Lyrics & Lines Day 9 – “Beauty Queen Interlude”

The term “Happily Ever After” won’t be necessary for this story
Because it’s much better how they embark on new endeavors
But someone’s going to have to give me a good enough reason to watch another love movie
When I’ve been given a Titanic Notebook that speaks of A Walk to Remember
Like this husband, who looks and sees his wife die
Intercedes, and then his wife rise
And now every internet browser shuts down from the connection when he looks into his wife eyes (wi-fi’s)
When you hear “Beauty Queen,” it’s synonymous for the Bride of Christ
When I tell you that she heard music, it was really the good news that Christ sacrificed His life
And now she’s not dead at all 
And as much as I want to insert a punch line, I’m more concerned that you get the reason that He metaphor (met her for)
Cause her, He was never writin’ off
And even with all her rightful flaws He prepared a place for His bride and all
Now you see this Beauty Queen is ridin’ off

– “Beauty Queen Interlude by Los”

Not so long ago, I thought Christian hip hop and rap was in a hopeless place. The lyrics were corny and the quality of production was sub-par. It seemed to me that Christian hip hop (CHH) would never match – much less surpass – “secular” hip hop and rap music.

I’m glad to admit that I couldn’t have been more wrong. Over the past several years (maybe sooner…the CHH scene was around long before I got into it), CHH has grown by leaps and bounds. Like Aslan, it’s “on the move.” In my opinion, CHH is at the strongest place now it’s ever been, and the regular appearances on iTunes, Billboard and other charts goes to prove it.

Back in May of 2014, Serge – one of Rapzilla‘s 2014 Freshman – released his debut solo project “Off Season.” It’s easily been one of my favorite CHH albums of the year. The production quality is top-notch, and the lyrics are impeccable – deep, honest and inspiring. Though the album is available for download on iTunes, it’s also available for free at Rapzilla.com.

The lyrics above are a featured interlude by fellow CHH artist Los. You can listen to the track below, as well as the following full track “Beauty Queen” featuring west coast Humble Beast artist Braille. Both the interlude and the full track are about the Church – the undeserving Bride, or beauty queen, of Christ.

 

Adam Rozanas: Thuggin’ for the Kingdom

Whenever somebody asks me what kind of music I like (cue introduction to complete stranger), my reply is usually something along the lines of:

“Well, I actually like quite a range of music – Indie, Acoustic, Singer/Song-writer, Folk, Contemporary, Alternative, Rock, even some heavier stuff and screamo. Just so long as it’s not Country or Classic Rock. Can’t do those. But…” and I intentionally save this part for last, “if I’m entirely honest – and you promise not to judge me – my favorite genres are hip hop and rap. I love a good beat!”

A typical response from the other person is widening of the eyes, dropping of the jaw, and some incoherent utterance of disbelief. After all these years, I still haven’t figured out why my answer surprises people, but it does. Does the hop hop/rap thing go against my otherwise “good-boy” persona? Is it that I’m a Christian and shouldn’t listen to such heathen music? Maybe it’s just the simple fact that I don’t come across as “that kind of person.” I don’t know. But the truth is, I love hip hop and rap music. Love it.

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I had a good laugh in today’s weekly Presenters Meeting (I work at a Christian radio station here in Joburg, South Africa – TWR Radio 155). We were discussing a variety of things, including the program and schedule changes coming up in mid-July. One of the changes to be made is the addition of a new program I’ve pleaded for called the “Urban Hour.” As you can guess, this program is “a one-hour program featuring the best in Christian hip hop and rap, airing Saturday nights from 11:00 to midnight.” That’s what all the promos say, anyways. After more than nine months of pleading, persuading, hard work, and waiting, I finally received permission to air the 13 “pre-packaged” episodes I created for the next broadcast quarter. This is incredibly exciting. Anyways, the Urban Hour came up in today’s meeting when my department head – Anthony – stopped mid-sentence, turned to me, and asked, “Where did this come from, anyways?” referring to my appreciation for hip hop/rap music. Rachel and Thulani – the other two presenters – began laughing. Anthony continued, “I was watching some of your old Youtube videos…” Rachel jumped in, “Right?! I’ve seen them, too!” They were referring, I’m sure, to the (in)famous promotional video a friend and I created in preparation of hosting of Northwestern College’s Fall Variety Show.

