Jesus and Jay-Z: Hip-Hop Meets Scripture
Monday January 22, 2007
It appears that people have been taking Jay-Z's self-annointment as God MC way too seriously. In what is sure to set christians off, a new book and an accompanying website seek to marry the worlds of Jesus and Jay-Z (Hova, if you will). The website, JesusandJigga.com, claims that the book is "for anyone who is searching for a way to understand biblical applications outside of the four walls of a church."
"This isn’t my idea. It’s what Christ commands us to do," says the author Eric J. Dolce. "I think that one of the main problems Christians have had is that we have viewed many of the popular stars in film, music, tv, etc. as the enemy," he adds.What are your thoughts on Jesus & Jigga? Is it a justifiable concept or is it an absolute no-no in your book?
Image © JesusandJigga.com
Comments
Very interesting. It reminds me of the hippie and rock versions of Christian texts that I remember from the 70s.
However, Jay-Z adds violence, drug dealing and other such non-Christian activities (non-Christian in the scriptural sense rather than as actually practiced since many Christians are quite violent and many American drug dealers would describe themselves as Christians).
I think the worth of the project will be greatly defined by how the author handles the inherent contradictions embodied in that content.
That’s an interesting way to look at it.
Re: Jay-Z adds violence, drug dealing and other such non-Christian activities…
I was thinking the same exact thing when I read the part where he says that Jay’s lyrics are mostly positive. If he was going for the positive outlook, the likes of Kweli, Common, and Mos Def come to mind. Well, they’re not ALL ThE WAY positive…but you get my drift.
You can’t put God’s words with Jay-z’s. THAT’S JUST WRONG! Jesus is a prophet Jay-z is a human.
jay has grown old and lost his virtuoso. Jesus never will. where’s the similarity?
Jesus’ followers have had such an impact on western civilization. As for Jesus v Jay-Z himself, its not really what Jesus did on this world but the impact his followers had (so yes indirectly him) that is significant. Even comparing though Jesus and Jay-Z in the same sentence is illogical, religion is doing fine in America hiphop if anything is espousing by and large a lot of vices and the pain and suffering in the world, and their message is by and large secular and lots of islamic influences (5 percenters in NYC scene, muslim artists like Lupe, Mos Def (?).
Too many Christians have closed their ears to the cries of youth as expressed in rap lyrics. The traditional answer has been to demand that these youth put aside their favorite music and come to church. But what we must remember is that Paul not only reasoned with those who shared his culture in the synagogues- he also went into the marketplace to those outside of his culture (Acts 17:17).
The above is a quote from the jesus and jigga website. I think that the author may have a point here. I read thru the website and it’s clear that he’s NOT making Jay-Z equal to Jesus. Instead, he’s using the topics in rap as his way of introducing what the Bible says about the topic. Might be worth the read…
You can’t put God’s words with Jay-z’s. THAT’S JUST WRONG! Jesus is a prophet Jay-z is a human.
JP, did you even read the author’s website? The apostle Paul did exactly what you are so vehemently condemning.
Paul used the words of non-Christian poets to show the universal truth of Christianity to his audience. Since his audience was filled with people familiar with the poets but not familiar with Jesus, this was a very logical way to introduce them to Christianity.
This author appears to be doing the same, using the words of a modern poet (Jay-Z) to show the universal truth of Christianity. Since many non-Christians are familiar with the work of Jay-Z, it would seem logical to introduce non-Christians from that angle, as long as the truth of Christianity is fully upheld.
Of late, the Lord has been correcting me in my tendency to make quick judgments based on mere appearance without sincerely seeking to make a right judgment based on substantive truth. (John 7:24)
It looks like many of us in our comments here have judged this brother’s work based on one quote and a title. However, any believer who gives a careful and discerning reading of the website (www.jesusandjigga.com) will find that in no way is Jesus made equal to Jay-Z. On the contrary, this author seeks to model Paul’s famous address at the Areopagus in Athens (found in Acts 17), where Paul uses the known poets of Athens to present Christ to a city ignorant of the Savior.
Lets be careful to judge rightly. I encourage you to first READ the website (lick on the “concept” link provided on the site), go as far as to study Acts 17, test the truth of this brother’s position. In this way, you can stand by a judgment based on more than just a quote and a title. Blessings!
