Holy Ghost Movie speaks prophetically about the Arts

"Holy Ghost" is a recently released movie by film-maker Darren Williams. One section in particular features some surprising guests, that have some profound things to say about the arts. These are well worth reading right through:

Brian "Head" Welch:

"You know for so long - cos I was in the world forever you know.. it was like.. those are Christian people, they're all goody goodies, and they do everything right and.. they're over their [points to the side].  They're in their bubble, Christian music, Christian award shows, Christian.. everything and I just think right now.. I totally think that those walls should come down.. you don't gotta be in a country club to be a Christian.. Jesus said go out into all the world, how are you supposed to go out into all the world when you're in your bubble?"

Michael W. Smith

"So yeah, I know that my music which has been a part of Contemporary Christian Music has changed countless lives, and I'm greatful for that, but I also think... I'm not sure that we're having a whole lot of impact on our culture, and that's what bothers me about it."

Lenny Kravitz

"I don't want to follow the world, but I'm in the world. I'm from the street, and I learned and grew up in the street, I still love the streets, and I have a lot of passion for folks out in the street. We're all here to do our thing where God wants us to be and my place happens to be where it is in the world of music and rock and roll and I may reach people where others can't, and they reach people that I can't."

Gary Wilson

"What the world doesn't need are more Christian artists, what we need are more artists who have their Christianity intact, and really understand what it means to be a follower of Jesus. What it means to be a follower of Jesus does not mean to sit in the church, Sunday after Sunday and be good, and be sweet and be polite. We are called to go out into the world. I think one thing that the Western church lacks, is courage. And then you've got those people out there on the Edges.. and many Christians would [say] you know 'you shouldn't be involved in that heavy metal', or whatever the thing is, you know, heavy rap, or whatever.. but that's where the lions live, that's where the natives are, you know. We need people who when they go out there they're creating work that is birthed out love. Listen, art that doesn't have the presence of God in it is idolatry. And what we want is to bring the presence of God to the world.

The world isn't going to come inside church, the church has to go into the world."

Holy Ghost is available on DVD now.

Why Lecrae Should Matter To You (ROE Pt 3)

Rules of Engagement - Part 3: Create great art, and let your worldview influence your art

“Indeed, nowhere is culture more ‘unsalted’ than precisely in the field of the arts – and that in a time when the arts (in the widest sense) are gaining a stronger influence than ever through the mass communications.” - Hans Rookmaaker

“So get used to me, cos Imma settle in”- Lecrae

Lecrae is likely the most influential hip hop artist today that demonstrates a biblical-Christian word-view. He's proven to be a man of integrity, strong faith, and a very honest and transparent person, who openly shares about his fears, doubts and weaknesses. He's become a leader within the Christian community, but in recent years, has become known to the hip hop world in general, as a compelling artist who happens to have Christian faith. This is the concept he's basing his new record “Anomaly” around. I have never been as excited about a music release, as I am about this album. If you know me well, you'd know that's a big call.

Confession + explanation: I love hip hop music, in fact you could say I'm a BIG hip hop fan. Especially for a drummer. But I've never been solely into that style/genre. The first major CD I bought was Radiohead's third album. The most recent CD I bought was by my favourite jazz trio. Give me a CD of the latest indie band, and I might like it. Show me a singer/song-writer with soul, and I'll probably love them. I even like the odd Coldplay and Katy Perry song. I've played drums in a semi-professional jazz/fusion band, and percussion in a professional symphony orchestra. For an eclectic musician, and a fan of jazz, rock and classical – Lecrae has a lot of my attention at the moment, and there's a good reason for it.

I know that rap and hip hop isn't everyone's cup of tea. I had a good friend the other day sheepishly tell me “I don't really like hip hop” (this was while I was playing some 'underground' rap in the background). I'm ok with that. Especially considering rap/hip hops connection to popular culture, I do suggest that it if you want to forge a career in the arts or the media in some way, that you learn at least a little bit about Lecrae and his journey.

Learn from a man whose journey so far is unparalleled by any Christian in the realm of the arts today. If more people followed his basic approach, the world would be a totally different place today. Read, listen, watch, bob your head, and learn. (You could start by listening to THIS catchy new number that recently hit #1 on iTunes!!!)

In his mind, he's a missionary, but in his approach, he seeks to be the best artist he can be. His new approach combined with his hard-work and latent talent as a poet and an MC, has brought him favour within the industry, without him compromising his convictions. One rapper said in a track Lecrae might “sell a million”, and I think he might be right.