Frankly, I’m still proud of this production…I think I really gave Eminem a run for his money. “No, but really,” Anthony continued, turning to his computer, “how did you get onto this stuff?” He clicked his mouse a couple times and opened the folder with all of my Urban Hour music. “Where’s that Adele song?” he asked. “Fire in My Heart,” I replied, pointing. He clicked on it.

As the track began, I just grinned and nodded my head. Anthony, amazed, continued, “I just don’t understand. If you were out of the ghetto of Chicago, hanging with your brothers from another mother, it might make sense. But, Dixon…(referring to my quaint hometown two hours outside of Chicago, also famous for being the hometown of Ronald Reagan)? Where did your interest in this stuff come from?” He stopped the track as I shrugged, “Ya know, I honestly don’t know. I’ve just always had a passion for this type of music. I think maybe, maybe it came from my rebellious streak. My parents were very strict about the music I could listen to growing up – very conservative, no secular radio. I never had an outright rebellious streak when I was young, but I think I kind of rebelled when it came to music. I didn’t like the rules, and I would sneak radio behind my parents’ backs (sorry Mom and Dad!). I guess that’s where I kind of got hooked on hip hop and rap music. I’ve had a fascination with the culture ever since.” Anthony  nodded his head, and – seeing an opportunity to make a point  to us all – said, “I hate this music. But I can appreciate Adam’s appreciation for it and his desire to create a program for a younger audience. You guys know me – I’m open to trying anything; I won’t let my dislike of a style of music hinder me from expanding the Kingdom. That said, if this program doesn’t get 50 “Likes” on Facebook on the first night, I’ll be disappointed.” He was being facetious…I think. Anthony turned back to his computer and clicked on another track.

I grinned and nodded my head, “Mmmm. It’s so good!” Anthony tilted his head a little, listening, then agreed, “Actually, it is.” I laughed.

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I’ve always accredited my appreciation – dare I say passion – for hip hop and rap to God. It really doesn’t make any sense that I would have the affinity for it that I do. I was never properly introduced to it growing up; you certainly never would have heard it in my parent’s house. Regrettably  I have no talents or abilities involving urban music or dance myself, but I’ve always had mad respect for those who do. Even as a Christian, I’ve had a more outspoken appreciation and passion for the culture than most Christian young adults do (though there are probably many who share my feelings, they just aren’t as vocal). But my underlying passion for a long time has been – more than anything – to use this culture for Kingdom work. In reality, the Christian hip hop/rap scene is booming! I could name countless rappers, artists, DJ’s and producers who are doing big things through urban music and dance for the expansion of God’s kingdom. They’re reaching a generation – my generation – that’s fully submersed in a hip hop/rap/urban culture that offers sex, drugs, money, power, and fame and instead offering hope – hope in Jesus Christ. And not only hope, but fun – good, clean, Christ-centered fun. That’s what gets me excited, and that’s why I’m excited about the Urban Hour. I’m convinced that there’s an audience for it in Africa, namely young African adults who are already involved in a hip hop/rap culture. I want to provide them the same culture, but with a better message and focus – Christ.

I look forward to seeing how Africa responds to the Urban Hour. If you’d like to listen to it yourself, or follow it’s response, “Like” TWR Radio 155 on Facebook or visit our website. The first airing of the Urban Hour is scheduled for Saturday, July 20 at 11:00 pm (Central African Time). Hope you can join me!

(By the way – if you actually took the time to listen to the two Gemstones tracks above…and liked them…you can download the entire album legally and for free from Rapzilla. For real.)

You Cray, Crae? – My Thoughts on “Round of Applause”

Photo Credit: Reach Records

The Christian community has been in an uproar today, and Christian rapper Lecrae is at the heart of it.

Yesterday, Lecrae released a track for 2013 graduates titled “Round of Applause.” On it, he featured highly acclaimed and very secular rapper B.O.B. aka Bobby Ray Simmons.