The brother Kaleo has a point. It doesn’t make sense to judge a book based on the title alone or one quote- especially if you haven’t read the whole site. I think that the 1st post makes the most sense- it all depends on how the author is making the connection between Jesus and Jay-Z/Jigga.
Yea, I really wanna see how it’s all connected. Jay always making references to God (or being a “god” of rap). But for real, the cover is hot!
Something smells fishy here. Jay-Z is a known media glutton. This might be some kind of marketing scheme from Roc-a-Fella or something… ain’t no way Jesus relates to Jigga
Personally, I think this book might be worth a shot. It isn’t about making Christ and Jay Z equal. From what I read, it’s about making sure the church knows what’s going on in the community and how rap music reflects that and can be used to introduce spiritual ideas.
This book will be huge. Guarantee!
your question about whether the concept of jesus and jigga is a “no no” cannot be properly responded to without knowing what the book actually SAYS. but from what we can gather from the quote the author provides is that Christians need to look at celebs as “works in progress”, (not unlike ourselves) i understand and agree with that premise; as opposed to comparing jigga TO jesus which i don’t think he is doing. i’d be curious to see how/if the book provides a context for a lot of Hov’s biblical and “god” references. glad to see someone has given the subject real “treatment” not just cursory opinions. like this one. LOL!
I think this book will be interesting. However, I hope the author doesn’t think Jay Z is w/o fault. I wonder if the author just wants to water down the gospels, so people will buy the book and not question him. I wonder very much.
One HUGE difference between Paul the Apostle and Jay-Z is Paul the Apostle was led by the Holy Spirit to reason with those people. Jay-Z probably isn’t saved so he isn’t led by the Spirit of God. Also Paul’s mission was to get people saved. Jay-Z on the other hand is just out to create some attention.
I thought the website was interesting and I wrote the author. He actually wrote back! It looks like the book is pretty balanced and explores the worst songs with bad messages and also explores some of the surprisingly positive messages from some of Jay’s music. Can’t wait!
I just finished reading all the lyrics to jay-z’s Kingdom Come. The only reference to the bible in any of the lyrics is when he wants people to read it to show how he(jay-z) is being persecuted. Just a few lines later he uses God’s name in vain. So much of the rest is about money (I got more than you), cars(I have more than you), and putting down other rappers (I have everything more than you.) What’s so sickening is that Jay-z has the fame to actually get people to church, but he chooses to simply glorify himself.
as far as im concerned ive studied the 5% religion or way of life as they would call it and jay-z definately believes he is god. god is no man. and jay-z actually jah-z means something totally different from what people know. yes he reaches out to the black youth but in a way that i believe isnt right hes teaching our youth that there is no god but the asiatic black man. hes leading black youth to ”hell” and if we would study this open our eyes and actually listen to what were listenin to we wouldnt allow rappers to mesmarize the black youth into believing that they are god.he wants his fans to ”worship”him and thats exactually what their doing when they”throw they hands up”. i know that jay-z realates himself to god and if only other black youth like myself would pay attention you would understand this to.
Jay-Z is not with the 5%. A lot of people use Muslim lingo and ain’t muslim. Talking like a christian doesn’t make you one either. If you hear on the Kingdom Come album (most recent) you hear him say how losing his nephew almost caused him to lose the faith that “just started”. 5%ers don’t believe in “faith” b/c they say that’s for “mystery gods”. Since they are not a “religion”, there’s no faith involved.
All this talk about NGE/5% is strange when the site is about hip-hop and Christianity. From what I read, the author seems to be a straight up Christian challenging the Church to make a real effort in reaching hip-hop heads. The section called “The Difference” makes that pretty clear.
if i ever see jay-z i will tell him that he need jesus cause he aint god and he aint neva gone be god. all this hip hop music is leading young people straight to hell cuz they dont know the truth and the truth is that jesus sent his only son to die so that you can live eternally.john3:16. you all be blessed!!!
