There are as many genres in Christian music locally as in the secular scene. And in Parachute Music, there is a local recording label for Christian artists. The Parachute Festival, held annually at Mystery Creek in Hamilton attracts a crowd of around 25,000 making it the largest Christian music festival outside the USA. The Inventory whanau is a regular attendee.
Chances are that you haven't heard of Rapture Ruckus. Brad Dring formed the band a few years ago after God transformed his life, breaking a drug habit, and turning him into a hard-out follower of Jesus. Now generally, we're not into hip-hop. But there's something about RR that draws us in - and this is a team which has won international acclaim, both for the music and for high-energy live performances. Dring has a real gift for connecting with his audiences, and presents the message of Christ in a fresh but unmistakable way, with lyrics such as:
And I'm nobody special, I'm just your average Joe
Tryin' to flow, tryin' to let the world now that
I believe that Jesus came to set the world free
And even if I don't believe in God, God believes in me
I believe
So enjoy this, the title track from the album I Believe ...
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5 comments:
Hmm - I haven't learned to appreciate rap yet, but maybe I'm just showing my age again :)
My sentiments exactly Ele. When I first saw Rapture Ruckus perform about five years ago, you could say that I was underwhelmed. But then I started to look at the words Brad was rapping, and the reaction of the young people watching him, most of whom would see church as we know it as irrelevant to where their lives were at. The was this incredible connection. And now, when the Ruckus comes on stage, I head for the mosh-pit, not the door, much to Mrs Inventory's bemusement and Darling Daughter's delight. God does indeed move in mysterious ways!
Love the Ruckus. Have their first album. Don't normally like hip hop because of the complete lack of talent displayed by the artists, but the Ruckus is an exception. Their vocalist can sing and their guitarist has real talent and, as you point out, their words have meaning beyond the standard ugliness of most rap...
Fantastic! I'll look forward to that, IV.
I recently discovered Scripture Vibration -- BLEW ME AWAY!
One of their songs, Faith, is on You Tube, if anyone's interested.
Actually, this isnt bad. Not exactly P.O.D, but good all the same...
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