Now, initially, I didn’t have a problem with Lecrae’s collaboration. He’s an out-spoken Believer, I am confident in his faith, and he’s collaborated with non-Christian artists in the past. I trust that he knows what he’s doing, and I wouldn’t have given the track a second thought. But a friend and fellow blogger reached out to me, asking for my own thoughts on the matter. She’d seen quite a firestorm of activity surrounding Lecrae on Twitter and wasn’t quite sure what to think about it all herself. So I gladly looked into the matter. Here’s what I determined.

1. This is not the First Time Lecrae has Collaborated with a Secular Artist
The Christian community really shouldn’t be surprised – this isn’t the first time Lecrae has collaborated with “mainstream” or secular artists. In fact, Lecrae was under heavy fire back in early 2012, when he released his free mixtape called “Church Clothes.” The project created quite a stir within the Christian community for several reasons.  First, it was his first effort produced entirely by a “mainstream” producer – DJ Don Cannon. Secondly, Lecrae featured both Christian and non-Christian artists alike on his tracks. And thirdly, it was his most forward project yet, boldly approaching normally hush-hush topics in the church like hypocrisy. “Church Clothes” was met with mixed reviews from his Christian fans, some claiming he was going mainstream himself, while others were pleased to see him collaborating with – and, hopefully, ministering to – many of the secular artists he was working with.

2.1 We Need to Understand the Collaboration of the Song
While, I’m not surprised that Lecrae would feature a secular artist such as B.O.B., I can understand how this particular collaboration would raise some concern amongst Christian listeners. Though B.O.B’s debut album “The Adventures of Bobby Ray” was relatively clean and positive in its messages (I was a big fan of it, myself), the fame and success began to get to his head, I think, and his lyrics become more crude, vulgar, repulsive and worldly.

A big concern with this collaboration is that Lecrae – by choosing to feature B.O.B  on the track – was endorsing a notoriously secular rapper. I guess to say so is a matter of opinion, though I would agree that, yes – by allowing B.O.B to be featured on “Round of Applause,” Lecrae was, in effect, endorsing B.O.B. The question is – was he wrong for doing so? I’ve seen the Bible verse 1 Corinthians 6:14 & 15 thrown around:

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? ¹⁵ What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?”

A relevant and appropriate passage for the topic. The commentary in my MacArthur Study Bible says this concerning being “unequally yoked together” “with unbelievers”:

By this analogy, Paul taught that it is not right to join together in common spiritual enterprise with those who are not of the same nature (unbelievers). It is impossible under such an arrangement fo things to be done to God’s glory. Christians are not to be bound together with non-Christians in any spiritual enterprise or relationship that would be detrimental to the Christian’s testimony within the body of Christ.”

It certainly seems as if Lecrae’s collaboration with B.O.B has been detrimental to the body of Christ, though these two questions come to mind: “(1) Was this song an intentionally spiritual enterprise (remember the occasion for the track), and (2) was Lecrae really bound to B.O.B (oftentimes this passage is brought up in the context of marriage – a lasting relationship)? I’m not attempting to defend Lecrae; they’re just questions I have that I don’t think we can know the answers to.

2.2 We Need to Understand the Collaboration of the Song cont.
Lecrae’s “Round of Applause” featuring B.O.B (released yesterday, May 21) is not the only version of the song. Just over one week ago (May 14) Lecrae released this version on Youtube under his own record label Reach Records.

The original track consists of Lecrae’s hook and two verses and lasts 3:50. In the version featuring B.O.B (some versions even say “Remix”), B.O.B adds his own verse for a total length of 4:54. Depending on the website you go to, it seems clear to me that B.O.B’s verse was added well after Lecrae originally released the track. An article from Hip Hop Wired even says,

Lecrae makes a cosmetic change to his congratulatory track “Round of Applause” by adding a verse from Hustle Gang rapper B.o.B.. The religious spitter keeps his lyrics from the original, while Bobby Ray shares his take on achieving his goals despite the naysayers and haters.”

I’m curious to know who reached out to who – did Lecrae invite B.O.B to jump on the track, or did B.O.B ask Lecrae if he could add a verse? Either way, I don’t have a problem.