im glad you said what you said 360 degrees because thats the whole point just like rappers say i wanna thank god when they win an award to us we think they mean god but they really mean themselves hiphop is based on ideology as fans we idolize rappers and thats the easiest way that young people are triked.and masterblaster yes this site is about hiphop but hiphop is a culture a religion as it originated as islamic rap and thats what alot of people dont understand were being tricked into worshiping rappers and we dont even know it. jay-z calls himself jigga jay hova jigga mening god and jay-hova meaning jehovah.masterblaster the author of this book is not of the things of god.how can you compare rap music that calls our black women female dogs, hoes and etc. and teaches our youth to smoke weed, do drugs, and have sex! how could you even imagine compering that to the things of jesus? answer that.and larry i commend you for what you just said because our young people dont open there our eyes there being decieved and it makes it even worst that all the signs are in the music, what they say and how they act.and all it takes is looking it up,reading.all because our black youth cant take time to read we ignorant to the things that are happening right in front of our faces
and 360 degress do you know the difference between the muslim lingo and the 5% lingo? their similar but very different in meaning
Jessica, have you even visited the jesusandjigga website? Do you get the impression that the author’s comments there are somehow against biblical teachings? If so, then maybe you’d make more of an impact in explaining HOW the website/author is wrong.
Instead, you seem to be upset about hip-hop being ungodly. And from my reading, it doesn’t seem like the website disagrees with that.
The book is now available and can be ordered at Eric’s website http://www.jesusandjigga.com/. So now you can read the book first before you comment.
JAY-Z can NEVER EVER compare to anything Jesus has ever done or said,
J-Z in no way shape or form represents himself as a follower of Christ. Jesus is lord Jehovah, My Lord and savior . I am 17 years old and I do listen to HipHop and R&b but i do know that the only way possible to get to heaven is by Jesus and withoutaccepting him in my heart it is impossible! J-Z will not help me make it to heaven and he definitely is not setting a possitive example for anyone. ~Xandria
Jessica I agree totally with you. My generation of people are being decieved but I am 17 and willing to open my eyes, and lift my hands only to woship the one true God, Jesus Christ!
I personally think you are wrong for even putting Jay-z in the same sentence with Jesus. I believe that is the treat of the devil. Yes I listen to hip hop and yes I am saved. But I tryin to draw away from hip hop. God does not have anything to what the world creates. Hip Hop is a religon, Hip hop only glorify things of the world. God said don’t be confined to this world. Hip Hop don’t spesk a Jesus. They say God. God is a Noun not a name. Jesus is God in the Flesh. So I leave you with a question. When they say God in there songs. They are not worshipping God up above. You have to understand The devil uses music to control God people. music is a form praise.Look the devil know the bible. But he going to deceive you using scripture from the bible. Just do more study because you are justify the devil creation.
Let’s get real folks! Seriously! The way I always approach everything is this way . . . what would Christ do? If Jesus was here, would he be “partnering up” with Jay-Z or calling him to repentance? This nation has moved so far away from God and righteousness that we will waste precious time discussing foolishness like this. . . ” jesus and jigga. . . hummm . . . it might be a positive thing. . .” Are we for real? Just google any of Jay-z’s lyrics and your stomach will turn (’Threat’: “And I’m serious about mine, I’m so sin-surr
And I, nigga I’ll kill ya, I’ll chop ya up . . .Put ya inside the mattress like drug money nigga”). Our young people need positive role models and Jay-Z certainly isn’t one of them. 1Thessalonians 5:22 says “Abstain from all appearance of evil”. If Jay-Z is all we have to look to in order to reach our young people, I would argue we’ve reached an alarming state. God says “be ye holy, for I am holy”. Folks, you can’t serve two masters. Anything that does not glorify God, glorifies the devil. Stop fooling yourselves and letting the enemy (the devil) deceive you. If you want to know God and what He expects of you, spend time with Him. . . the same way you get to know your friends and loved ones by spending time with them is the same way you get to know God. He is real and wants a relationship with you. Don’t let your getting to know Him be tainted with foolishness like jesusandjigga. Jesus already died for your sins so that you can actually have a relationship with God, so it’s really up to you to open your heart to the Almighty and sincerely seek Him. Putting Jesus and Jigga in the same categoring is blaspheme!
