Hip Hop & Homilies

The guys are taking a break and will see you next season. Stay tuned for updates . --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hiphopandhomilies/support

Much fanfare has surrounded the Nipsey Hussle and Jay Z track, "What it Feels Like," from the Judas and the Black Messiah Inspired Album (Not Soundtrack). However, Rakim - the god MC, contributed an autobiographical track dedicated to Fred Hampton, chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party and main subject of the new movie. Hampton held that position from 1966 until his assassination in 1969. Chris and Mars discuss this track and when they first heard about the Black Panthers. Additionally, the guys explore the question: What has western Christianity done to cause Black Christians and Black people to seek a Black Messiah? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hiphopandhomilies/support

In a conversation that includes a review of D. Smoke's banger, Black Habits, the guys discuss their definition of what is and what is not blackness and how they have seen this understanding change over the years. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hiphopandhomilies/support

The guys discuss what they look for most during the holidays in this holiday special. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hiphopandhomilies/support

Chris and Mars discuss the United States' presidential election results. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hiphopandhomilies/support

The guys discuss Jackie Hill-Perry's song, Thy Neighbor, which is an ode to church unity.  Perry's major focus and argument seems to be that God loves the Church, thus we as the Church should love one another. The theme of division features prominently in this track and sparked conversation amongst the guys on why the church is so susceptible to divisive politics.  While  this year, the United States of America as a whole  seems more divided, the Church has typically been deeply split during elections. The guys discuss why they think that is the case and also discuss why they think Christians should vote.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hiphopandhomilies/support

Chris, Johnny, and Mars listen to Tobe Nwigwe's soulful, emotion invoking track "Make it Home" which in some ways acts as a prayer of protection over Black folk against police brutality. The guys dig into the song and discuss their fears of being Black in America as they reflect on the growing list of unarmed black men and women being assaulted or killed by law enforcement officers. While Nwigwe's song is one of prayer asking God to intercede on behalf of black bodies trying to make it home,  the guys also address how they can live in resistance to the fear of the forces that would keep them from making it home. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hiphopandhomilies/support

The guys dive into Mars' song "Pray" and discuss the role of prayer in their own lives and its potential role in the current political landscape. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hiphopandhomilies/support

The guys discuss Kanye West's song "Closed on Sunday" from his last album "Jesus is King." Throughout this album there is a consistent theme of being counter cultural. "Closed on Sunday" epitomizes that theme using Chic-Fil-A's counter cultural practice of being closed on Sunday. The guys reflect on their lives as they explore what it looks like to be different in this season of turmoil in U.S.A. and the world. Additionally, the guys have a conversation on what it may look like for Christians to respond to Kanye West in a distinct Christian fashion in the face of his current quest for the United States presidency and his public struggles with mental health. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hiphopandhomilies/support

Derek Minor called Da Truth the Kobe Bryant of Christian Hip Hop (CHH). Was he right? The guys tackle this topic and discuss the insatiable desire for hip hop artists, mainstream and CHH alike, to achieve greatness. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hiphopandhomilies/support

The guys discuss Lecrae's track, Deep End, and how the events and issues occurring around the nation have driven them toward the deep end. Additionally, the guys give their take on cancel culture in the wake of the backlash Lecrae received after being famously silent when a prominent white preacher called slavery a white blessing during an interview with Lecrae. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hiphopandhomilies/support

At the time that this episode was recorded the US has suffered over 120,000 deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the deaths hitting hardest in the communities of color, especially elders in those communities. The guys discuss what might it look like to give our elderly family members their roses now. The guys also share their favorite memories of their grandmothers as they vibe to Chris Cadogan's track, Maxine, an ode to his grandmother. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hiphopandhomilies/support

On the heels of the George Floyd execution, protests have taken place all over the United States and the world. Diverse coalitions have come together proclaiming Black Lives Matter and demanding radical change. Historically and in the present day, Black Christians and churches have played a pivotal role in the movement of obtaining Civil and human rights for Black Americans. The guys talk about how they are processing these events as black Christians and review Sho Baraka's track "Their Eyes Were Watching." Additionally, the guys share their thoughts on how Christians can move forward facing these issues. Rob D on the beat (t544). --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hiphopandhomilies/support

As individuals who have attended both black churches, multicultural churches, and white churches the guys discuss which context they love the most, the challenges they've experienced in these places, and review Taelor Gray's "Can't Let It Go," a track dedicated to Gray's complicated relationship with his Black church. The guys also give advice for individuals and families seeking to find a church. Rob D on the beat (t544) --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hiphopandhomilies/support