3. We Need to Understand the Occasion for the Song
Remember, “Round of Applause” is dedicated to 2013 graduates. As far as I know, no other artist – hip hop/rap or otherwise, Christian or secular – produced such a track. It makes sense to me that B.O.B. – after hearing Lecrae’s song – would want to add a verse. Also, this song is a celebration song. It recognizes and congratulates graduates for their dedication, hard work, and achievements. Many have literally just beaten the odds. They’ve done it. And that deserves a “Round of Applause.”

4. We Need to Understand the Lyrics of the Song
Finally, after reading through various twitter feeds I could see that a lot of Christians were disappointed that Lecrae’s track was very self-centered, focusing more on himself and his own abilities to rise above the odds than God’s grace and mercy in his life.  I think people are failing to listen to the lyrics. Though Lecrae identifies his (and our) own responsibilities for our lives – how we use them, what we do with them – it’s actually quite clear that Lecrae gives due credit to God for where he is today:

[Verse 1]
See I’m a black man who beat them odds
Supposed to be locked up with no job
Never should of went to college or learned who God is
You add it up it’s all odd
….
Running from God man turning my back
Never would of made it, Marvin Sapp
But He opened up my eyes and I can’t look back
Why they look surprised, I just took my cap
Yeah he did it, he did it
He changed me and I’m with it
He made me what I’m supposed to be
You get close to me, you might get it

[Hook]
We ain’t supposed to be here, never thought we see it
Now we living proof, tell the world to believe it yeah
Congratulations, thank God we made it
They told us we was nothing, now I know they hate it
Round of applause, round of applause
Congratulations, we beat them odds
Round of applause, round of applause
Congratulations, we beat them odds

“He did it, he did it, He changed me and I’m with it. He made me what I’m supposed to be, you get close to me, you might get it.” I don’t know what more people want to hear. If you read the rest of the lyrics, you’ll find that Lecrae shares more of his own testimony. He also shares the story of a single mom who overcomes her own life issues and graduates college. His message to high school and college graduates is this: your hard work has paid off, you’ve beaten the odds, you’ve got a promising life ahead of you. But remember that every good thing comes from God (James 1:17).

At the end of the day, people are entitled to their own opinions; I don’t expect to convince anyone of anything. The fact is, Lecrae’s collaboration with B.O.B. is controversial. I think that any final decisions/conclusions will be based on personal convictions, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I just hope that in the process of sharing convictions and opinions, we don’t cause any further detriment or discord to an already shaken body of Believers.

How do YOU feel about Lecrae’s collaboration with B.O.B?

Six Reasons Why I Support Macklemore

Photo Credit: Ryan Lewis Productions

I first discovered Seattle-based rapper Macklemore in February of last year (’12), when my friend and former college colleague John Weirick wrote a series of blog posts titled “The Gospel According to Macklemore.” In this series, John would select one of Macklemore’s songs, highlight some of his lyrics, and pull out wonderful threads of Gospel truth that Macklemore himself may not have known he had penned (Macklemore is not a Christian). What I appreciated about this series was how John led his readers to a place of thoughtful reflection and deliberation with each post. As John stated in his first post of the series,

I like to think that in all kinds of industries and history and cultures, and in our personal stories, there are shadows of truth which emerge, even if not exegeted by a Christian, even if not completely understood by the one or culture which bears it. It makes sense to think that if the earth is the Lord’s and every good thing in it, His truth and beauty will show up in all sorts of ways, all sorts of places. Those who walk in the way of Jesus must be bold in claiming all truth as God’s truth, and celebrate it wherever it is found.”

Through John’s series, I learned to find and celebrate truth, even in a culture and environment that many Christians would not expect to find it. Whether Macklemore was speaking out against consumerism, identifying the hypocrisy in today’s hip hop culture, reflecting on his own perception of church, or sharing his struggle with substance abuse, John helped me to dig deeper into the lyrics, compare them with Scripture, and see that God has – indeed – put eternity (and the things of it) on the hearts of men (Ecclesiastes 3:11). By the end of “The Gospel According to Macklemore” series, I had not only discovered a new favorite rapper, but was thinking critically and Biblically about music, lyrics, hip hop culture and Truth in the world around me.