i am saved! and aspiring to become a MC for GOD, i mean use the bests of today and HIP HOP as we know it to bring glory of what Jesus did for us on the cross, i really think its a shame people dont recodnizge some of the gosple rappers we got out there insted of listening to worldly rappers why can we help out our own ?? rather than justify the blind and def? we cannot force the grace of god only pray for it to save others the way we have been saved! till then i hope all of you remain blessed and if you like pray with me for todays “greatest” MC’s Jay-Z,50cent,game,nas,whom so ever is on ur heart!
till then look at FOR REVELATION! PEACE! by the way anyone wanna mail me holla at shervin69@hotmail.com
i am saved! and aspiring to become a MC for GOD, i mean use the bests of today and HIP HOP as we know it to bring glory of what Jesus did for us on the cross, i really think its a shame people dont recodnizge some of the gosple rappers we got out there insted of listening to worldly rappers why can we help out our own ?? rather than justify the blind and def? we cannot force the grace of god only pray for it to save others the way we have been saved! till then i hope all of you remain blessed and if you like pray with me for todays “greatest” MC’s Jay-Z,50cent,game,nas,whom so ever is on ur heart!
till then look at FOR REVELATION! PEACE!
This guy is trippin seriously! Jay Z is a man like me. Jesus died for our sins. Jay Z promotes the opposite. Let’s look at other artist. Prince at one point was the bad guy and Michael Jackson was the good guy. At one point Prince was thought to be the Anti-Christ because his music promoted so much sex and he had many followers. Now we realize human error Michael Jackson in getting older has become the strange one and Prince is now married and Saved! He is no longer performing his past work because he believes it was too worldly. What about artist like R-Kelly, AC-DC, The Beatles, LL Cool J, 2 Pac, Notorious BIG, KISS, and all the other artist who have had a great fan base? Do we compare them to Jesus? How can you be a christian and compare the two? Your mind has to be pretty small to even come close to consider thinking this way? I would never give this book an opportunity to be held in my hand. How could you? What do you expect to gain from this? It will not lead any one to Christ.
Jay-z is just looking for Gods probs instead of him to repent and serve the lord he is busy publishin books i hope he is not influencing kanye west or do u?
i see what everyone is saying i know this is late in its posting but many of the comments didnt seem to make sense. people talk about Jesus like he wasnt human. Jesus is/was fully human. He was made into Gods image for the people to believe that there is a God. On the same note Jesus did too struggle, he struggled with learning to love thy enemies. Wouldn’t it be wrong to judge someone just because he rapped about drugs and violence that he is not a believer? Jay-Z has matured as a person and an artist. His albums tell it all.
What’s strange is that people here are LITERALLY judging the book by it’s cover. I wonder how many of those making statments about how blasphemous the book is actually read the website. Dude isn’t trying to compare Jesus and Jay-Z. He’s analyzing topics from two perspectives: Jay-Z’s and the Bible’s. The whole reason why people think Christians are judgemental is b/c y’all don’t take time to hear people out before you get all preachy. I’m coppin’ this book-
There is no togetherness in Jesus and “Jigga’s” messages. Jay-Z isn’t trying to bring the word of God to anyone. He’s not trying to bring anyone to the truth in Christ. To those who listen to his music, it’s pretty evident in the lyrics who is getting the praise and that’s Jay H to the izz O V to the izz A Jay hova God (Jehova). He calls himself God a man like you and I. Jay-Z’s lyrics are not fruitful or even a witness to God’s word. Maybe this website could help open up some of your eyes to the true message behind the Hip Hop CULTURE. http://www.exministries.com For those who get defensive about…self-check, who r u really tryina serve. Much love and peace.
Psalm 4:2
in Jay-Z’s Fade to Black DVD, after writing a rap line about the meek inheriting the earth he states that he has never read the bible a day in his life.
although i am a huge fan of both Jesus and jay-z, jay-z cannot be comparable to Jesus. he hasn’t even read the scripture.
regardless, us Christians really should be wary of judging another person, especially jay z.
“Only God can judge him. Only he without sin can tell me if my means can justify my ends.” (as said by jigga man himself)
i think jay z is being stupid!!!!! coz no one can beat God. GOD IS REAL!!! people and satan is trying to take that truth away from you and wants you to worship him and when you’ll end up in hell,he won’t be by your side, he’ll be laughing at you.
