Hip-Hop Gets Religion
Dec. 13, 2006 — -- Run of Run-DMC. MC Hammer. Chris Martin. Kurtis Blow. All these performers are rap legends of the 1980s and '90s.
But besides the baggy pants, break dancing, bad hairstyles and nostalgic fans, these rap pioneers have one other thing in common. They are all at the forefront of a religious revival within the hip-hop nation.
In September 2006, the original rap superstar-turned-preacher, Kurtis Blow, and Holy Hip-Hop Music got together and established a groundbreaking record label, Music Ministry Recordings.
The strategic alliance is part of an exclusive agreement with industry heavyweight EMI Gospel in which Holy Hip-Hop Music and Pastor Kurtis will produce, distribute, and market Music Ministry Recordings.
"Pastor Kurtis Blow is always on the forefront as a pioneer and person who not only can see clearly what is to come, but has no trepidation in acting on vision to fulfill destiny and to accelerate movement," says Panchetta Harris, general manager of Holy Hip-Hop Music. "These qualities are why Holy Hip-Hop Music and EMI Gospel are proud to be in close covenant and partnership with Pastor Kurtis Blow, fulfilling the mission to advance hip-hop ministry, advancing the Gospel worldwide without delay."
Blow, who co-founded The Hip-Hop Church and now serves as its rapper, DJ, and worship leader, is scheduled to release his CD in April 2007. He wants his upcoming album to spread the good word, while remaining true to its rap roots.
"It's a compilation CD. We rap about God and we rap about Jesus and the Bible and salvation, sanctification, redemption, the good news," Blow said. "Whoever picks up the CD will get an opportunity to listen to the word of God, the messages that will be in the CD are all inspirational, positive, elevating messages."
Rap and religion may seem like an incongruous mix, but Blow and other performers say they are joining forces to expand their scope and deliver their message to a larger audience.
"Don't get it twisted, God has always existed," raps Blow. "In terms of these young people out here who love God but do not like to go to church, only hip-hop can bring them back to the church."
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