by: Erica Rawls
The music world has been in a buzz for the past few weeks over Chance the Rapper. He’s the only artist that has won a Grammy without selling any music (Chance was nominated 7 times to be exact, winning 3 Grammys). All of his music is made available through streaming.
In the Gospel music arena, everyone has been buzzing because of his performance at the Grammys; a rendition of “How Great is Our God” featuring Kirk Franklin, Tamela Mann, a choir in all white, and ending with his song “All We Got.” Christian artists and fans alike were setting social media on fire with reposts of his performance and acceptance speech, giving him kudos for showcasing worship and acknowledging that he claimed “the victory in the name of The Lord” as he shouted from the stage.
After watching this and seeing the response of the Christian music world, I began to do some research on Chance the Rapper, because I had only heard of him and his music in passing. I looked up the lyrics to his songs on his award winning album, Coloring Book. I read interviews and articles on his life and beginnings. After doing this, I was left with a question, not for Chance the Rapper, but for Christians. Why are we always so ready to jump on board with something that hints to Jesus in the world, but not willing to bring Jesus to the world with no compromise? Chance the Rapper’s lyrics are laced with more scripture references than some CHH artists; however, they also contain cursing and sexual innuendos.
Now before I get accused of judging, let me state this: based on what I have read and seen of Chance the Rapper, I believe that just like me and you, he is trying to live a saved life. He has said numerous times that he isn’t perfect, but he knows that Jesus saved him. I believe his praises to God at the Grammys were genuine. Even the fact that he doesn’t charge for his music exemplifies his character because I can’t think of many Christian artists who have done that in all honesty. My concern is with so many Christians supporting him. Who is going to disciple him to know that you have to separate yourself totally from the world and be holy as God is holy? If he exemplifies Christ more than most, how will he get the conviction needed to complete his process?
Remember all the youth groups that danced to “Jesus Walks” when Kanye came out with the song? Now, where are Kanye’s Christian supporters (Outside of Kirk Franklin)? My point is that we need to pray for Chance the Rapper and not just ride the wave of his success, happy that Christ’s name was mentioned. At the moment, if he makes the mistake of relishing in worldly success or falls away (God forbid it), we will have our nice comfy churches and Gospel Music Awards to fall back on, but what will our brother have to save his soul?
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