Monday, February 5, 2007

Gangsta Rap and Pulpit Wealth: A Tale of Two Greeds

by Eric Walters


"The church ought to say, 'If you can't do more positive rap, shut up and get the hell out,' ”



Those were the words of Reverend Michael Battle, commenting on how gangsta rap has negatively influenced black youth and black women. Battle is a Baptist preacher and President of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.


Speaking to an audience of pastors and church leaders at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ (Los Angeles, CA), Battle charged that gangsta rap has stolen "the soul of positive rap," meant to articulate the "sociological circumstances" of African Americans, especially men. Some raps capture the obstacles facing a teen as he tries to "become a man … somebody with character in their turbulent circumstances."

Battle also alleged that the "wealth, health and prosperity part" of the [black] church as "what gangsta rap is to the hip-hop."

I think the comparison between gangsta rap and pulpit greed that Battle speaks of is quite fitting. It’s always encouraging to hear black clergy speak against self-inflicted abuse in the black community. Both gangsta rap and prosperity preachers prey upon their listeners with the empty promise of riches, respect, and prestige.

However, in ministry talk is cheap, and I’m concerned about what happens next. In the early 1990s C. Delores Tucker was one of the first African American leaders to galvanize a campaign against the emerging gangsta rap culture. Despite the Pastors and Laity Conference having deliberated the problems of gangsta rap/pulpit greed at its previous two conferences, I do not sense that there is a plan to mobilize their outrage into a foreseeable movement for transformation.

How do ministers and theologians move beyond "preaching and analysis" about the industry of gangsta rap and pulpit greed, to organized protest in the hope for transformation of our communities?

I have my own ideas and strategies, but I’d like to hear your suggestions.

What do you think?



Eric Walters is Co-Founder of TheoSyst Group.

20 comments:

Blackwatch said...

I think this is a long overdue topic and a much needed discussion. I would just caution ministers and other leaders not to demonize young people in the midst of addressing this issue. It is not just young people, or black people "self inflicting" these wounds of irresponsible behavior and, as Cornell west notes, nihilism, in our community. We must address the role of corporate record companies and the role of minstrelsy, black debasement for white entertainment, in this crisis. Also, there is a serious need to interrogate the prosperity preachers on a grand scale. If for nothing else, to spark more critical debate among lay persons in this fight.

Eric, if you will have a conference on this, I will submit a paper that I am working on that actually discusses the minstrelsy aspect of gangsta rap as well as the theology that is coming out of it, I have dubbed it "thug theology". Hit me up,
Chaunceyspears@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I think that pastors should begin to organize with each other in local areas and address the immediate problems in their communities.

They could do this with the help of the national conventions like PNBC, NBC and some black congregations with the SBC.

but it shouldn't be because we are trying to demonize the "thug" culture. They can do that on their own. We should also do the same with the greedy preachers that are out there.

Anonymous said...

How is this any different from what Tavis Smiley has been doing? Even when the plight of black folks is on CSPAN, we seem to be helpless to change out situation.

Seems to me that the ones who talk about change aren't really interested in making it happen.

We all need prayer.

Anonymous said...

hopeful:

how can you say that it is helpless? i don't think that we should buy into Cornel West and his whole take on nihilism and hopelessness. that's not a Christian perspective. we are people of hope and should be hopeful. what one person may interpret as greed may only be taking advantage of an opportunity to better their circumstances.

Anonymous said...

Some interesting questions you ask in your blogs.
>
>Is it possible that the negative stereotypes
>portrayed in the "gansta
>rap" culture make it seem acceptable to have
>parties, like the one
>recently at Clemson, that are "harmless fun"?
>
>I think you can expand past gangsta rap to look at
>popular culture, and
>the destructive force it is on society. Britney
>Spears is a piece of
>trash, yet many still look to her as a role model.
>
>I think it is wrong for our children to look to
>"stars" to be role
>models. However, we all know that they do, and
>they don't see many
>positive role models out there. For every Will
>Smith and Natalie
>Portman, there are five to ten Paris Hiltons and
>Bobby Browns.

Anonymous said...

Detroit:

We are a people of hope--but to say that just because you "have an opportunity" you're supposed to sell out your women and the church is just plain wrong.

What should we do besides prayer? i think that we should begin to talk to the conventions, like seekersensitive said earlier.

My church is an AME Zion, and I would be willing to talk to our leadership about taking a more active role in this new ministry. It's long overdue.

Anonymous said...