These days, he raps, connects with his crowd, makes great art, and let's his world-view influence his sound and music. But it wasn't until quite recently that he took on that approach.

For almost a decade, Lecrae has been on a journey through the world of “Christian music”. Since 2004, he has released album after album of gospel centered, spiritually edifying, doctrinally eloquent, sonically brilliant rap music. Songs like “Don't Wanna Waste My Life”, “Rebel” and “Just Like You” and many more, have become favourites to believers across the globe. Christians from many cultures and people groups, particularly those that identify with “hip hop culture”, have been encouraged and discipled by music from Lecrae and his rap crew.

Around 2012 however, he went through a major paradigm shift, and began distancing himself from the “Christian rapper” term. His music, his interviews and blog have sought to explain this. Many rappers continue the job of teaching and “discipling” Christians through their music, but it seems Lecrae was moved to reach more “lost” people.

Between 2011 and 2012 however, he documented in a blog that while he knew his music had been used to transform lives, he was still dissatisfied with the limits that labels had put on his music. He said many wouldn't even give his music a real chance, because they felt that it wouldn't speak to them. It makes sense. Why would a non-believer be interested in something marketed as “Christian”?

“I was respected by my non-religious friends, but my music to them was very limited and didn't speak to any areas of life other than salvation and living right. I sought advice and was led to books by people like Francis Shaffer, CS Lewis and others... I was challenged in more ways than you can imagine.”

He also commented on labels of artistic genres such as “Christian” and “gospel”: “Interestingly enough, those genres are the only ones categorised based off the content and not the style of music.”

Personally, I do believe that those terms can be beneficial for Christians within themselves (eg new-believers, parents and youth leaders), but the labels can be unhelpful for Christians who seek to connect and create culture for those in the world. Lecrae put it this way:

“Though it gives people identifying marks for their music, it can also (in many ways) limit their reach. Many people take these titles to mean the music is for an exclusively Christian audience. If indeed the true Gospel is what transforms people outside the faith, then why should the term Gospel seem exclusive to those in the faith? Of course that's not the intention, it's just a reality that any missionary should consider.”

As an artist, this explains why Lecrae went on a mission (from around 2012 onwards) to distance himself from the “Christian rapper” label.

As he told 50 Cents Youtube channel: “If I'm a Christian rapper, then Lupe's a Muslim rapper”.

This approach didn't fail to draw criticism. He's been criticized for wanting to be successful in the world, and for working with non-Christian artists, and a range of other things. He's responded to those critiques at various times, although the various negative blogs, and comments that can be found on his social media sites prove that we will never please everyone, this side of Christ's coming.

Thankfully, he's developed tough skin, worked hard to keep a sweet spirit, and just has simply gotten on with his mission. “I know what they saying, but I promise that I'm cool...” he rapped in his 2012 album “Gravity”.

Before the release of that breakthrough album, he released an underground mixtape. It was as successful as any hip hop album (by a Christ-follower), ever. It's essential listening if you're a hip hop fan, if you're not, maybe check out a bit of background info, and consider listening to the first single.

If you read XXL (a prominent hip hop magazine), listen to Sway (well-known hip hop DJ), and know about rappers like Kendrick Lamar, Hopsin and others... you'd know Lecrae is hitting the mark within hip hop culture. “Hype” is building for his latest album, and this makes me excited.

His first single is here (more heavy)

His second single is here (this one's far more catchy/”pop-py”.)

To further grasp his transition, compare this line in 2008 from his album "Rebel":

"Lord kill me if I don't preach the gospel"...

...to the following statement made on Facebook earlier this year:

"I know most people want every song to have a very explicit moral message but sometimes that sacrifices the art and beauty and skill of communicating. I'm still fighting to give people what they've come to expect from Albums like "Rebel" while still helping them to understand that trying to force that does a disservice to you, me, and the work God has done on me..." (full post here).

Overall, to Lecrae, “success”, is having people connect with his world-view and message. This can't happen as much, if the “artistic” quality in his music is lost because he is trying to force a particular message. He's set out to be an artist... and he's staking his claim in hip hop culture as a great one. If more artists and media professionals learn from people like him, the world would be a different place.

