Lyrical Theology

I have recently been listening a lot to Shai Linne, an American christian rapper. Steve Timmis was introduced to his music by Shai’s very own pastor when he was over in the states recently. Since Steve drew him to our attention in our church meeting a few weeks ago I have bought his two albums and have been listening to him daily. His work is immensly encouraging. Here’s why…

Shai Linne is one of a group of young christian rappers in states attempting to win hip-hop back for Christ. They use awesome hooks, beats and MCing (rapping) to bring glory to God through lyrics which are heavily laiden with bible truths and the centrality of Christ. All this has helped coin a new phrase – ‘Lyrical Theology’.

Shai Linne states: “Lyrical Theology is just that: it’s lyrical – rhyme schemes, rhyme patterns and it’s theology – the study of God within the context of hip-hop. What we do is, we take passages from the bible and put them directly into rhyme form. So this could be a particular explanation of a doctrine from scripture or it can be a line-by-line exposition of a passage. For example, I have a song called ‘jusified’, which is an explanation of Romans 3:10-24, verse-by-verse”.

Hip-hop is so often accused within our culture as being the root of many of young peoples distorted morality and within conservative christian circles as being too ‘unchristian’. Shai Linne and his fellow artists at Lamp Mode Recordings have noted this and want to demonstrate that hip-hop can be ’sanctified’ if set apart for the glory of Christ, since all things can now rightfully be done by Christians to God’s glory in Christ. Rather than singing of loose women, getting wasted, doing drugs or ‘getting rich or dying trying’ (in the words of secular rap artist 50 Cent) these young guys rap about the gospel and the work of Christ in the believers life, proclaiming to the listener that “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15).

Shai Linne explains that he “sees nothing but filth coming through the popular secular version of [the hip-hop] vehicle of expression”. It’s great that he and others like him are giving people something edifying and true to pump in their ears…hip-hop which is redeemed for Christ. It may not be your musical cup of tea but I’m certainly diggin’ it.

For more info about lyrical theology and whether hip-hop is a legitimate expression of christian music check out Shai Linne’s own blog: Lyrical Theology. Both of Shai Linne’s albums The Solous Christus Project (2005, Lamp Mode) and The Atonement (2008, Lamp Mode) are available on iTunes.