Blackwatch:

Going after the corporate record companies should not be the first thing.

It's like drugs--do you go after the dealer, or do you try to limit the desire for the drug.

For me, I would like my children to know that they don't have to look to "hoochie" culture in order to feel accepted and loved. Only a good family can do that for a child.

Look at our black families and you will see where we've got to work harder. The church, and its leaders are responsible for making sure that families take responsibility for their children.

The same thing shoud be done about the pastors who pimp thier congregations. Congregations should throw the bums out!

Anonymous said...

I remember when Delores Tucker was raising sand about rap music and destroying some of the records.

Black preachers were too afraid to speak out against the lyrics and music videos that were broadcasted on BET then.

They are still AFRAID to speak out. Nothing has changed, except they all know how to make money off of the people.

Anonymous said...

Hi Chauncey:

Thanks for the interest and your suggestions. We are currently planning the agenda for a local/regional meeting in the Washington area.

Once we determine the key areas of interest, I will solicit for papers to be presented at the conference.

I am concerned that certain academic voices are becoming ineffectual when it comes to community change. For example, some black people react negatively to Cornel and Smiley because they feel that they are only wordsmiths who talk in broad public settings about our problems, but rarely engaged the leaders of gangsta and pulpit greed directly.

Others feel that they are doing their part by identifying the problems and attempting to dialogue for change.

Is the solution a combination of confrontation and community?

R.G. said...

Thanks to Meredith who directed me to this blog. These are the kinds of discussions that I like to participate in. Ditto to what BlackWatch said. And I'll supplement by saying it is not a matter of educating people about the downside of media and entertainment and how it exploits black people and encourages pathological behavior versus dealing with the corporations themselves which make it all possible. We have to do both.

Burning c.d.'s is largely ineffective and boycotting certain record companies may be just as ineffective, because these institutions create products which run the gamut from violent, misogynistic and stereotypical to inspiring, redemptive and culturally affirming. What Pastors and Theologians must do is highlight and encourage the purchasing of the best that hip-hop has to offer, such as Common, Lupe Fiasco and Talib Kweli.

Interestingly enough the first two individuals I mentioned are Muslim and Talib identifies with all three Abrahamic faiths. Kanye' is one of the few mainstream Christian hip-hop artists who has spoken openly about his faith, but he is too inconsistent and sends too many mixed messages, though he has had some incredible achievements that are worth acknowledging from a artistic and spiritual perspective.

There's always Christian hip-hop, but most of it seems to reflect the shallow theology of most black churches today. If one sees Jesus as a socio-spiritual revolutionary, like myself, than Lupe will do more to embolden one's faith than the average Christian artist who presents Jesus as self-help guru who has little if any concern with issues of socio-economic injustice.

The question is, are we able to look beyond a few profane words and even the religious affiliation of the artist and ask ourselves, "Is this artistic expression consistent or inconsistent with what Jesus represents?" If it's the former than hopefully, we're willing to listen and support.

R.G. said...

I also wanted to say that Cornel West is a Christian Philospher, which for some may be an oxymoron, but if you realize that most of Christian theology is influenced by Western Philosophy, it does not seem so strange.

West does not say that the black community is inherently nihistic, nor does he say that our condition is hopeless, but being the prophetic voice that he is, he speaks to the reality of the present situation, especially for many poor black brothers and sisters.

West would say that this condition is the result of social, historical and spiritual forces, which we must war against if our people will finally achieve salvation in the fullest sense of the term.

Anonymous said...

Rod:

I agree that demonizing/burning cds is not the way to go. It makes a statement, but "when the smoke clears", there needs to be something in place--mobilization.

How do we organize people, and ground them in theological insight that transforms the apetite of individuals?

What are the primordial features that are necessary for organization and mobilization?

Anonymous said...

you touch on some very real issues that have seemingly been either neglected or approached from the wrong perspective...there are multiple causes for both of these extremes (gangsta rap & pulpit wealth) and one of those causes is our ability to expect and depend others to be responsible for us and to do what we won't do for ourselves...until we become bold enough and honest enough to admit that these things are the result of brokenness within our families...we wont be able to fix the brokenness in any of the other areas

Anonymous said...

I think this demonstrates the overwhelming immaturity of the church. We can not or have not the ability to “discern between good and evil.” Therefore the line becomes blurred and moves away from truth. The members of our church cannot differentiate, the pulpit can’t differentiate and here we are. In an effort to make gospel palatable to the massive it has to be fun, not substantive, not meaty, just fun. How can an immature church, an immature pulpit speak out against the growing tide? The church can’t because we fail to see the error.