[Edit: Of course, Lecrae has readily admitted that he hasn't done this perfectly. He shares about his mistakes in this interview, and also in the song "If I Die Tonight" (CC2) -  "Sometimes, the first one to lead, is the first to make big mistakes / and the first one to be criticized and the first one to feel hate / But I swear the moves that I made / I was trying to work on my faith / I've been wrong before but where I'm bout to go / they won't put it all in my face / I just dared to do what they scared to do / And if I died tonight, just know - I may need an heir or two"]

[Edit #2: Rapzilla.com just announced Lecrae is releasing a new book. Even if you hate rap, keep this book on your radar as it will no doubt give a view into the mind of a great artist who still has his Christianity intact.]

What does the world need... from you?

Last week, we explored the idea of servant-hood, and what it might look like to apply Mark 10:43 to the creative spheres. (Click here to read..) Basically, it's about doing what you do, with a view to be a blessing to people, and building and creating culture that serves the needs of the people in our community, as opposed to serving our egos & bank accounts. (For some, the best way to do this is simply by finding their own creative voice, and sharing it!)

Of course, there are many “needs” in society. Within the realms of the arts & the media, I've written down what I think some of those needs are. They are in no particular order, and are certainly not exhaustive.In fact, I'm hoping you can add your own thoughts in the comments below!

I think the world needs:

Music that entertains, pleases the ear canals, and the mental & emotional pallet

Good, new indie rock bands

Artists of all kinds that are authentically themselves, that push themselves, artistic boundaries, and move and stretch their audience

Voices that speak prophetically into our culture, and address (for example) “justice issues”

Good music (of all genres... and even genres yet to be created?!)
Pop music
Rock music
And given that there will always be pop stars and rap stars.....We could do with pop/rap stars that know how to live well, have fun, love Jesus, and be cool. Essentially, good “role models”.
(Eg Singers that don't lie naked on their album covers, pay lip service to God, and allow themselves to be marketed to pre-teens.)
More films/TV series/books that entertain AND engage viewers, while exploring deep themes that give meaning to human existence (for example.... love, romance, sacrifice, overcoming adversity, etc)
Fiction, fantasy, comic, suspense thriller books that explore above said themes, and more...*
Visual art that makes the world, our churches and our living rooms, beautiful.
Visual art that stirs & confronts us out of our comfort zone.
TV stations/Media companies that will be selective in who they give air time to. (no soft porn at 4pm please. I'm hoping to have kids some day.)
Entertainment that is uplifting and fun.Jokes that make adults laughJokes that make children laugh
Jokes that make adults and children laugh (admittedly a hard task!)
Entertainers of all types that are role models that speak up for good causes from time to time
Prayers prayed for Justin Bieber (seriously)

Artists that honour, respect, learn and master the traditions found in their art-forms and then build on them, adopting various old forms, adapting them, and then innovating, pushing and progressing the art form forward in new ways
Prayers prayed for all celebrities that you've recently judged
News that informs and doesn't merely “entertain”
Pastors that will care for, and guide people into what God has called them to do - (both outside and inside the church walls)
The continuation of the "Renaissance" of the Arts that is happening within the church at largeMagazines that explore a whole range of sciences, arts, and other human endeavors
Blogs (like this one), that inform, educate and equip readers (and entertain if need be)
The world definitely needs good fashion
Skinny jeans
And even though most aren't aware, the greatest need that the world has is to hear the gospel contextualized

What would you say are some of the worlds “needs” within the realms of the Media and the Arts?

How to Apply the Crucial Key of Servanthood (ROE Pt 2)

Rules of Engagement – Part 2

“In an age where celebrities are basically "idolized" by the media, and in industries where jealousy, lust, greed, envy and selfish-ambition seemingly influences so much of what goes on, those that whole-heartedly take on this characteristic will be a breath of fresh air.” (previous blog)

Maybe you've heard the word “servant” at different times. If you've hung around Christian circles for a while, you've more than likely heard the word quite often. Or maybe the word “serving”, or even the classic: servant-hearted. The reason it's talked about though, is because Jesus talked about it a lot.

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43) It's possible to still read that and think... That's great. But how does that actually apply to my life, and my industry?

Great question. Ultimately, it comes down to who you're doing it for.

Let's use a business analogy. If a business owner wants to sleep well at night, then s/he should make a profit by offering products and services that meet genuine needs in the community. If a person in that community buys the product/receives a service, a sale is made, the customer benefits and the business owner finds what could be defined as true “success”. If the owner is purely out for themselves, they might use a bunch of shady advertising techniques, do whatever it takes to make sales, and maximise profits without paying attention to the real needs of the community. (Think Coca-Cola for a moment!)

I'm not saying you should view what you do simply as a product. Stay with me...

