Political Melodies the Pews?: Voice of Black Christian Rapper Twenty-first-Century Church in Bloomington, MN

In this fascinating study of contemporary Christian worshippers, David L. Moody analyzes Christian rap music against traditional Christian theology. For many, mixing the sanctified worship of God with music originating from unconsecrated avenues has become difficult to accept. From the back alleys and streets of “the hood” to the club scene of urban America, Christian rappers walk to a different beat than the preacher at the pulpit. However, similar to a street evangelist, the Black Christian rapper is about singing praise to God and delivering the gospel message to his “lost homies” on the streets. Moody examines the emergence of hip hop based ministries and their place among youth with the Black community.