Editorial Does Hip Hop Belong? Editor's Note: December 11, 2001 has been proclaimed the first annual Christian Hip Hop Day. We encourage you to buy Gospel hip hop music, and on that day in particular. And ask your local retailer to stock more of it. The world of the new millennium is different than that of the 1920’s, the 1960’s and even the 1990’s, in the context of fashion, externals and trends. And so, from ages past to present day, there continues to be a struggle within church walls about how to convey the message of Jesus Christ to the generation of today. The Essence of Holy Hip Hop Click the image above for movie. Since its inauguration into the lives of those that embrace it, the essence of hip hop has been one of a story line that portrays the struggles and triumphs of the streets. Holy hip hop's true roots derive from the heart and not the streets and the image of life known by those who live it which are described as today's poets. The impact of holy hip hop can be felt worldwide and the urgency of its message can potentially reach millions. Artists such as Sup the Chemist, D-Boy, and Stephen Wiley are among the few accredited for pioneering this amazing genre of music. With almost two decades of holy hip hop carved in stone, the sound and the production level has developed with time, yet the message remains the same. However, our reality is in God the father, his son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Our God is timeless, without a beginning or an end. So it goes without saying that He transcends all culture for all time, both in the past and whatever will come in the future. The good news of Jesus Christ was as relevant to the first century Jewish peasant garbed in typical dress of the time as it is today to the urban city youth in baggy pants. As of this year 2001, many have adopted hip hop as a culture, and not simply as a style of music. Therefore, hip hop maintains a strong dominance in conveying the Gospel and maybe for some of today’s generation, the only voice accepted. While the first step for some in the past might have been to walk into a church, the first step for many in 2001 might be in hearing the Cross Movement (for example) blaring the News in their ride. In that respect, hip hop plays a major role in bringing the Good News to the ‘sight and sound’ generation; it has served as an all-terrain vehicle of the Gospel since the day of its conception in the early 80's. Hip hop plays an imperative role in delivering the Truth, due in part to its massive appeal. The emphasis is on the delivery, because of course the Truth as revealed in God’s Word has never, and will never change. (for a related article, check out Gerard Bonner's take on Holy Hip Hop) — editorial opinion by Brenda M. Ingram II and Stan North — November, 2001 All content in GospelFlava © copyright 1997 - 2001. No information to be reprinted or re-broadcast from this site without the expressed written consent of GospelFlava.com. All rights reserved.