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  Hip hop artist Sean Slaughter writes regularly-appearing column for Gospelflava.com on the wide-ranging topic of Gospel hip hop. July 15, 2003 Welcome to Hip Hop as I see it. Now if you're a "successful" Holy Hip Hop artist such as The Cross Movement, Pettidee, Grits, and others, this is a question you probably hear at every show and Hip Hop function by aspiring artists and ministers. It's the "How Can I Be Down Club", and it's a vibrant and largely successful organization. I'm not talkin' 'bout catz who ask for wisdom for starting a career in full time ministry or pose excellent questions concerning what you do. I'm talkin' 'bout them dudes whose entire career in Gospel music is dependent on getting a "hook up" from you. The "HCIBDC", as it's known has members from the east to the west, is an international organization. They really haven't been called to do Hip Hop but they do it because a) they're such huge Hip Hop fans that they have to give a try or b) they never got a chance to rap in the world, but now they're saved and the market is wide open, so it on and poppin'! They're at all concerts, functions, conventions, summits, meetings, coalitions, jump-offs, releases, after parties, whatever! As long as their hook up is there, so will they be. They stalk their prey...uh...hookup, looking for any back or side door entrances or CD signings. Their weapons? Demos, pieces of paper and pens. I mean, why worry if you're actually called by God or if rhyming is your gift, when you can meet a superstar HHH artist and roll with them? No fellowship and no questions asked is their motto. In HCIBDC prep school, you're taught to proclaim yourself as the "hottest artist out now" with the "hottest lyrics nobody ever heard". And you must let everyone know this, because if you don't, then how will they find out? They're also taught that when they achieve contact with their prey...uh...hook up, take as much time as you want talking to them, regardless of anyone else who might want to speak to the artist/minister with a legitimate concern or question. Yes, the HCIBDC is multi-cultural, bi-lingual and accepting applications. I pray that anyone doing this Hip Hop thang realizes that just like a pastor, prophet or evangelist, you must be called and gifted to be successful in what you do. And the majority will recognize the calling on your life, not just friends, family and church members. My test to see if Hip Hop ministry is my calling is to go to the streets, prisons, foster homes and detention centers and see if they feel you. Test the anointing to see if you make a real impact wherever you go. And if you've done these things, then continue to be faithful in your ministry AND business duties. What does it profit you if you are a Jesus Christ fireball but your business is suspect and vice-versa? You wouldn't try to fix a jumbo jet just because you fixed the headphones for your Walkman, right? So why rhyme just because you wrote one hot eight-bar verse for your man's demo? I'm not trying to discourage or hate, but to be real with ya. The more artists/ministers we have the merrier, but quality is of the utmost importance. Feel me! So for all those who were contemplating going to HCIBDC prep school, go to your room, slowly tear up your application, and have a Sprite Remix. Previous Freestylin' Columns: June 2003 
July 15, 2003 |
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