeals to a primarily white "alternative" audience. He also has a song with a punk-techno beat which helps his universal appeal.

3) He's very honest and self-reflective in his lyrics... He's not afraid to acknowledge his insecurities, his occasional hypocrisy, and often speaks of how materialistic himself and our culture can be with our clothes, jewelry, cars, etc. He's also honest about his love for Jesus but also about how difficult it is to remain faithful.

4) Along w/ his honesty, he has the ability to make fun of himself...a rare but needed attribute in relating to others. He throws in some random goofy verses just for humor.

5) Like most in his genre, he's bold and unashamed about his artistic expression. Nothing gets sugarcoated.

6) Last but not least... He's toured with U2.

Don't interpet this as an endorsement. Kanye's lyrics are not youth group friendly. But Kanye's appeal to so many different types of people makes me wonder about what he understands about art & culture (& Jesus?) that most church leaders don't. 

Comments

[JPN]

I love you man, but I think this is a stretch...

[Ryan]

I agree with you, JP. This is a little bit of a stretch. Mostly, this was tongue in cheek... but not entirely.

[Jason Nate]

I felt bad after posting, thinking I may have been a little rough, but I think I meant it tongue in cheek as well. I tend to get moved by his songs as well, and you know I am a hip hop guy, but I've always got to remember that it is still the person and ministry of Jesus that we filter everything through, not the superstars of this world that we so often look up to. Does that make sense?

[Mike O'Donnell]

I hope that you are well today, Ryan. I am at my desk, waiting for a ride home, and I thought of you so profoundly that I had to let you know. I am praying for you today, and I hope our paths lead us face to face soon.
I love you brother, and I am thankful for your friendship and for your heart.

I pray that you would know how Jesus walks with you today.

[Nathanael Baker]

Ryan

Cheers for your comments on my blog, I want to say how blessed I have been reading your blog from a distance. I hope that God continues to bless you and your work in Denver.

Nathanael

[Lou Braun]

I liked Kanye better when he was rapping "through the wire"... a bit more humble.