Can Rappers Spread the Gospel?

Many people have frowned upon Christian rappers for years. Most don’t believe rap music can spread the Gospel—even if the lyrics are about God. For them, rapping and the gospel are like oil and vinegar, they don’t mix. 

Others believe Christian rappers are a joke. The older generations often hold this perspective. In contrast, younger generations readily embrace and can relate to Christian rap music. Times have changed. Before becoming judgmental, let’s remember God has blessed us with varying gifts, so we’ll be a blessing to others. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10)

“Hip-hop is an expression of what is dearest to you,” says Christian rapper KB. “It’s coming from who I love. And who I love is Jesus.”

KB, Kevin Elijah Burgess, is a Christian hip-hop artist. His album, EP, “100,”, made number one on the Billboard Christian Album Chart. KB was introduced to the gospel through Christian rap music. He is living proof that gospel hip-hop/rap music is capable of bringing souls to Christ. The lyrics of most gospel rappers aren’t much different from that of any other traditional gospel artist—it’s just a different genre. Here’s a line from KB’s song, “Give My All”:

“Rich living in a beach front… That don’t mean nothing in the Kingdom. So what I want you to remember me for, if you forget my name, please remember my Jesus.”

Not all Christian rappers are created equal. It boils down to being selective and listening with an open mind. Christian rap music has the ability to convert many whom traditional gospel music can’t reach. We have to apply different approaches to each individual so we can reach many. “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people that by all means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).

I am for unadulterated Bible truths and spreading the Gospel. I’m also very unorthodox. For that reason, I’ll forever support spreading the gospel through the creative arts. It’s okay to step outside of the proverbial box. People learn differently, so let’s choose to incorporate variety, such as the seven learning styles (Visual, audio, kinesthetic, etc.), when sharing God’s Word. As long as Bible truths remain the same, then I say, be as creative as possible in your efforts to spread the Gospel.

What are some other unconventional means of spreading the Gospel?