At that time, Macklemore and his producer/friend Ryan Lewis were just starting to “make it big.” Less than a year later (though a total of 13 years of hard work) the two of them were making headlines for their “rags to riches” story. Their debut full-length album The Heist was released on October 9, 2012. The album reached the Number 1 spot on the iTunes Albums chart within hours of its release, and debuted two weeks later at Number 2 on Billboard’s Top 200. Over the next four months, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis made appearances on “The Ellen Degeneres Show” (twice), “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “Saturday Night Live,” “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “Conan O’Brien.”

Throughout their journey, I have remained a big fan.

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I recently posted Macklemore’s latest music video for “Can’t Hold Us” on my Facebook page, expressing my support for the song/video and pride in Macklemore for his achievements thus far.

A friend of mine – a Christian, at that – left a sarcastic and snide comment beneath my post. I was offended by it at first, then hurt. I had expressed my excitement and pride in someone I was supportive of, and I had been ridiculed for it. Despite my hurt, I didn’t discredit the remark; instead, I allowed it to challenge me, asking myself exactly why I enjoy Macklemore’s music and why I was proud of him. I’m glad I did. I came up with six reasons why I support – and will continue to support – Macklemore. These are them.

1. Macklemore’s Lyrics are about Real Life
In a culture where money, violence, drugs and sex sells, Macklemore’s lyrics are a breath of fresh air. He’s not “in it” for the money or the fame (though those have certainly come). He writes and raps about aspects of life that his listeners can relate to – not aspects of life that they aspire to. He wants to encourage our generation to rise above what’s “cool” or “popular” and instead be themselves. He encourages young people not to follow what the world tells them is “in” or brings satisfaction, but to be content with who they are and what they have. Coming from someone who’s not a Christian, that’s a pretty incredible – and un-heard of – message. In his song/video “Wings,” Macklemore shares how his search for identity through a pair of Nike shoes left him feeling empty and broken.

We want what we can’t have, commodity makes us want it
So expensive, damn, I just got to flaunt it
Got to show ‘em, so exclusive, this that new $@#*
A hundred dollars for a pair of shoes I would never hoop in
Look at me, look at me, I’m a cool kid
I’m an individual, yea, but I’m part of a movement
My movement told me be a consumer and I consumed it
They told me to just do it, I listened to what that swoosh said
Look at what that swoosh did
See it consumed my thoughts
Are you stupid, don’t crease ‘em, just leave ‘em in that box
Strangled by these laces, laces I can barely talk
That’s my air bubble and I’m lost if it pops
We are what we wear, we wear what we are
But see, I look inside the mirror and think Phil Knight tricked us all
Will I stand for change or stay in my box?
These Nikes help me define me, but I’m trying to take mine off

2. Macklemore is a Master Storyteller
As John said in his first post of “The Gospel according to Macklemore”:

In the video [for “Wings”], it’s fantastic to see Mac holding a book in several cuts. He’s a master storyteller, and he knows it. But he just lets the stories speak for themselves, no self-promotion needed.

Many of today’s rappers can “spit rhymes” at a pace that would leave anyone breathless (literally). But not many rappers can tell a story. Macklemore is one who can, and he does it well. With every song, I am drawn into the story – his story – forming my own mental images of the people, places, and memories he shares. One of the story-songs I like best is a genius tribute to then-recently deceased Mariners broadcaster Dave Niehaus called “My Oh My.”

I used to sit with my dad in the garage
That sawdust that pine sol and the moss
Around every spring when the winter thaw
We’d huddle around the radio twist the broken knob
710 AM no KJR Dave Niehaus voice would echo throughout the yard
Couldn’t have been older than 10
But to me and my friends
The voice on the other end might as well have been God’s
1995 the division series
Edgars up to bat
Bottom of the 11th inning got the whole town listening,
Swung on and belted the words that started, Joey Cora rounds third
Here comes Griffey the throw to the plate’s not in time
My oh my the Mariners win it
Yes, fire works they lit up ceiling in the king dome
We had just made history.

3. Macklemore’s Testimony Fuels His Lyrics
Many of Macklemore’s songs deal with his struggle with and abuse of substances such as OxyContin and codeine cough syrup. He attributes the four years between 2005-2009 that he did not produce music to his addiction, penning:

Despite how Lil Wayne lives
It’s not conducive to being creative
And I know ’cause he’s my favorite
And I know ’cause I was off that same mix

In 2008, he went to rehab for drugs, alcoholism and other obsessive behaviors. His song “Otherside” featuring Fences shares his struggle and has been a lifeline of hope for many other young adults struggling to get out of substance abuse.