I listen to a Memphis radio station via the internet. A Memphis pastor who gives the noon “inspiration” was addressing 36 Mafia acceptance speech where “they thanked God.” A course of criticism came about their thinking God. This pastor stated, “I will not criticize 36 Mafia because 36 Mafia kids don’t have to worry about where their next meal will come from, they don’t have to worry about where they will go to school.” The children’s worry has been relived because the success of their parents. He closed with a statement with the lead-in, “This is from the mouth of God…” God affirmed his position. We can’t see the difference therefore we buy into the culture.

Anonymous said...

A couple of ways to look at this. Theologically speaking, Jesus is quite clear on the world being in fact the world, gangsta lyrics and lifestyle reflect that well and preaching to them the Gospel of the Kingdom of God by word and demonstration would be the best thing.

As for the Black church in ministry, teaching black boys how to be Godly men would be the best way to counteract the music’s influence.

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

Damn, aint that the pot calling the kettle black. Nice blog

I am UUNIK.... said...

Greetings! Here's an interesting book that I think will enhance the convo as to what is going on within the Black church. The book is 'Holy Lockdown: Does the Church Limit Black Progress' by Jemeriah Camara (www.twelvehp.com). Also, a great lecture is 'Minister Thou Art Loose' by Keidi Awadu (www.libradio.com or www.libtv.com).

R.G. said...

Eric, I wanted to try and answer your questions:

"How do we organize people, and ground them in theological insight that transforms the appetite of individuals?"

We have to create alternative spaces outside of the church walls in coffee houses, bookstores and college campuses where Christians can think critically and engage in Socratic dialog about their faith. We have to have the conversations that we can't have in the institutional church and share the insight we often do not get from the pulpit. If you have a pulpit use it to bring a prophetic word while you continue to instruct and edify the people in the faith.

What are the primordial features that are necessary for organization and mobilization?

1. Sound theology rooted in a contextual and communal understanding of the Gospel that allows us to creatively apply biblical insights to our own situation

2. Humility and self-criticsm. Even if we feel called to lead, we must realize that we are merely cracked vessels with particular gifts, but those we lead are just as gifted in their own unique ways and have just as much to contribute.

3. Decentralization. Organization and mobilization in our time will not be bureaucratic for the most part. It will be organic and dialogical. Those of us called to be on the forefront are merely there to facilitate the discussion, provide direction and inspire people to go and follow Christ wherever he is leading them.

Heru said...

Excerpted from the article "Oprah & the Three Bears" on Urban Village Blog & Commentary

We can no longer afford to dismiss certain elements within the Hip-Hop community just because we may find them to be less than what we expect them to be. Ice Cube, Ludacris, and 50 Cent are major players in an industry that is global in concept and scale. Based upon that fact, it is time we sit down at the table of discussion with all interested parties and break the bread of honest and frank dialogue with one another.

As I pointed out in Faking The Funk “It’s as if there is some type of disconnect between the reality that is Urban America and the causes that brought Urban America to its current reality. The reality of Urban America (the negative and yes, the positive) is what gave birth to Rap and Hip-Hop. By dismissing that reality, we abdicate responsibility to determine its path.

We failed to address the genesis of overt poverty and economic genocide within Urban America. We did not raise our voices loud enough when our urban communities were overrun with drugs, violence, and mayhem. We ignored the negative socio-economic impact that the loss of schools and viable businesses had on Urban America. We did nothing when our young boys and girls brought children into this world out of wedlock.

Ice Cube, Ludacris, 50 Cent and other well known rappers are the progeny of our own benign neglect and however one feels about their music or about them personally, they are looked upon as leaders and role models to millions of fans and wannabe rap artists within the industry.

Like Oprah, they too were fortunate enough to rise above the urban dysfunction and succeed despite existing within the midst of it. However for every Oprah and Ice Cube, or a 50 Cent that made it, there were/are thousands that continue to have no choice but to succumb and capitulate their dreams to survive and that cannot continue. Can you feel we?

Anonymous said...

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2 Krayze says, "I want to be a mega entertainer, actor, attorney and businessman. I am a leader and I set high standards because I am proud to be a positive ‘Role-Model’. I just think an education and a degree should be a major priority for the youth. I see myself as a ‘Superstar’ and I intend to be The Next Big Thing!” 2 Krayze’s musical idols are James Brown, Michael Jackson, Prince, Morris Day, The Eagles, The Gap Band, Marvin Gaye, Aerosmith and the Rolling Stones. 2 Krayze’s role-model is Will "Fresh Prince" Smith, the wildly successful bubble-gum rapper, businessman and actor.