It is very funny a lot of people defend hiphoppers even though a lot of hiphoppers know the word but speak profain, vulgar,foul nothings into the life of people who they could care less about. I actually took some time to go to the website and I think it is trash also. First the author tries to use Acts 17:22-34 to justify his lies. He says that the Apostle Paul speaks with the Jews first, which is true, and uses scriptures and the words of prophets, which is true. Second, he goes to the greeks and teaches them. The lie is when he says the Apostle Paul does not use scriptures or words of prophets but that is a lie. The author leaves out vs. 18-19 to validate his point. The last time I checked the good news was scripture; then and now. If anyone taught on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ then it is prophecy and scripture. The life of Christ was spoken in the Old Testiment by prophets and his life makes the New Testiment. So scripture was given. The thing is, what they were hearing was new to them and they did not really understand so he went deeper. Paul didn’t use just anything that they could relate to. Yes he used some words from one of their poets, but he didn’t use anything that contradicts the word of God like hiphop. Pastors use anecdotes or scenarios to get their points across like Paul; something you can relate to. You can’t use crack to free a crackhead. You can’t use hiphop to help the lost find Christ. You can say Christ over and over in hiphop but if you speak things that defile the word, the listner is saying and sometimes living the same thing that the rapper speaks. No, this book is not just about Jaz-Z but its trying to tie Christian principles and Hiphop together which is in no way possible. Christ gives life, Hiphop breeds death. How? Let me explain. The Bible teaches love, forgiveness, peace, joy, patience, meekness, positive strength, loyalty to friends and enemies. Hiphop teaches hate, pain, death, love idols, self worship, “love” of money, “Love” of fame, unforgiveness, painful and hateful ways to build strength, or simply put, everything that contradicts the word of God. I know many are saying man you don’t know what your talking about and some rappers don’t rap like that but if you look over the years I can estimate 97% do. Why, because that is what the world wants to hear and they got feed into the world to receive from the world. Plant a seed get a harvest. Plant in the world receive from the world. Plant your faith and(money is included in faith) time in God. You receive everything in The true and living God. The devil knows the word just as God’s people. He takes the word and flips it or perverts it and use it for his gain. Deceiving you. I will leave you with this. This is about what you hear and see. This also relates to Hiphop and this author. 2 Timothy 4:3&4 NIV (To Clarify as the author did) For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their “own desires”, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their “itching” ears want to hear. 4. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.(Hiphoppers teaching or rapping about a glorious life in sin and authors like this one) Is this scripture describing you? God bless you all.
hey people…time to wake up
JayHova said himself he neva read the bible, and he’s a member of the freemasons -> he wears the ring(Which non-masonic person wears the ring with the freemason-logo?) If u are fans do your researches…. may you be blessed with love
How can you even justify the blasphemous ways of Jay-Z. First off, he calls himself Jay Hova (If you cannot break it down, then you are blinded). His lyrics are far from anything Jesus would have been teaching, and he promotes the worship of self. Money is his god, not the God of Israel. He does not believe in the living God.
And also, he is a high ranking mason…..
Hey K1MJ,
It seems like you’re the only one who read the website somewhat. Let me ask you (and everyone else spitting venom on this book that I GUARANTEE none of you read): did you ever consider that the author might write to condemn some of the things that Jay-Z says which are contrary to scripture?
Isn’t it true that comparing jay-z lyrics in light of Scripture MIGHT help people see some negative things Jay is saying? If the author is exposing Jay-Z fans to the scriptures that they would not normally engage on their own, isn’t that a good thing?
By the way, all this talk about Jay being a high-ranking mason… how come all ya’ll know who’s a mason and who’s not when it’s a SECRET society? Are ya’ll some masons too?
Empire State of Mind…Blueprint 3….Can someone please clarify to me what Jay Z means when he says:
If Jesus payin LeBron, I’m paying Dwayne Wade, ?
Statue of Liberty, long live the World trade,
long live the king yo, ?
who sipping life casually, then gradually become worse,
don’t bite the apple Eve, ?
