Holy Hip-Hop

Next Up? Holy Hip-Hop
By Isha Edwards

While the hip-hop industry tends to balk at Gospel emcees, DJ’s remain unsure about what to do with hip-hop’s inspirational subgenre, Gospel rap. Earlier this month, the Recording Academy provided a solution--adding a new music category titled, “Best Rock Gospel or Best Rap Gospel”. Nominees and an award that will represent what is more commonly known as holy hip-hop (HHH), will make its debut during the 49th annual Grammy Awards on February 11, 2007. The category will include Christian emcees that specialize in hip-hop music. The addition is a viable move given HHH’s growing appeal.

One of the most influential advocates of holy hip-hop is rap pioneer, Christopher “Play” Martin. Martin is best known for his role in the Kid’n Play rap duo and as an actor in the House Party trilogy. From executive producing video projects to gaining exposure for the genre, Martin lends his full support to the holy hip-hop movement. In addition to working with a myriad of premier holy hip-hop artists, Martin’s HP4 Digital Works & Solutions production company released a movie titled, Holy Hip-Hop, which made its DVD debut in March.

“I am excited for the artists and feel that [they] can finally be recognized for their efforts,” Martin commented.”

Although a little known fact, holy hip-hop has a 20 plus-year history that has seen exponential growth in recent years. The Gospel Music Association (GMA) estimates that Christian rock and hip-hop music accounts for 25% of all Gospel music sales. According to the GMA, double-digit sales growth is largely due to churches embracing diversity in music to appeal to youth and adults.

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