“I just love performing," says2 Krayze, who typically wears a suit, hat and sequined gloves onstage. “When I'm onstage, I'm focused and thinking about how I'm going to get the crowd yelling and screaming. I pray for God to bless my performance and for the show to be a success. I never get nervous because it is not pressure, its fun. I'm trying to appeal to everyone, not necessarily just the youth. I hope to have an impact on kids, to encourage them to go to school and college. I also want to reach the adult audience. I'm talking about people ages 1 to 100."
2 Krayze is an artist with positive messages and an up-and-coming actor. He is a mesmerizing entertainer with an electrifying high-energy style performance, complete with a mixture of rhythmic beats, street-dancing and smooth choreography. 2 Krayze writes lyrics about having fun and how kids should “Stay in School” and abstain from sex, drugs and alcohol. 2 Krayze cleverly communicates these messages with pulsating hip-hop musical tracks. Some of his songs are about integrity, respecting yourself and others and loving your mother and father. His CD includes Adult Contemporary (AC) artists such as Michael Cooper from Confunction and some members from the Gap Band.

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Executive Director, of the NBA’s Player’s Association. His parents are music industry veterans. His mom, Renee G., is a former Warner Brothers and CBS Records executive and his dad, George, guided, tutored and managed clients such as Kenneth (Babyface) Edmonds, Bobby Brown, Loose Ends, L.A. Reid, Charlie Wilson, The Gap Band, and others.

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is going to be big. I just know it! Everyone who sees him loves him” says Joe Maloof. Mr. Maloof personally arranged for 2 Krayze to perform at the Arco Arena during half- time for several NBA games and playoffs.

Mr. Joe Maloof and Mr. G. William Hunter, Executive Director of the NBA Players’ Association asked
2 Krayze to participate in various artistic events associated with the NBA All-Star game. "This is just a great opportunity for 2 Krayze to demonstrate his talents and to rap his way to Law School. 2 Krayze
is mannerly and polite. He is multi-talented, and his message is wholesome and refreshing. Maybe people are ready for that. Today, the NBA - Tomorrow, the World.” says Mr. G. William Hunter.

Congresswoman Maxine Waters invited 2 Krayze to the CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS FOUNDATION’S 33rdand 36thAnnual Legislative Conference in Washington, DC.
2 Krayze was a featured guest and sat on the panel of the “Young, Gifted & Black Forum” with Reverend Jesse Jackson. 2 Krayze also performed and spoke to the audience about the importance of education and the impact of hip-hop on the youth. Congresswoman Waters is a big fan and admires him for the lyrical content of his songs, his phenomenal music and affirmative messages to the youth.

Reverend Jesse Jackson became an instant fan of 2 Krayze’s after meeting him and observing his performance at the “Young, Gifted & Black Forum”. Reverend Jackson endorses and is a major supporter of 2 Krayze and thinks he is incredibly talented and a positive role-model for the youth.
2 Krayze is also endorsed by many local, state and federal officials.

2 Krayze performed at the “House of Blues” with Bobby Brown. 2 Krayze was “Special Guest” with Charlie & Ronnie Wilson of the Gap Band on several concert dates. 2 Krayze was the featured artist on the “Stay in School All Star Tour” with Lil Romeo.

2 Krayze performed at the NBA All Star Weekend at the following activities:
• NBA Reading Rally
 ‘Club NBA’ at All Star Jam Session
 NBA Center Court - Special Concert: 2 Krayze , Jon B, Amerie & Ruben Studdard

2 Krayze co- produced his just completed self-entitled album. His self-written lyrics and his music deliver positive messages to our youth about:
 Staying in School
 Graduating from College
 Abstaining from Sex
 Saying “No” to Drugs, Alcohol & Tobacco
 Respecting Yourself and Others
 Honoring your Mother and Father

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BROBOT:
An action adventure movie about a kid, who has superhuman strength, is a youthful “A” student by day, an entertainer at night and the first “Teenage African-American Superhero”.

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http://radio.disney.go.com/artists/incubator/2_krayze/bio.html
http://radio.disney.go.com/speak/request/html
www.myspace.com/2krayze
www.youblab.com/2krayze