Left: DMX, Right: The Game
This week I came across two quotes from two different mainstream rappers about faith and religion. They both have opposing opinions on what it means to be spiritual and have faith, so I want you guys to let me know who you believe. First is a quote from Compton rapper, The Game, about getting baptized and becoming a Christian, but still having ‘swag’. The second quote is from Yonkers rapper, DMX, who is actually an ordained deacon at the church he went to when he was younger. His testimony completely contradicts The Game’s viewpoint, however, I want you to read both quotes, without any prejudice and let us know what you think.
The Game, who titled his upcoming album “Jesus Piece” says, “I’m calling it ‘Jesus Piece’ ’cause last year in August I got baptized and so I’ve been going to church, but I still been kinda doing me out here. I still love the strip club and I still smoke and drink. I’m faithful to my family, so I wanted to make an album where you could love God and be of God, but still get it poppin’ in your life.”
He continues, “I’m a Christian but I’m not ‘holier than thou.’ You can still have swag and be a Christian, you ain’t gotta wear a suit to church, you ain’t gotta take a bath in Holy water,” the rapper told Vibe. “You can still have your Ciroc in the club, it’s just a faith thing and making sure you try to do right. I’m still a father, I still smoke, I still rep Compton, I still might shoot dice or have a fight if I have to defend myself.”
‘Jesus Piece’ gives me an opportunity to speak about situations that people like me who love God but are still street and still wanna remain themselves without going the Pastor Mase route,” the rapper said in the Vibe report. “It gives the opportunity to know that it’s somebody out there that feels them.”
Ok so now that you read that, here’s what DMX has to say about his faith, “I read the whole bible. I just been made a deacon at the church I used to go to… I would like my first sermon to be there or in Yonkers. The biggest step is not in the studying, reading, but the wanting to change the way you live. Wanting different things for yourself, and making that change because if you still want to drink and smoke, you could read as much as you want, that doesn’t mean you’re ready.”
His quote was short, simple and to the point. Also, check out DMX performing his Gospel single, “Keep Your Head Up”. Ok folks let’s hear what you have to say!
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Gwen
September 21, 2012 at 11:13 AM
The difference between the two of them is that one of their minds has not yet been converted and his mind has not yet been renewed to a Christ-like way of living. The Game is not ready to fully submit his life to the Lord Jesus Christ. He wants to have his cake and eat it too. You can’t do that and be a Christian too. SMH However, if he is sincere in his heart and truly seeks God, He will find Him and he’ll learn.
Cynthia
September 21, 2012 at 11:29 AM
I think The Game needs to spend more time in his word so that he can understand what true Christianity and spirituality entails. Because if he really had a relationship with God and had a life changing encounter when he was “saved” he wouldn’t still be comfortable drinking Ciroc, going to the strip club & all the other things that he mentioned that are very worldly and go directly against what the word of God says. Christians rappers such as Lecrae, Viktory, & even Christian artists with Hip Hop flava such as Canton Jones, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary all have “Swagger” but they are reppin’ Jesus Christ with out being “straddle the fence”. If you have been saved for real, your swagger doesn’t have to be like the world. The world needs to be like you…living for God, according to His word, and you can still enjoy your life WITHOUT drinking, smoking, fighting, clubbing, etc.
Sheila
September 21, 2012 at 11:47 AM
DMX got it! Being a Christian is about the inner transforming power of Jesus. Being baptised is not a guarantee into heaven. Lets keep it real, you can be saved and still have those urges to smike, drink and get high but the thing is that are you willing to let it go? Jesus said we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony. What witness or testimony can The Game give if he is not willing to change? At least DMX can say what he use to do and a change took place. God doesnt go against our will. It takes courage and discipline to change especially from a thug life style. Game you can still have swag and be saved but are you willing to do it Gods way instead of your own??!
edwin
September 22, 2012 at 9:19 PM
I agree with DMX. The Game, needs to get under a good pastor to help shepherd him on THE truth and what a true conversion entails. Can’t server 2 masters. Praying for them both ’cause they (like every one on this planet) needs salvation not relgion
VictoriousOne
September 24, 2012 at 12:48 PM
In a way, they are both right, but they are at different stages of development. When you get “saved,” all you are doing is making a decision to renew your mind and change your life. Depending on how long it’s been – and how serious you were – you must still work through changing your thought patterns, removing worldly “clutter” from your life, and learning how to live your life in a way that pleases God. Rather than hammer the brother for what looks like straddling the fence, I choose to believe that he is gradually making his way down that path, not 100% who he used to be but not yet 100% mature in his new lifestyle. We Christians gotta be careful not to be judgmental of folks who are not yet where we think we are, cuz we can ruin them and disillusion them if we give them a wrong perception of the true nature of God. he has accepted us by His grace, not because of any of our accomplishments. When a person gets “saved,” he is indeed bound for heaven, but the quality of his life between now and then will de determined by his choices. Give the brother some slack and let him continue to develop…
Dean
September 24, 2012 at 1:06 PM
DMX is on the right path. Accepting jesus Christ as your savior is the first step but you have to also want to be a better person.
Elder Hank Millbourne
September 25, 2012 at 11:52 AM
I agree with Victorius One. Our walk with God is a journey and some of us are farther along that journey than others. None of us started on this path wholly righteous, justified and sanctified (at least that’s not my story). It takes time, learning, teaching and submitting our will to move along that continuum. We are all still in the perfecting stage. Hopefully The Game has a good pastor and other faith leaders to guide him along his journey.