{I need to warn you at the outset that this blog is longer than usual because of the nature of the subject that is being unpacked. I encourage you to prayerfully read it through with a Bible handy to check the Scripture references listed}
In different ways over the years, many people have approached us at Lampmode about “getting out there”. Sometimes, it has been through Myspace or email. Others have given us Cds after shows or at events. Others have sent letters and/or press kits and music to the Lampmode P.O. Box. In each case, there is an emcee or producer who believes that they have talent and would like to connect with us in order to have a platform- presumably to glorify God- through their gifts. For us, this is very humbling. We’re honored that anyone would see us as people they would like to be associated with. On another level, we find it kind of humorous, because we don’t see ourselves as having “arrived” or “made it”.
We’re a small, independent label that specializes in music that is a subgenre of a subgenre in both style and content. What I mean is that our musical style is rightly classified as underground/backpacker/east coast. We embrace a musical style that was popularized in the mid-nineties and has little connection musically to what is popular today or commonly played on the radio. The same goes for our lyrical approach. As far as content, we are explicitly Christ-centered with an emphasis on teaching theology. Even among those who are Christ-centered, we’re in the minority, as far as emphasis. If we were any more underground than we are right now, we’d have to take the “up” escalator to get to the basement! Everyone at Lampmode works 9 to 5 jobs that we’re grateful for (more on that later). We each live a relatively “normal” existence as we seek to serve the Lord in our local churches, workplaces and families. So we chuckle when others think that associating with us will help them fulfill their aspirations of Holy Hip-hop stardom.
With that said, we do recognize that there are sincere brothers and sisters out there who are truly gifted and want to use Hip-hop to glorify God. We’ve learned a few things the past few years, and we’d like to share some things that may be helpful to you. The question on the table is this:
What Advice Does Lampmode Have for Aspiring Christian Artists?
Because I’m an emcee, I’ll be speaking from that perspective. Hopefully this will also be helpful for those involved in other aspects of Christian music as well. As an outline for this blog, I want to look at each word in the phrase “Aspiring Christian Artist”.
“Aspiring”
The word “aspiring” simply means having a particular ambition or seeking to obtain a goal. This is neither good nor bad in itself. It’s the goal desired and/or the motives behind the aspirations that determine whether or not it is a sinful aspiration. However, the Scriptures repeatedly warn us about selfish or ungodly ambition. James 3:16 says,
“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”
As an aspiring Christian artist, the very first thing you need to do is check your aspirations. You need to do the difficult work of prayerfully examining your motives. Why do you want to be an emcee? Instead of, say, a lighting technician, a graphic designer or an accountant? Is it the lure of the spotlight? Do you get excited about the idea of receiving the respect or applause of an audience? Do you crave attention and see emceeing as a means to gaining it? Is pride fueling your ambition? If so, the odds are already stacked against you because “The Lord opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Imagine the very Lord that you proclaim in your music actually opposing your efforts because of your pride! That’s a scary thought. And it should sober us up, assuming we desire to please the Lord in our artistic efforts. If more emcees did an honest heart assessment on this matter, I believe there would be fewer Christians trying to be emcees.
Another aspect of “aspiring” is realistic expectations. Just about every person who has approached us believes they are called to be “full-time ministers” with a national or international platform. However, the reality is that out of the many people who make Christian Hip-hop music, less than half of one percent are able to do it full-time (without it causing serious financial strain on their families). I personally believe the percentages are higher for basketball players to play at the collegiate level than for emcees to have a full-time career in Christian Hip-hop. The demand is just not there yet. And with all of the changes in the music industry, I’m not sure if it ever will be.
****SIDENOTE****
By the way, you are not a “full-time minister” simply because you don’t have a job, wake-up at noon everyday and are barely making ends meet by selling cds and t-shirts at shows on the weekends while you (and your family if you’re married) struggle because you’ve mistaken plain old disobedience for a “calling”. God calls men to work.
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5:8)
And
“For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (2 Thess. 3:10)
I had to learn this the hard way after my first album dropped. I mistakenly assumed that once the album came out, I would be able to make a living through music ministry. I was working part-time while pursuing full-time ministry. The problem is that I was working part-time, but had full-time bills that needed to be paid! God had not yet opened the door to support myself through the music. As a result, I struggled financially, went deeper into debt and had a hard time paying my bills until the Lord blessed me with the job I have now and have worked at for the last two-plus years. Too many of us in HHH have neglected the responsibilities of Biblical manhood in the name of “full-time ministry”. If God hasn’t opened the door for you to pay your bills as a Christian artist, don’t spiritualize your lights and telephone being cut off as an attack on your purpose by the evil one. It’s not spiritual warfare. It’s sin. The solution is simple. Grow up. Get a job and pay your bills, lest you become one of a growing list of “full-time HHH ministers” who simultaneously have fans who love their beats and rhymes along with wives who resent them and kids that go neglected because daddy is too “called” and “holy” and “spiritual” to get a job. This should not be.
****JUMPS OFF SOAPBOX; BACK TO REGULARLY SCHEDULED BLOG****
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