Hail Mary to the city your a Virgin,
and Jesus can’t save you life starts when the church ends, ?
positive? helloo dis guy wrote a songg out 2 lucifer likee wat is dat. & dat little trianglee he doesss like wats datt saposed 2 meann? . i noticedd it lo0ks like that pyramiddd on the dollerr so0 maybee he workin with the gov. to destryy the youngg mindsss n crap idk LOL., but i have youtubed alot of thingss n therefore gived me reasonn to believe thattt he iss 1 of the devils experiments. enufff saidd!
Loquacious (talkative?)
He didn’t say Jesus, he said Jeezy, as in the rapper.
Long live the king? Thts Michael Jackson. Don’t bite the apple eve? U gotta put it in context of the verse. He’s talking about a girl in today’s time who is apparently struggling with life’s temptations. The apple (which is never mentioned in Scripture) symbolizes temptation. I don’t know about the part about hail mary and Jesus can’t save ur life…etc. I’m thinking he is saying tht Church in and of itself isn’t working in nyc. Sometimes us church ppl don’t take the msg outside of the church, and many die without salvation.
Look all of you may be taking this too serious whether Jay Z likes god or not is no ones concern if he beleives himself to be a god let him he is a rap legend and a big name in the biz cant be mad at himself for saying MC god but his lyrics if you pay attention, point to some things that you wouldnt beleive and all you people on here need to give the big bible talk a break it wont change anything alright point is people will do what they please and if you cant change get over it and all you people know that there are times where you wonder where god is and all you can ever say is have faith its in his wiil and he works in mysterious ways but after losing so much you never will beleive in hope
I have been a fan of hip hop for as long as I can remember. I recently came across a string of videos which is deeply disturbing regarding JayZ and his circle
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDgUTQYEIas) This has nothing to do with judging, because I am actually praying for him and those around him. But as a Christian, who is now aware of his lyrics and questionable practices, I do have a responsibility to turn away from his music and shield my family and loved ones from it. I hope you all will do the same.
@Loquacious,
Empire State of Mind…Blueprint 3….Can someone please clarify to me what Jay Z means when he says:
If Jesus payin LeBron, I’m paying Dwayne Wade, ?
-First off he says Jeezy. In one of Jeezy’s song he says he used to pay kobe (number 24) but now he paying Lebron (number 23). Jay-Z is basically saying if Jeezy, who nows pays less a Ki, then metaphorically I’ll be paying Dawayne Wayde (number 3, meaning 3 a Kilo).
Statue of Liberty, long live the World trade,
long live the king yo, ?
-Here he is pointing out cultural icons of NYC. Statue of Liberty, World Trade, and the KINGDOME. ALL popular NYC attractions.
who sipping life casually, then gradually become worse,
don’t bite the apple Eve, ?
Hail Mary to the city your a Virgin,
and Jesus can’t save you life starts when the church ends, ?
-The rest of this is in context of the verse. He creates a composite of a girl growing up in New York City.
OKAY! LET ME SEE… ALL YALL IS WRONG I AM 12 IM BLACK AND YES I LISTEN TO JAY Z AND I STILL BELIEVE IN GOD… WHY IS YALL SWEATIN THIS MAN JUST BECAUSE OF A SHIRT,A FEW LYRICS AND THE ROCA FELLA SIGN… BE FAREA YALL JUST MAKING SOMETHING OUT OF NOTHING!! HMM? I WONDER WHAT YALL ARE THINKING WHILE READING THIS SHE DONT KNOW WHAT SHE TALKING BOUT MAYBE? WELL I DO!!!(YOU CAN NOT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER!)
Romans 2
1. You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.
America needs to wake up and realize what is going on in our country!! God said in the last days there will false prophets.. well think about it, why would jay z think for one minute that he can compare himself to Jesus?? there is no comparison, jayz is a fake and a sellout, i am praying for him and his mistakes and hopefully he will reealize his ways before it is too late. I find it hilarious that the author can say that christ commanded him to write this book, when all jay z does is speak blashphemies on the church. Period.. Point Blank Jayz is very disrispectful in his lyrics and he better watch it. In the end there is only one way and that is through Jesus Christ!! If your not with god, then u ARE against him.