May 3, 2015
Hip Hop as Religion
Q. When hip hop replaces religion, new things can emerge. What do you think are some effects (good, bad, maybe even ugly) when hip hop serves as a replacement or alternative to religion?
A. As someone who loves hip hop, warts and all, I know the power it has to change lives and give meaning in otherwise meaningless and hopeless circumstances, as well as highlight and begin to destroy the inequities of society. This is a power that can make changes for the better. However, I fear that if hip hop begins to stake a claim as a new form of religious worship and belief, the rules, dogma, hypocrisy, lies, idolatry and inequality that pervades organised religion will also pervade hip hop.