He rolled up, asked him what he was sippin’ on
He said lean, You want to hit it, dawg?
That’s the same stuff
Weezy’s sippin’ huh?
And tons of other rappers that be spittin’ hard
…
Months later the use went up
Every blunt was accompanied by the pink stuff
But $@%damn he loved that feelin’
Purple rain coated in the throat
Just so healin’
Medicine alleviate the sickness
Liquid affix and it comes with a cost
Wake up, cold sweat, scratchin’, itchin’
Trying to escape the skin that barely fit him
Gone, get another bottle just to get a couple swallows
Headed towards the bottom couldn’t get off it
Didn’t even think he had a problem
Though he couldn’t sleep without gettin’ nauseous
Room spinnin’, thinkin’ he might’ve sipped just a little bit too much of that cough syrup
His eyelids closed shut
Sat back in the chair clutchin’ that cup
Girlfriend came and a couple hours later said his name shook him but he never got up

4. Macklemore’s Passion Fuels His Lyrics
The passion with which Macklemore writes and performs is immediately evident in any of his work. Whether the topic is individualism, anti-consumerism, religion, the struggle with various substances or the case for equal rights, Macklemore invests all of himself into advocating matters that are important to him. It’s no secret that Macklemore is an out-spoken advocate for same-sex marriage. He even penned the song “Same Love” in reference to Washington Referendum 74 – a referendum that would approve or reject the February 2012 bill to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington. Though I personally disagree with same-sex marriage, I do respect and admire Macklemore’s bold voice in favor of the cause. He’s unafraid to stand in support of something he believes fiercely in, and he encourages other young people to do the same.

Caution: If you are not in favor of same-sex marriage, view this video at your own discretion. Though it is not sexually explicit, its portrayal of homosexuality may make you feel uncomfortable.

If I was gay, I would think hip-hop hates me
Have you read the YouTube comments lately?
“Man, that’s gay” gets dropped on the daily
We become so numb to what we’re saying
A culture founded from oppression
Yet we don’t have acceptance for ’em
Call each other faggots behind the keys of a message board
A word rooted in hate, yet our genre still ignores it
…
When I was at church they taught me something else
If you preach hate at the service those words aren’t anointed
That holy water that you soak in has been poisoned
When everyone else is more comfortable remaining voiceless
Rather than fighting for humans that have had their rights stolen
I might not be the same, but that’s not important
No freedom till we’re equal, damn right I support it

5. Macklemore Gives Due Credit to His Roots/Heritage
Macklemore knows where he’s from, and he holds true to it. Whether the streets of Seattle or his family’s Irish heritage, he boasts them both proudly. One of my favorite Macklemore songs/videos is “Irish Celebration.” It speaks for itself.

From New England to New Brunswick
Galway to Dublin
A rebellious nation of freckled face hustlers
Heart, blue collared workers and family
My heritage, proud to be a Haggerty
Now with whiskey in our veins
Claiming were the bravest men
I drank Old Crow, but pretended it was Jameson
Dad sipped Guiness, I sipped Old English
‘Til he sat me down at 16 and said “boy, this is what a beer is”
…
We take the history, script it in song
Light the torch then you pass it on
That’s right I said, lineage through the rhythm we script it from the palm
and we give til’ Ireland is on
Bottoms Up

6. Macklemore is Not Afraid to Touch On Spiritual Matters
Though he’s not a Christian, Macklemore’s not afraid to bring up spiritual matters. And though his theology’s usually off, I respect his willingness to admit his struggle with religion. In his song titled “Church,” Macklemore shares that he found “God” – understandably – in music:

I was in my head and I was bustin’ with Pac
Takin’ off my wifebeater and getting drunk in the park
But after that part, I found God, it wasn’t Jesus
Some psilocybin and the ink released him
I began to hold communion every time my music came out the speakers, I used it
And it fueled my movement I believed in, voice of reason, just me and my Adidas
…
The spirit’s right here and I don’t have to see it
Now every time I want to connect with God I put my headphones on

One of my favorite songs concerning spirituality is called “Neon Cathedral” and comes from his latest album “The Heist.” In it, Macklemore compares Church to the bar and liquor store, and “God” to the bottle. Though it’s sad that he found alcohol more reliable than his Creator, I appreciate his boldness in proclaiming his own gospel. After all, if we’re honest, haven’t many of us done the same?

