In this episode of the Church on the Block our guest CHH artist Cannon joins us for a candid discussion on the role of rap music in a Christian context and its impact on the culture. We also address personal growth, toxic elements in music, and the power of music to inspire positive change.

The Concept of “Church Clothes” in Rap Music

Our conversation kicked off with an exploration of the concept of “church clothes” in rap music. This idea originated from a sermon by Ambassador and has since been adopted by many artists in the Christian rap scene. We reflected on the importance of being oneself and having fun in the church, challenging the notion that one has to conform to a certain way of being.

We shared stories of our own experiences, such as wearing triple XL shirts and embracing our own style. We emphasized the need for artists to infuse substance into their music and to use their platform to move the culture forward.

The Responsibility of Artists and Believers

We also highlighted the responsibility of believers to be examples for non-believers, showing that it’s okay to have fun and enjoy oneself in the church. We discussed the importance of addressing personal growth and toxic elements in music.

We agreed that artists need to be authentic and address their own lives before creating music that reflects positive change in the world. We acknowledged that toxic music can create toxic people and stressed the importance of creating music that gives life and promotes positivity.

Embracing Personal Growth and Trusting in God

We discussed the significance of being aware of one’s wounds and transforming them instead of transferring them onto others. We encouraged listeners to embrace their own growth and trust in God to move the culture forward.

Canon shared his song “Hold Me Back,” which is about not holding back anymore and embracing one’s true identity. We highlighted the impact of such music in inspiring others to break free from their own traps and move forward.

The Freedom to Pursue Dreams

Ruckus shared his personal experience growing up in a culture where parents often pressure their children to conform to their own desires. He emphasized the importance of individuals having the freedom to pursue their own dreams, even if they don’t align with what their parents, church, or community may want for them.

The Importance of Creative Communication on the culture

Pastor Phil added that it is important for artists to creatively communicate their message to the next generation. We introduced our special guest, Cannon, and discussed his upcoming project called “Loose Canon Vol. 4.”

Embracing the Seasons of Life

Canon explained that the project reflects where he is in life and his desire to share his experiences. He talked about a song called “Home Run” and how it represents the different seasons and bases in life. He emphasized the importance of making the most of each season before God calls us home.

The Challenges of Dating and the Impact of social media

We discussed the challenges of dating and the need to take time to get to know someone before committing. We also touched on the impact of social media on relationships and the importance of genuine connections.

#The Power of Community and Authenticity

We discussed the idea of artists being alone in their creative journey until they discover a community of like-minded individuals. We drew parallels to biblical characters who found support and encouragement in unexpected places.

We believe that God may be using this shift in the culture to awaken people and bring about change. We emphasized the importance of addressing real-life issues in the African American community, such as poverty and injustice, through art and music.

We encouraged artists to be authentic and not shy away from speaking out about these issues. We also discussed the tendency in Christian hip hop to avoid controversial topics and challenged artists to be bold in their message.

Embracing Authenticity in Music

Ruckus expressed his excitement about artists embracing their true selves and presenting their authentic selves to the culture. He mentioned NF as an example of an artist who has shifted his music to reflect his personal growth and desire for happiness.

In conclusion, our conversation with Pastor Phil, Ruckus, and Canon was a deep dive into the role of rap music in a Christian context. We explored the importance of authenticity, personal growth, and the power of music to move the culture forward. We hope this conversation inspires you as much as it inspired us.

To hear Canon’s latest single Home Run or connect with him on social media, just click the link. Tap in with Church on the Block every Sunday at 10 am est. | 9 am cst. on Holy Culture Radio Sirius XM, Channel 154. Don’t forget to follow the show on Instagram to join the discussion. Please leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on the show! We want to hear from you!

Timecode Reference:

The concept of “church clothes” [00:03:13] Discussion on the origins of the idea of “church clothes” in rap music and its significance in expressing individuality in the church.

The responsibility of artists to have substance in their music [00:05:32] Exploring the role of artists in moving the culture forward and the need for their music to have substance and meaning.

The importance of having fun and being oneself in the church [00:06:45] Emphasizing the importance of having fun, enjoying oneself, and being authentic in the church, challenging the notion of being uptight or conforming to a certain image.

The role of rap music in pushing the culture [00:09:34] We discuss the importance of using rap music to push the culture forward and how personal growth influences the growth of the culture.

Addressing personal growth in music [00:10:14] We talk about the importance of addressing his own life and emotions in his music to create a healthier version of himself and combat toxic music.

Being true to oneself and leading by example [00:15:06] The meaning behind the song “Hold Me Back” and emphasizes the importance of not molding oneself to fit others’ expectations, but instead embracing one’s true identity and leading by example.

• The importance of being true to oneself [00:18:48] Discussion on the pressure to conform to others’ expectations and the need to embrace one’s own identity.
• The example of Noah and going against the norm [00:19:40] The story of Noah is used to illustrate the idea of seeing beyond others’ perspectives and having the courage to pursue one’s own vision.
• Breaking free from the limitations of traditional church culture [00:20:41] We discuss the concept of “church clothes” in rap music and the need to challenge traditional expectations in order to reach a wider audience.

The importance of seasons in life [00:29:50] Discussion on the concept of seasons in life and how they are analogous to hitting different bases in a baseball game.

Overcoming obstacles and staying focused [00:32:13] We talk about facing challenges and not letting anyone or anything hold them back from achieving their goals.

Taking time and being cautious in life [00:36:58] The speaker emphasizes the need to take one’s time, be cautious, and not rush through life, but instead embrace each season and grow in faith.

The shift in rap music [00:38:09] Discussion on how rap music is evolving and how it can be used to awaken and free up the culture.

Being authentic in the music industry [00:41:20] The importance of artists being true to themselves and not conforming to societal expectations.

God’s pursuit and love [00:43:02] A story about a woman finding her birth mother after years of searching, highlighting God’s constant pursuit and love for us.