The “Christian rapper vs. rapper who is a Christian” conversation has been going on for some time now. We got new commentary on the topic from one of Christian hip-hop’s favorite artists. Chicago, Illinois-based emcee, Gemstones, recently addressed the “Christian Rapper” label on his Facebook fan page. The Xist Music artist isn’t a fan of labels.
An unedited version of Gemstones’ Facebook post is below.
Confession:
this message is probably going to ruffle some feathers and some of you probably won’t rock with me anymore after they’re done reading this, and if you don’t that only means you werent really with me from the jump. Here we go.. I don’t like wen people box me in and say im a Christian rapper/gospel rapper. I am not that! Sure Im a follower of Christ.. Sure Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.. yes I am saved! Yes i speak the gospel through my music.. No I’m not afraid to confess the name of Jesus.. But as far as my music goes its for everyone. The saved and the unsaved. It’s not just for the church crowd. I love the fact My music is being played on Chritian blog sites and secular blog sites. Christian radio stations and secular radio stations. Theres very few artist that can do that. People stop trying to put limits on a gift that was not meant to be titled and tied down. Its waaaay to big to be boxed in to some genre that a man made up. This is no shot at anyone who calls themselves Christian rappers. if that’s the mission that God has you on then by all means walk in it and be the best at it. Its just not the assignment that I’m on though. I know what God has called me to do and how he wants me to carry it out, and just because its not being done the way that you see fit you call it wrong. This message is meant for the clubs the churches the schools street corners ect. To be quite honest the church judge me more than the world does but it’s okay. Look what they did to Jesus I can’t expect them to not do it to me. In closing everybody’s gift is not meant to have the word gospel or Christian slapped on the top of it. Judge a tree by the fruit it bares. I know my what God has called me to do, Plz Don’t be mad because I don’t box mine in with a title. Its alright to be different it’s what makes us individuals, it’s what gives the world balance. My convictions may not be your convictions and Always remember there’s more than one way to skin a cat. As long as Christ gets the glory in the end that’s all that matters.One more thing.. If you don’t know what you call me when you want someone to hear my music. just tell them to listen and it will speak to their hearts. God said my sheep will hear my Voice. It doesn’t mean I’m not saved because My music isnot meant to be boxed in to a title. Also I understand that you guys will probably continue to label it. it’s not a bad thing that you do that. I’m just telling you what I prefer. Questions and comments let’s go! Please don’t be afraid to speak your mind. -gemstones
Stones isn’t the first to publicly take this stance as Lecrae, Andy Mineo, SPZRKT, and more have done so in the past.
Gemstones‘ debut album, Blind Elephant, hits stores on May 5. Last week, he released the second single, “Lyrical Miracle,” off his forthcoming project.
What are your thoughts on what Gemstones said about the “Christian Rapper” Label?
RELATED: Gemstones Releases New Single & Release Date For ‘Blind Elephant’
couldn’t have said it better
If they’re not true & have a negative impact to your life it would matter. But if describes your position,purpose,reality then what would be wrong with it? Bad for buisness?…he is christian…so he claims & he’s a rapper. Therefore he’s a Christian rapper or a rapper in christ, if not then he’s a rapper in for the world. He proclaims Jesus, whats wrong here?
I have to agree with the brother. None of what he said came across out of anger or seeking division from Christ. Looking forward to the album and message he brings forth
One question how does two words keep you from doing what you doing now.
Because words have power over your mind and heart
Okay So what you are saying is having the title christian or a believer in Christ shouldn’t have no type of authority over your life?
So you mean to tell me that the word christian itself which means believer in Christ Jesus shouldn’t have dominion over your life? People there are categories for a reason so their won’t be no confusion. How you would you like it if I purposely said in an interview that I called your website Rapzilla instead of JamTheHype?
I found Gemstones through the Gospel of Thomas verse 19 –
19 Jesus said, “Congratulations to the one who came into being before coming into being. 2 If you become my disciples and pay attention to my sayings, these stones will serve you. I read this, pondered what it meant then stumbled upon Elephant In The Room. If it comes from the heart and brings Glory to God then you are on task. People tried to label Jesus as well. Then thousands of years after He has left earth they are still trying. Jesus was not, neither did he intend for us to embrace any religion. Jesus came to give us a Kingdom. He didn’t authorize a new testament but gave as a new covenant instead. Gemstones you are a warrior, and warriors don’t die, we multiply… Keep doing Gemstones and God will continue to Bless you and your house…
What I’m going to say is unpopular: Regardless of what Gemstones thinks, or Lecrae, or Andy Mineo, the world still sees us/you and the rest of people in CHH as Christian rappers. The Gospel is offensive, period. If you profess Christ, you will not be palatable to the world. So the labels don’t matter. Your affiliation with Christ does, whatever form or label that takes.
Personally I love Gemstones but I don’t think this was really necessary. This statement and sentiment has already been said by many of the big name artists in CHH. To me Stones throwing his commentary out there doesn’t improve anything, it just continues to rehash an old (and should be dying) argument. That’s my two cents.
Here we go again…….
To me you’re just another man with real good talent and I respect that