In the Dec. 2010 issue of the Record, I pointed readers towards Grammy – nominated Hip Hop artist Lecrae Moore whose song, Truth includes the lyrics, “Come on now! We’re collected and chosen, predestined just to behold Him.” I believe this name deserves a second and more serious look because it seems Lecrae has started a new movement within Christian hip hop and rap. In fact, a whole industry seems to be developing around what’s being dubbed “Reformed rap.”
Led by Lecrae, co – founder of Rebel Records, come a number of artists garnering the respect of John Piper, Dr. D.A. Carson, controversial Missional/Calvinist Mark Driscoll and even John MacArthur; many of whom have been sampled in songs or have even collaborated with Lecrae’s new crop of rappers.
Among this new group of artists you will find Flame, whose songs often focus on the topic of election. In his song, Who Can Pluck Us? he talks about unconditional election, irresistible grace and perseverance of the saints.
Tedashii has a song titled Identity 3 in which he raps about both the elect and the reprobate.
Trip Lee is another of those names gathering a large following. In his song, Eyes Open he talks about imputation of sin and total depravity.
In Mission Accomplished, Shai Linne says, “If saving everybody was why Christ came in history / With so many in hell, we’d have to say he failed miserably.”
Yet perhaps most interesting is Curtis “Voice” Allen who does a whole song on the Westminster Confession (search youtube.com for “Curtis Allen Westminster Catechism”) and has a pretty respectable tune about the Heidelberg Catechism that’s well worth a listen (search youtube.com for “Curtis Allen Heidelberg Catechism Live”).
