On the local hip hop and r & b radio station there's a Sunday morning show called "The Spirit of Hip Hop." It features music and artists that use the same music as rap and r & b, but the message in the lyrics is definitely sacred and religious in nature. It reminds me of the evolution of gospel music and it is symbolic of how people of faith find ways to be in the world without being of the world." If you don't pay close attention to what is said in the song you might just write it off as regular rap of the money, cash, cars, party, alcohol and drug variety. Its mere existence- this "gospel rap" or "holy hip hop"- brings out a critical aspect of my identity as a hip hop educator. For more information, check out AltaredLives.org, an Internet radio station featuring holy hip hop, and GospelFlava, for the latest news in the gospel music industry.
I love Jesus! I love hip hop! I love educating! While sometimes these loves seem to be at odds with one another, they coexist in my life. The soul of hip hop encompasses mind, body and spirit much the same way that education should seek to develop them. Actions demonstrate values that are formed through inquiry, experience and reflection. Therefore, I hope that through my actions my students know that I am a Christian (I emphasize the golden rule), they know that I know about hip hop (but they might not be aware that I consider myself a hip hop scholar :P) and they know that every moment is a teachable one as far as I'm concerned (even if it is play time).
In conclusion, the true essence of hip hop is living a purposeful, perhaps even prophetic, life in which you are- or striving towards being- who you were created to be... contradictions and all!
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