I read the Bible, but I forgot the verses
The liquor store is open later than the church is
Pured by their imperfections, everything that’s burning
To Hell with the confessions, all the “Lord Have Mercy’s”
Blessed in holy water, listen, oh Holy Father
Have you ever smelled flesh that sweats out Monarch vodka?
11 AM in the morning and you can’t get it off ya
Callin’ to the preacher but it’s like the pastor isn’t talking
Until the store opens I can re-up on that doctrine
The people close to me say that I’m in need of a doctor
Think that I got a problem but these are not apostles
This is the drink of the Lord, that’s according to my gospel
Open to interpretation, if you’re judgin’ I don’t want it

I crammed a lot into this post, and I apologize if you found it overwhelming. From the quotes to the videos to the external links, there was a lot to take in. I attempted to do in one post what John did in seven (with a slightly different purpose). But I wanted to make clear my research and depth of thought on the matter, not to mention my passion for music and Macklemore and God’s Truth in both. I would encourage you to visit John’s website and read all seven of his posts in “The Gospel According to Macklemore” series. I think you’ll find them very edifying. In the meantime, I hope you’ll spend some more time  re-evaluating your own perception of music. I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from John’s series:

“It makes sense to think that if the earth is the Lord’s and every good thing in it, His truth and beauty will show up in all sorts of ways, all sorts of places. Those who walk in the way of Jesus must be bold in claiming all truth as God’s truth, and celebrate it wherever it is found.”

Dear Dave…

Dear Dave,

I saw pictures on Facebook last week of you holding your newborn daughter, and the only thing I could think was, “Holy flip…Dave’s a DAD!!!”

Has it really been nearly a year already since we walked that stage, dressed in our gowns, tassels dangling from our caps, diplomas in our hands?

Dave and I won first place for our on-air radio demo at the 2011 National Religious Broadcasters Convention. One of my greatest radio achievements and fondest college memories.

Was it already a year ago we won first place at the NRBs for our morning show? Or hosted the most epic Fall Variety Show NWC had ever seen (maybe I’m just biased…)? And remember the rap video we produced to promote it? I don’t think I’ll ever forget that (helps that it will forever be on Youtube…). 🙂

Shoot, Dave, I just don’t know where time’s gone.

My enthusiasm for you and Amanda is dampened only by the fact that I wish I could be there to celebrate with you guys. A daughter. A DAUGHTER!!! I really can’t believe you’re a dad now! I still remember early mornings when you and I were in studio, preparing for our program, coffee pot gurgling in the corner even though we weren’t supposed to have food or drink in studio, and I would think, “Can there really be anything more than this? Is there really a future beyond college radio? If there is, I can’t imagine what it looks like…”

Well, here we are, some 8939.3 miles apart, living out our very real futures. It’s been a crazy ride for both of us, I know.  I think we’ve both ended up in places that we couldn’t have imagined for ourselves a year ago.

But the truth is, I miss you, bud. I wish we could have ridden out some of this past year’s ride together. In the same breath that I wish you and Amanda congratulations I apologize for not being there with you both. Not only for your own sakes, but for mine. The distance is hard sometimes, man…

My grandpa died just over a week ago, and though God’s given me peace about it, I wish I could have been there for his final days, you know?

And did you hear that Holt’s engaged?! Shoot…that’s another one I wish I would be around for…

I wish I could have pushed a pause button when I boarded that plane for South Africa, Dave, that I knew when I returned in three years time, everything would still be just as I had left it. I wish I could come back and pick up right where I left off. I guess life just doesn’t work that way, does it?

What I really want to say, Dave, is that I miss ya, I’m excited for ya, and I’m wishing you and your family the best. Lily will be nearly three years old by the time I make it home and can visit you guys. Three years old…gosh, that’s crazy.

I may be no priest, but I mean it when I say, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Sincerely and forever your pal,

Adam