By Reggie Legend
‘Hova the god, n***a blasphemy…’
Jay-Z – “What More Can I Say?”
‘Young n****s that blast for me/blasphemy, no religion…’
Jay-Z – “Dear Summer”
‘Not only NYC – I’m Hip Hop’s savior…’
Jay-Z – “Kingdom Come”
Upon first glance, such lyrics come off as an indicator that Hip Hop and the world
in general are godless. Yet it can also serve as both a cry for help and simmering, albeit irreverent, sign that artists and audiences within Hip Hop are searching for God in a perilous era/error.
It’s a sad day when the creation doesn’t recognize it’s Creator, but it’s an even sadder day when the creation doesn’t seek Him out in some way, shape or form. Thankfully, we’ve not reached the latter day just yet – as subtle manifestations within our cultural context suggest that we are ever-seeking God and His Kingdom out. Look at the movies we watch – they’re all obsessed with good triumphing over evil. We root for heroes who often bear the burdens of others with some form of super human strength and ability which he (or she) accesses as both the savior and underdog of the story.
Naturally, this image is reflected in our music, as well. Although some might argue that rappers began calling themselves ‘gods’ following after the 5% offshoot of the nation of Islam, it still provides evidence to the fact that we, as the creation, are seeking to find our identity in relation to the Creator.
‘…In the day that God created man, He made him in the likeness of God.’
– Genesis 5:1 NKJV
A lyricist who most specifically and gratuitously expresses this ideology is the ‘god-emcee’ himself – Jay-Z. Though Rakim coined the title first, Shawn Carter has taken this designation to the next level – being referred to as Jay Hova; a distortion of the name of Jehovah, which represents the unpronounceable name of God: YHWH or Yahweh. Further still, the Def Jam president/CEO calls his home label the Roc. And while I’m sure this is a coincidence, it is an interesting one, nevertheless; since Jesus Christ as Lord God is The Rock of our salvation.
Undoubtedly, some will say that I’m reading to much into this; yet this poetitorial simply serves as an observation of one individual trying to live in the world, but not of it. One individual who is intrigued by the idea that Hip Hop, much like the people it represents, appears to be seeking out its true source of origin. And though much of the activity deviates and distorts into secularity, it still manages to show traits of a prodigal son seeking to be saved.
‘Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation’
– Psalm 149:3-4 NIV
‘For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.’
– Hebrews 11:14 NKJV
“It’s The Rock!”
While Jesus Walks on water,
He’s The Rock upon which we saunter –
Upon Him we dock the new world order as testament.
But while paper beats rocks appointed,
Our capers bleed The Rock anointed…
As we take and heave His stock adjoined with irreverence.
The rock of today’s kids
Is not the Rock of the ancients.
The Rock of Ages has faded beyond false idols.
Thanks to cocky agents
And pages of doctrines from the faithless…
Our docks are waived and swayed in faulty titles.
With the rock of the godless weighed in –
Defaulted in recitals of staunch pagans,
The true Rock needs a facelift like weatherworn Rushmore.
Yet despite sandblast lambastes, the Rock isn’t faceless –
Standing steadfast with confidence patience…
The dawn of Its new day’s been nevermore rushed for.
For all the various rock formations
That have carried dust and mocked adoration,
Despite being adorned by nations, none is steady enough.
Even the rock of Gibraltar pails in comparison
To The Rock of the altar that repaireth the ails of men…
As the gates of hell shall not prevail against this levied bluff.
‘God bless the child that’s got his own’ –
That’s why I don’t mess around with rock ‘n roll.
Its hits were robbed and stolen – so it can’t be the real deal.
Even so, forget Sean Carter and Dwayne Johnson’s roles!
The food the roc’s been cookin’ is far from the soul…
Like hardened rolls, its starch is too cold for meals that heal.
Moreover, Communion’s not about wheelin’ deals.
It goes beyond crushin’ grain on wheels into meal.
It’s not about pressin’ grapes from the
Field into yields of wine.
It’s about God’s salvation
Based in The Rock’s foundation…
It’s hard NOT to put faith in it when His Will’s inclined.
Besides, food upon tables and clothed backs
Isn’t about foolish labels and throwbacks –
Tunes about fables of sold crack
Thread hova’s roc-a-wear.
Would you live in a house built upon crack rock?
Would you limit your faith to wilt in a stash box?...
I’d rather fly by the seat of my pants
ad hoc while Jehovah Rapha’s there.
The Rock’s aware – He knows your needs.
The provisions are there – so sow the seed!
Focus what’s reaped – the growth
won’t be sparse if you trust Him.
Just know and believe in divine procedure
And you’ll be established like Simon Peter…
As rock upon Rock is the livest feature
Since Charles Dutton.
What’s more, to stand tall for judgment
We can’t be like one who stalls or budges.
After man’s fall, we mustn’t waver in our past.
So as the third rock revolves ‘round the sun’s glimpse,
We’ve got a fervent stock and resolve of substance…
That comes in the worth of The Rock as
The Son spins favor in our stance.
‘In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.’
– Psalm 62:7 NKJV
‘Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false
Humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which
He has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind…’
– Colossians 2:18 NKJV
© 2007 Reggie Legend
Steel Waters, Inc.
reggielegend@hotmail.com