RSS
Home
Jesus is my rap star
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
What music are American teens putting on their ipod? Country? Rock? Pop? Dance? Rap/Hip Hop?
Overwhelmingly, without question teenagers are listening to Rap/Hip Hop. Seriously it isn't even close. From a Kaiser study in 2005, 65% of teens listen to recorded (mp3 and CD) rap/hip hop in a typical day. The next closest music genre listened to by teens in a typical day is Alt Rock--32%.
If you are over 18 and reading this, you should be paying attention. Why? Because what is mainstream in the youth culture today will be mainstream in the broader culture tomorrow. So understanding and learning hip hop culture, values and style--and every musical genre has some distinct values and culture that come with it--will prepare you for the resulting changes in the broader culture.
For example, trace the rise of rock's influence in the youth culture and then in the broader culture from 1950 to 1990. What started as a suppressed youth movement which adults seemed to fear and reject became in a relatively short span, a broader culture shaper--one who's influence we now take for granted.
10-20 years from now the same will be said for rap and hip hop's influence on broader culture. It won't be "them"--teens who embrace rap and hip hop music and values. It will be "us"--adults in large part defined and influenced by their immersion in rap and hip hop's culture and values.
So for a Jesus follower who wants to be culturally engaged and able to relate to each generation in language that makes sense to that generation (and to avoid looking and sounding like these guys 10 years from now...)
...I'm working at learning and embracing hip hop culture. And I'm listening to guys like these who are doing hip hop with a decidedly Christian orientation... and doing it well.
Related Articles:
Comments
.png)
