In a culture where the lines between faith and music often blur, Christian artist Bryson Gray boldly proclaims, "Rap is in the Bible." Gray's assertion challenges conventional notions, echoing the sentiments of those who see rap as a legitimate art form deeply rooted in culture and in this case, Biblical history!
Gray's stance comes amidst a backdrop of antagonism towards the genre, with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro infamously dismissing rap as "not music." Yet, Shapiro's recent collaboration with rapper Tom MacDonald suggests a shift in perspective, perhaps indicating a newfound recognition of rap's influence and significance in contemporary society.
Drawing from Niblical text, Gray offers a compelling argument for the inclusion of rap within the spectrum of artistic expression celebrated by believers. He points to the book of Habakkuk, specifically chapter 3, as evidence supporting his claim.
Habakkuk 3 opens with a powerful declaration: "A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet. On shigionoth." Gray delves into the meaning behind "shigionoth," highlighting its significance in Biblical poetry. There is no singing in this prayer and it has been described as a "a rambling poem" or "an irregular poetic expression".
Bryson Gray further emphasizes the presence of rhythm and poetry in the passage, citing the use of stringed instruments mentioned at the end. This all indicates a connection between Biblical tradition and contemporary rap culture. As King Solomon said "There is nothing new under the sun". The absence of traditional singing in the passage further reinforces the idea that rap, with its emphasis on spoken word and rhythm, aligns with Biblical precedent.
By highlighting Habakkuk 3 as a prime example, Bryson Gray challenges preconceived notions and invites listeners to reconsider the role of rap within the realm of Christian expression. Maybe it's time for more peopel to champion rap as a valid medium for spiritual and creative expression and also a means to preserve relevance of ancient texts in a modern world.