The world does need great art, and great media. Both arenas serve many purposes in society. They entertain/stimulate/communicate/challenge/inform/enliven..... the list goes on. If you genuinely set out to meet those needs today.... awesome!!!!

I'm not simply saying you should “sell-out” for the crowd either. Let me elaborate by saying that the world needs people that are mature in their God-given, artistic and creative “voice”. People that are truly and authentically themselves, confident in who God made them to be.

I am saying we shouldn't take on the same motivation that “Gangnum Style” rapper Psy initially had for starting his career. When he was younger, he watched Freddy Mercury of Queen singing live at Wembley Stadium. He watched how he had the audience “in the palm of his hand”, and wanted that type of attention for himself. And instead of singing, he decided to learn how to rap.

Psy does seem to be a really good hearted person. He has said that he wrote “Gangnum Style” for the people in his own country, because they were going through a tough time economically and he wanted to make people laugh. Definitely a noble cause! What I'm challenging though is the initial motivation (self centered-ness), that is actually present in all of us.

The more that we contain self-centered motives, and the more that we are in it for what we can get, the more we will be inclined to deliver an inferior product. (Again think of Coke.) We might achieve some level of success, but in the end we won't be truly successful.

The truth is all of us have mixed motives in all we do. The closer we get to Jesus though, the more He can and will purify our hearts.

Those that truly value people, and seek to serve the community through their medium, will ultimately do better than those who simply want the attention, who want fame, or to be rich, and are not transformed during their journey.

A performer like Justin Timberlake can take on servant-like characteristics. He can (and I believe he does) perform for his audience, seeking to entertain and inspire them. Anyone can take on that characteristic. (And by the way, I'm a fan of JT.)

In my view, no one can be great in any field, unless they apply the principle of servant-hood. But those who really take this to the next level, will have had their hearts transformed by Jesus Himself. They'll be the ones who will really “shine” so to speak. As well as “acting out” the principle of servant-hood, let's all be transformed, bit by bit, by Jesus. And as we seek to follow him, may God teach us to really, truly care for all the people we connect with. Let's be stirred to use our talents and gifts to the best of our abilities, to make the lives of people, and the world a better place.

All of this doesn't mean you shouldn't promote yourself. In the midst of hard work, if you know you have something worthy to offer.... a bit of “hustle” is probably necessary!

“God promotes Himself since to not do so would be cruel. If God is God He's the best we can have. He promotes Himself for our benefit not His” - James Macpherson via Twitter

If any of this stirs you, I'd suggest reading through Phillipians 2:3-11, and reflect on how it applies to your sphere. For more scriptures on the topic to read/meditate on, click here.

#seekJesus                                                #transformation                                                                   #itsaprocess

Don’t isolate yourself from the world – but don’t be like it either. (ROE Pt 1)

Rules of Engagement - Part 1

“In the world, but not of it”*. It’s a well-known Christian catch-cry. And it actually sums up really well what Christ-followers should do. We should connect in the world, and engage with people. Be you. And if you want to wear a leather jacket, wear a leather jacket. I can’t afford one, so I wear vinyl. No one can tell. If you want to spend money on fashion… there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. What’s the alternative anyway? Deliberately uncool? A jacket from the 70s? Actually, they’re cool these days. HOWEVER… this we stretch it too far if we apply it to areas of morality, and issues of the heart. Let's think of an artist we all know and love very much...

Kanye West has been rapping a long time. Eight years ago now, he rapped: “They tell you… preach us, teach us, Jesus; Okay, look up now, they done stole your streetness” (in the song "Good Morning"). A few years earlier, he rapped “God show me the way because the devil’s tryna’ bring me down”** and one of the ways he does this is by tempting us to become like the world – in a bad sense. Whenever we stand at crossroads like everyone does, we need to think about Scriptures like 1 John 2:15 etc and Matthew 6:24. I love Kanye, but I don’t wanna see more creative believers go in the same direction, because in the end, it will only lead to hurt and regret. I’m pressing this point (again) because it’s so important.

If being cool means getting drunk on Saturday night before church the next morning, I don’t wanna be cool. If I have to sleep around to be with the “in” crowd... then count me "out". I don’t want so called “streetness”, if I have to stop following Jesus to get it. The truth is though that Christ is out in the streets, and the streets is where you'll find his true followers. In the world. Not off.

