the blueprint

So this past week the Blueprint 3 was released in the States (and essentially YouTube) and every other major media outlet. I missed the leak and so I had to wait just like everyone else to hear what was coming in this next installment from Jay-Z.

Yes, that's right. Jay-z. The guy who calls himself "Hov".

I struggle a lot with Jay-z. I've heard him called everything from "the best rapper of all time" to "demonic." I know that a grown man who walks around calling himself Jehovah is either 1) influenced by a spirit not from God or 2) is about to turn some h2o into chardonnay with the quickness. And since Jay-z to my knowledge has not opened up for himself a "choice wine" distillery, I'm guessing that he's not ushering in a second coming. A tad disappointed, I'll admit.

But he has in the past made some good music. Some entertaining music that at times has kept my head nodding at a respectable 94 beats per minute. But the problem is the pagan part. Great music, mad pagan.

So that brings up the question: How do Christians handle people like Jay-z (uber talented musicians who aren't moving by the spirit of God)? Do I grab signs and picket his house because he calls himself "Hov" and blasphemes every time he rhymes? Do I buy his music on iTunes and just make the claim "I don't listen to the lyrics" (a cover-up for the person who secretly sings the chorus when no ones watching)?

Or do I pray for him?

A spirit-filled Jay-z would give the Christian rap game a boost, that's for sure. But really, how do we reconcile Jay-z with Jesus? Do we completely turn our backs on the things that we see in the world, the music we used to listen to, the clothes we used to wear, the way we used to speak... in favor of what seems more "Christian"? I mean I like Hillsong...but I can't listen to them 24/7. And while I dig Chris Tomlin... it's just not happening that I hear him every moment of the day. And really it's not a worship issue, but rather a cultural one. I'm not used to hearing a guitar riff every second of the day as much as I am used to a banging 808 and snare, going at a pace only fit for struttin'.

Asking about Jay-z isn't really asking about whether or not Christ calls us to give up Jay's music (which He may be), but instead trying to get at the root level. Is it about the music, or the hip-hop culture behind it? Is it about the music, or the fashion, speech, and lifestyle that the music can at times both encourage and portray?

Really what I'm asking is:
Is hip-hop culture Christian?

Can I wear baggy jeans, a chain and aviators on a Sunday?


Or what about on the pulpit?


What would you think about my faith if I did?