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The very controversial song, “I Luh God,” by Erica Campbell is what’s trending in gospel music today. It’s named the number-one digital gospel song in the country. Last week, it topped the Billboard’s Top Current Gospel Chart. Erica Campbell is one of two sisters from the once very popular duo, Mary Mary. You might remember them from their hit single released in 2000 called, “Shackles.” Both sing American contemporary gospel.
I Luh God, is a song about loving God and being forgiven. However, while the message is positive, it’s being delivered through a less than popular medium in the Christian community—rap. The beat is what many would consider secular, and the music video is, let’s say … anything but righteous. In the video Erica and her co-artist, Big Shiz, dress, act, and dance like any secular artist. The focus is not on God, but is instead on looks and self-praise. At one point, Erica even had on shades reflecting the initial “E” in it.
The term now being used for this type of gospel is “Trap Gospel.” This, from the original term “Trap Music,” which is music that emphasizes the beat more than it does the lyrics. One website describes it this way, “The utilization of the musical instruments involved, create an overall dark, harsh, grim and bleak background feeling for listeners.”
The song continues to make waves as everyone chimes in with their opinion. As the song gains popularity, mixed reviews heap higher. One woman posted a video on YouTube calling the song “garbage music.” She further stated that it is nonsense and it sounds like the other worldly music songs by demonic artists. Yet, on that same video, a man contradicts her views and embraces Erica’s song. He said it’s okay if others don’t like the song, but they need not call it sinful.
We sometimes get distracted and seek to please the world instead of God. We want to serve two masters, even though we know the outcome. It’s insane do the same things the world is doing and expect to get a different result. We are supposed to be in the world, but not of the world. Let’s guard our hearts as we strive to be set apart.
“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4)
What do you have to say? Check out the music video above and share your comments below.
Well, I’m really at a loss for words. – And evidently Erica Campbell lost a dictionary. I don’t know what “luh” is, so I didn’t really get the song.
Several years ago the Lord convicted me in a Sunday morning service as I was listening to a rather old timey song. I was thinking “twang” – that’s just what everyone wants to hear.” When the song was over the older lady in the church stood up and said, “Now that’s the kind of music we need.” Immediately, I ‘heard’ “Look how that song blessed her….it’s not all about you.”
Since that day I’ve been pretty accepting of, and even have come to appreciate, most Christian music genres. I just can’t say the same for this one. It certainly did not feel inspirational. This was not something I could connect with on any level. It was like looking at an artists painting and thinking, “What is that even supposed to be?”
Thanks for sharing it though. 🙂 I never would have known the song existed.
LOL, Melinda, I guess she did lost her dictionary. But it seems a lot of artists these days have been loosing their dictionaries! it’s becoming a “thing” to misspell words. Probably it’s because the majority send so much short-hand text messages, that it’s beginning to take over written words. (I’ve been really considering that)
To each his own indeed. Still, Christians have to draw the line somewhere. We have to be careful not to try being like the world, but try to be set a part instead. Thanks for commenting!
Oh, Melinda, “Luh” means “LOVE”… Just thought you might want to know.
Thanks for introducing me to the term “Trap Gospel” – wow, never knew of it, and I agree that it’s become a theme in the industry. One of my youth years ago wanted me to listen to some Christian label, and my reaction was, “Christian ‘Death Metal’?” Something doesn’t quite sync.
Etomko, “Trap Gospel” is a discovery I’ve only made recently. And I too have to thank you for introducing “Christian ‘Death Metal”… I would have to agree that something is off!
I’m all for celebrating individuality and owning our talents through creativity. But these new ventures are bordering on some dark, scary territories. Let us not seek to do as the Romans do. We can still be creative and unique without conforming to everything the world does. Thanks for sharing.
would you sing this in the present of a HOLY GOD ? no you wouldnt
Good point, Joe. Thank you for sharing!