Welcome to another episode of Church on the Block. This episode we’re talking about the culture of Hip Hop and its impact in and on our communities. The Firehouse Community Arts Center, where we work with youth on Chicago’s west side recently hosted a Stop the Violence event where Hip Hop legends KRS-One and Kurtis Blow joined us in our efforts to help unify the neighborhood in peace through the arts.

The Purpose of Church on the Block

Church on the Block is a platform for real talk about hip hop, the church, and the streets. We acknowledge that hip hop and the church don’t always go together, but they are becoming more intertwined. We aim to explore why hip hop is a part of our conversation and how it impacts the communities we serve.

Hip Hop: A Universal Language

We shared our personal experiences with hip hop and how it has brought unity, validation, and healing to their lives. We emphasized that hip hop is a universal language that breaks barriers and speaks to the struggles and pain of people. We also discussed how hip hop has become a tool for justice and fighting for the marginalized.

Hip Hop as a Source of Strength and Resilience

We reflected on the significance of hip hop in bringing awareness and healing to people in the margins, especially people of color. We agreed that hip hop has always been a source of strength and resilience for communities. We also discussed how hip hop has evolved from a form of entertainment to a platform for social justice and resistance.

The Impact of Hip Hop Culture

We shared our experiences growing up in Chicago, where gang culture was prevalent. We discussed how our association with hip hop, through our clothing and interests, helped us avoid getting involved in gangs. We highlighted the respect that hip hop had even in those days, as gang members would leave us alone because we were considered “hip hop dudes.”

Hip Hop as a Form of Resistance and Healing

We discussed the power of hip hop as a form of resistance and healing. We mentioned shows like “The Get Down” and “Hip Hop Evolution” that explore the history and evolution of hip hop. We emphasized the importance of shows like these in educating people about the true essence of hip hop and its ability to affirm and empower individuals.

Meeting KRS-One: A Legendary Hip Hop Artist

We had the opportunity to meet and listen to KRS-One, a legendary hip hop artist. We described the impact of his presence in our community, as he walked through the crowd, interacted with people, and performed on stage. We expressed our admiration for his authenticity and the power of his words.

The Hip Hop Alliance and the “Stop the Violence” Movement

We discussed the Hip Hop Alliance, a group that supports artists and addresses various community needs. We mentioned a conversation with Kurtis Blow, who expressed interest in joining forces to create a “Stop the Violence” movement. We appreciated KRS-One’s genuine approach and his willingness to engage with the people.

Hip Hop and the Church

We shared our personal experiences with hip hop and how it opened our eyes to the reality of black culture. We discussed the lyrics of a particular song that references various figures, including Jesus, and how it prompts deeper questions about the purpose of Jesus’ blood and righteousness. We emphasized the need for Christians to engage with hip hop and ask critical questions about their faith in order to bring healing and transformation to the culture.

The Role of Parents and the Church in Embracing Hip Hop

We discussed the importance of parents encouraging their children to listen to quality music and exposing them to positive hip hop culture. We also acknowledged the role of the Church in embracing hip hop and providing a platform for artists to share their music that may not be heard on mainstream stations.

The Treatment of Artists and Their Faith

We shifted the conversation to the treatment of artists and the unrealistic expectations placed on them based on their religious beliefs. We expressed frustration with the double standards applied to artists compared to professionals in other fields. We believe that artists should be judged based on their lifestyle and how they represent their faith.

God Meeting People Where They Are

We concluded our conversation by discussing the power of God meeting people where they are and taking them to where they need to be. We shared a story about a young boy waiting for a bus in the middle of the block, despite the bus stop being right there. This story serves as a metaphor for the mystery of faith and how God meets people in unexpected ways.

Conclusion

In the streets, things can get crazy, but we encourage listeners to recognize the presence of God amidst the chaos. We believe that God’s love and power can bring hope and healing to communities. We invite you to join us on our radio show, Church on the Block, where we have real talk about hip hop, the church, and the streets.

TIMECODE REFERENCES:

The significance of hip hop as a form of unity (00:03:10) Hip hop is a tool of unity, bringing people together and helping them get past their differences.

Hip hop as a universal language (00:04:36) Hip hop is a universal language that breaks barriers of color and is understood and shared everywhere.

Hip hop as a form of resistance (00:09:24) Hip hop is a tool of resistance, giving a voice to those who feel marginalized and oppressed, and asserting their worth and importance.

Hip Hop as a Form of Unity and Resistance (00:10:42) The speakers discuss how hip hop culture provided a sense of unity and resistance against gang culture in Chicago.

The Significance of Hip Hop in Healing Communities (00:11:28) They talk about how hip hop can bring healing to communities and how rap skills can gain respect even from gang members.

The Power of Hip Hop as a Creative and Affirming Outlet (00:13:40) They discuss the show “The Get Down” and how it showcases the power of hip hop as a creative and affirming form of expression, even in the face of societal disdain.

KRS One’s Inspiring Talk (00:21:32) KRS One’s presence and inspiring talk about peace, Chicago, and the significance of hip hop as unity, expression, and resistance.

Hip Hop Alliance and Social Impact (00:22:22) Discussion about the Hip Hop Alliance, its role in supporting artists and communities, and their work in social impact initiatives.

Stop the Violence Chicago Movement (00:23:31) Kurtis Blow’s involvement in the Stop the Violence Chicago movement, the collaboration with local artists, and the organic nature of the event.

The significance of hip hop in unity and expression (00:30:21) Discussion on how hip hop, particularly through the music of a certain artist, brought awareness and unity among black people.

The temple of hip hop and its relation to Jesus (00:30:50) Exploration of the concept of a “temple of hip hop” and its connection to Jesus and the church.

The purpose of Jesus’ blood and righteousness (00:32:20) Conversation about the deeper meaning of Jesus’ blood and righteousness, and how it relates to freedom and the fight against structural sin.

The significance of hip hop as a form of unity and expression (00:40:08) Discussion on the importance of encouraging children to listen to quality hip hop and exposing them to positive hip hop culture.

The fluctuation of female rappers and the pressure to sexualize their image (00:41:24) Exploration of the trend of female rappers being pressured to sexualize their image in order to achieve success.

The intersection of hip hop and spirituality (00:41:45) Conversation about the power of hip hop to bring healing and hope to communities and the need for understanding and acceptance of hip hop within religious contexts.

The significance of hip hop as a form of unity and expression (00:50:22) Pastor Phil shares a story about a young boy waiting for a bus and how it relates to the mystery of faith and the power of hip hop.

The church as a place of hope and healing (00:50:56) Pastor Phil continues discussing the connection between hip hop and the church, emphasizing that God meets people where they are and brings them to where they need to be.

Conclusion and future episodes (00:51:43) Pastor Phil and the other speakers thank the listeners for tuning in to “Church on the Block” and announce that they will be back with more episodes next week.

Related Radio Show: CHURCH ON THE BLOCK