As we follow him, in a sense, we redefine what is cool. When it comes to heart attitudes/behaviours……. I’d say, being caring is cool. I’d say, helping people is cool. I'd say showing "love" for thy neighbor – is cool!!! We aren’t meant to be “of the world” in a bad sense, or in the sense of choosing "sin" etc. The big “C” word (compromise) won't help you live out your calling. And of course on the other hand… neither will being deliberately uncool/isolating yourself from the world, just for the sake of it. What purpose does that serve?

Obviously, we need to become good at engaging culture. In. Not off.

We have been sent into the world as believers (see John 17:18), obviously with a purpose. A mission even. And it's impossible to live out this mission "in the world" today without cultural engagement. Simple as that. If you walk into a shop, and someone says “how are you”, whatever you say back is engaging culture. The last thing we want to do is be sloppy in our cultural engagement.

“I look back on my life like what a fool

cos now my life might redefine what is cool

...fresh prince, barely old enough to rule..

Me without God, is Tiger Woods without golf courses

Now I be cooler than popsicles on porches

...fashion game of my life brightened up

It's a dark world folk gotta lighten up” - Blake Young (Hip Hop artist) song is: here.

IN THE WORLD // NOT OF IT

*See John 17:11,14-18    **From the song "Jesus Walks" (like all of us, he has a dream.)

Faith/Arts/Media - 3 Rules of Engagement:

A little while ago, I handed in a university research paper entitled “Faith, Arts and the Media - Rules of Engagement: How Christians should engage with the media and the arts spheres?”

I decided that I couldn't sum up the whole paper in one blog post. (I well exceeded the 8,000 word limit!!!) So here’s three “rules of engagement”, quick-fire:

1. Don’t isolate yourself from the world – but don’t be like it either.

“In the world, but not of it”*. It’s a well-known Christian catch-cry. And it actually sums up really well what Christians should do. We should connect in the world, and engage with people. Be you. Be a little bit cool if you want to. Or uncool, if that's cool for you. Traditionally, Christians have often interpreted the phrase “in the world” to mean we should be connected and engaged with people, and maybe even a little bit trendy. I have no problem with this notion.

What does “not of the world” mean though? Basically, it means don’t do anything stupid, and watch over your heart. It is talking about sin, although overall, it’s more a matter of the heart than anything else. Embellishing on this, the Apostle John says: “Do not love the world or anything in the world.” (1 John 2:15) While it’s not wrong for me to wear a nice pair of shoes, it’s wrong for me to be obsessed with my appearance, to be “vain”. “The world”, refers to the demonic system, where pride, greed, lust, and all sorts of ugly things are the norm. We aren’t supposed to be like that. So yes, don’t sin. But it goes deeper than that. Don’t let bad motives and unhealthy desires come to fruition. Read through Scripture. (I heard a great sermon the other day on 1 Peter 1:22-2:3.) Get with God, and let Him change you little by little. Ultimately, God will show you how to live out the above phrase. And while you do this, remember to ultimately use you're gifts/talents & creative mediums to:

2. Serve the community

In an age where celebrities are basically "idolized" by the media, and in industries where jealousy, lust, greed, envy and selfish-ambition seemingly influences so much of what goes on, those that whole-heartedly take on this characteristic will be a breath of fresh air.

Because we live in a time when the "prince" of the "power of the air" is influencing so many people**, it's more important than ever that "in our relationships with one another", we "have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.

"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather..."

Please take time to read and study Phillipians 2:3-11. Things worked out ok for Jesus in the end... but ultimately that's because he set about serving people (and God's purposes) first. Jesus example gives us a lot to follow when it comes to working within the media & the arts.

3. Learn from Lecrae

Lecrae is quite likely the most influential hip hop artist today that espouses a biblical-Christian world-view. Even if you're not too keen on Rap/Hip Hop, it's worth knowing a bit about him. (Especially considering hip hop's influence on popular/global culture.)

In his mind, Lecrae is a missionary to the Hip Hop world, but his strategy to achieve this, is to be a great artist. THIS is one of the keys to his success in recent times, and a reason why he's now engaging with more and more people "in the world".

In 2012, he really hit his stride with his approach and as he explained in his own blog, became more focused on creating art to the best of his abilities, and allowing his worldview to naturally influence what he created, as opposed to using it as a means to communicate truth. This approach allowed his 2012 release entitled “Church Clothes” to connect with a lot more people outside of the church than before, and those people are now engaging with his Christian worldview. Lecrae really is "in the world, but not of it."

Compare this line in 2008 from his album "Rebel":

"Lord kill me if I don't preach the gospel"...

