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 Im Hip Hops savior Jay-Z Kingdom Come
Upon first glance, such lyrics come off as an indicator that Hip Hop and the worldin 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.
Its a sad day when the creation doesnt recognize its Creator, but its an even sadder day when the creation doesnt seek Him out in some way, shape or form. Thankfully, weve 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 theyre 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 Im 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 Im 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
Its The Rock!
While Jesus Walks on water,
Hes 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 todays 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 isnt faceless
Standing steadfast with confidence patience
The dawn of Its new days 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 thats got his own
Thats why I dont mess around with rock n roll.
Its hits were robbed and stolen so it cant be the real deal.
Even so, forget Sean Carter and Dwayne Johnsons roles!
The food the rocs been cookin is far from the soul
Like hardened rolls, its starch is too cold for meals that heal.
Moreover, Communions not about wheelin deals.
It goes beyond crushin grain on wheels into meal.
Its not about pressin grapes from the
Field into yields of wine.
Its about Gods salvation
Based in The Rocks foundation
Its hard NOT to put faith in it when His Wills inclined.
Besides, food upon tables and clothed backs
Isnt about foolish labels and throwbacks
Tunes about fables of sold crack
Thread hovas roc-a-wear.
Would you live in a house built upon crack rock?
Would you limit your faith to wilt in a stash box?…
Id rather fly by the seat of my pants
ad hoc while Jehovah Raphas there.
The Rocks aware He knows your needs.
The provisions are there so sow the seed!
Focus whats reaped the growth
wont be sparse if you trust Him.
Just know and believe in divine procedure
And youll be established like Simon Peter
As rock upon Rock is the livest feature
Since Charles Dutton.
Whats more, to stand tall for judgment
We cant be like one who stalls or budges.
After mans fall, we mustnt waver in our past.
So as the third rock revolves round the suns glimpse,
Weve 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 LegendSteel Waters, Inc.reggielegend@hotmail.com