Several Christian rap artists will perform at Ohio University tonight in an effort to debunk stereotypes about the genre.
I want people to be able to see that Christians have fun
said Kandace Evans, one of the rappers. There's this idea that church is boring and traditional but it's fun. We just have a different set of morals and values and beliefs...and we want to express it in our actions.
Diving Covering and Anointed Ministries, the two OU faith-based student organizations hosting the event, planned the event to combat misconceptions about Christian rap and as an alternative to the fests, said Kiersten Smith, a member of both organizations and a sophomore studying video production.
I was talking to a student who was telling me that he listens to Christian music but (not) Christian rap because he felt like (the artists) weren't real... Smith said.
One of the performers, Chris Jones of the rap trio Only 1-Way, said that he used to have the same misconception about Christian rap.
You shouldn't put God in a box and say that he can only operate this way. He can do all things and he can reach people
Jones said.
Jeremy Wilson, a Michigan-based rapper who goes by R.I.M.E., has been writing and performing since 2001, but did not begin writing gospel-inspired rap until 2006.
I left (rap) in 2005 and didn't intend to do it anymore because the lifestyle associated with it was weighing my spirit down. But (God) saw fit to put me out in the forefront and the songs just started coming to me naturally
Wilson said.
Evans, the only female performer of the night, said that she is different from most mainstream rappers because of her inspirational style.
When I get up (on stage)
my goal is for you to benefit from the words I express
said Evans. I'm not boasting about myself
I'm boasting about my faith and what helped me get over this mountain or that (one).
OU rapper Jean P. Johnson and Detroit-based radio emcee Caleb Foster will also attend. All performers and emcees agreed to visit OU for free, but Divine Covering and Anointed Ministries received $2,000 from the Student Activities Commission to cover hotel rooms for each visitor, Smith said.
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