...to the following statement made on Facebook earlier this year:

"I know most people want every song to have a very explicit moral message but sometimes that sacrifices the art and beauty and skill of communicating. I'm still fighting to give people what they've come to expect from Albums like "Rebel" while still helping them to understand that trying to force that does a disservice to you, me, and the work God has done on me..." (full post here).

Lecrae has been on quite a journey over the last 12 years artistically, and it’s worth learning from him. I believe we should never be ashamed of Christ, and I am all for personal evangelism/sharing the gospel. However, those who seek to work in the arts & the media in some way, should never feel like we have to force a particular message through our mediums. When the time is right, the time is right. All we are really required to do is walk with God and let things flow from there. This seems to be something Lecrae has come to understand. (And by the way, his new album "Anomaly" is being released September 9^th. Christian outlets and non-Christian outlets are anticipating it, and I certainly am too!)

*This is a combination of two phrases found in John 17:11,14-18.
**See Ephesians 2:2

HOPSIN'S JOURNEY - and Why it Should Matter to You

Hopsin, (aka Marcus Hopson) is known as a hugely talented and charismatic MC. Even though I've never met him, but it seems he's a hard-working intellectual, with a big heart.

Just over a few years ago, a high school kid asked me if I'd heard of Hopsin, and told me that he'd dissed Lil' Wayne and other rappers. I then looked him up, and have followed him ever since. While he's never been one to play the major-label game, he's developed a huge following, mainly through “word of mouth”... or social media. (One of his videos has close to 40 million views [edit: it's now clocked just over that number], his most recent clocked over 1 million views in it's first day online! He's been called the “Black Eminem”, and skills-wise, he deserves the title. He's actually just about to tour with an Australian hip hop artist called 360. That's a tour I'd pay see.

The year before last, (2012), it seems that Hopsin found faith, and found God.

Check here to see an interview with regular outlet “Hard Knock TV”. In this segment (of a four part video) shows he's a deep thinker, who values being “authentic”... more than most people... definitely more than your average rapper. That authenticity has led him to share about his faith journey at times... Watch at least the first 6-7 minutes if possible.

In this video, in my eyes anyway, Hopsin really seems to have encountered God. He seems to have really changed in the way he sees things. I don't think you can “put on” the whole “convicted” thing, even if he did care about winning over the Christian crowd.

For a long time, I've had the view that if someone who has a profile finds Christ, generally they need to come out of the limelight for a while. This is similar what Jesus did with Simon, Andrew, and the rest of the disciples. I'm not saying we should all leave our homes right now and join a commune, but there are times & seasons where we need to get away with Jesus, and get “discipled”, in the same way that the 12 did. They had to get trained, unlearn old habits, learn new ones, and basically learn how to live like Christ. Even though Jesus can appear to us today (and he does), for some reason he seems to use people most of the time to manifest to us (see Acts 9:5 for the former, but also verse 6 and 10-12 etc for the latter).

For Hopsin to find God during the journey he was on.... would have been tough. He's a smart dude, and a song he released soon after his encounter with God is a confronting song. But the journey he's been on since has been rough, as it would be for anyone... just like it has been rough for me.

Last month, he released a track that I think is one of his most powerful yet. Check it out, if you don't mind deep themes wrapped in some R18 language.

This song show's a new level of maturity artistically, both musically and as a video. Spiritually though... it's even more profound. A lot of people have said "this is him walking away from Christianity" etc... really, this is perhaps the biggest set-up of his life... and I have a feeling he knows it. There's so many things that the God-haters will ignore.... here are some random thoughts about this video.

-He's talking to God the whole time. Even when he says "my gut feeling says it's all fake..." he's saying it to God.
-He's challenging God to reveal himself to him. Marcus has met God before. God does things His way - but at the same time, God is seeking us... God won't let him get too far.

-Even in the middle of his wrestling... Hopsin says that when he looks at the earth and sun he can "tell a genius man designed it - it's truly mind blowing, I can't deny it" He's honest enough to share the tension at hand. (See what I mean about authenticity? It's much cooler than being dogmatic - either for or against faith.)

-God can handle being called a "Poltergeist".

-Hopsin's coming to Australia soon. Christians everywhere are praying for him. It's like the rap game... for every "hater", there's at least 4-10 fans. It's the same with judgemental Christians. Jesus (not just the devil) is at work. I'd be surprised if Marcus DOESN'T come across Christian after Christian in the future that love him.

-Those that seek, find. (Matthew 7:7-8 in case you didn't know. Marcus is doing that, so please don't judge him, or anybody who's on a spiritual journey.)

Peace/love.