5 Reasons Rappers Address Religion In Their Raps

Since hip-hop began there has always been rappers who would try to pay homage to God and Jesus. Most of the time it is because they are happy with where they have gotten to in life or how their success is growing. others just truly wish to use their rapping skills to address the scriptures of the Bible and all that God does for them.

#1. To seem knowledgeable.

goodkidmadciity / Via tumblr.com

There is a stereotype that comes along with being a rapper: illiteracy. In accordance with the fact that a mass majority of rappers come from lives of illegal activity, it leaves them with the stigma of not having an education. To show knowledge in a rap rappers would began to make their lyricism more diverse in their diction or would add in scriptures to show that they have a background of advanced reading.

#2 To address issues in the world.

Mason Trinca / Emerald / Via google.com

In our world there are constant issues and problems arising that leave people feeling the need to address it in the best way they know how. rappers are well-known for using their platforms in the hip-hop movement to help shed light on situations and raise awareness. In doing so, for rappers who have religious faith, it is only right to embed a couple of words of God to show that better times are on the way.

#3 To justify having a "Jesus Piece."

T-Rawh (tumblr) / Via rebloggy.com

Numerous rappers have risen to fame off a couple of hit songs leading to them becoming overly confident in themselves. As we all know the stereotypical rapper will buy himself several gold chains and watches to be more of a physical representation of their fortune and success. Of course you can not forget to give glory to God so that's when they purchase a "Jesus Piece" which is really just a cross.

#4 To give their music deeper meaning.

Via google.com

Numerous rappers like to show-off their lyricism in their verses so they take to using metaphorical talk. Many of times when rappers due resort to this lyrical technique they decide to use parables from the bible or make biblical references. For instance J-Cole named one of his albums Born Sinner and named a few of the songs on that album based on biblical references.

#5 To show that all rappers do not have to be vulgar to make good music.

Via giphy.com

When hip-hop first emerged it was not always about drugs, alcohol, and women but more of catchy phrases to go with catchy tunes. Rappers like Will Smith and Shad made songs that had little to no curse words and still developed a large backing. Other rappers like Common like to use their rhyming skills to be that inspiration when people are in need while infusing some words of God. When Kanye West released his song "Jesus Walks" there was an outstanding and withstanding positive effect on his career, his fan base, and the genre as a whole. It is artists like this who are able to remind the youth that God is always on there side and to keep pushing through the hard times.