History
Since hip-hop started in the 1970s, various hip-hop artists have expressed their spiritual beliefs, including Christianity in their lyrics. Sometimes faith may be evident in part of a song or other times an entire song or album may focus on Christian beliefs.. Examples include MC Hammer 's #2 single Pray,also Richie Rich and his first single Don't Do It many of Tupac 's lyrics and his first posthumous record, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory , the image of Tupac nailed to a cross pinned him as a Hip-Hop martyr, and even recent hip hop/rap artists like Jay-Z with Kingdom Come , DMX with Walk With Me Now and You'll Fly With Me Later , and Kanye West with " Jesus Walks ". However, these artists, although they may profess to be Christians, are not generally considered to be part of the Christian hip-hop movement. [1 ]
The first commercially released and distributed Gospel rap album was Stephen Wiley 's 1985 album Bible Break , distributed by Benson Music Group . [2 ] [3 ] [4 ] Reverend DeWayne GoLightly (aka Rev. Rap' ) was the first Christian hip-hop artist without a commercially released Gospel rap cassette. More commercially successful was the crew known as P.I.D. (short for Preachas In Disguise) who released five popular, funky Gospel rap recordings ("Here We Are", "Back to Back","The Chosen One's", "Born with the Gift" and "Violent Playgrounds" ).
In the late 1980s, other crews emerged, including dc Talk and S.F.C (Soldiers For Christ). S.F.C was led by Californian African-American Chris Cooper who originally rapped as Super C (short for Super Chris / Super Christian) and later became Sup the Chemist and then finally Soup the Chemist. Chris Cooper & S.F.C. were instrumental in bringing up and exposing newer Gospel groups such as T-Bone . [ citation needed ]. Christian emcee Danny "D-Boy" Rodriguez was another well known early Gospel rap artist but was murdered in 1990 in Texas . [5 ]
The 1990s saw the continuing trend of funky rap artists blending faith and rap, such as D.O.C. (Disciples of Christ) who emerged out of Oklahoma as well as the Gospel Gangstaz from Compton and South Central Los Angeles, California . Additional artists made a considerable impact on the Christian hip-hop scene. Such artists that contributed were Dynamic Twins , Freedom of Soul, IDOL King, Apocalypse. S.F.C.'s (Sup, QP, DJ Dove) 1992 album Phase III is considered to be a turning point in Christian rap. [ citation needed ]Phase III was DJed and produced by DJ Dove , whose credits also include the Gang Affiliated, Gospel Gangstas' 1993 debut album.
Around the same time as Phase III, Dynamic Twins (Robbie and Noel) came out with their 1993 album No Room To Breathe. This album had a more hardcore "street" feel to it than other albums at the time. [ citation needed ] Freedom Of Soul (MC Peace, DJ Cartoon) followed with their second album, The Second Coming, ( Caught in a land of time was their first) also their last album as a group. Freedom of Soul had a jazzier feel; MC Peace (later known as Peace 586) was known for his smooth flow and delivery. [ citation needed ] P.I.D. around this time re-invented themselves as the group Preachas, although their only album under that name was Violent Playgrounds. [ citation needed ]
One of the major influences in the genre came with the formation of Gotee Records in 1994, cofounded by dc Talk member Toby McKeehan , making it the first record label marketed explicitly for Christian Hip-hop and R&B that was backed by a major label. The label was among the first to market the Contemporary Christian Music market through distribution at Christian bookstores and playing on Christian radio . This Trend continued with other labels such as Tooth & Nail's Uprok Records and others which gave an outlet to hip-hop artists who identified themselves as Christian and wanted a broader market. However, much of the sales of these Christian record labels was purchased by people brought up in the church and 70-80% of them being white. [6 ] Recently, a number of artists and labels such as LifeLite Records , Cross Movement Records , Gotee Records , Syntax Records , and Deepspace5 Records , and The New Unstoppable Records have purposely tried to market more to people who did not grow up in church as well as more to urban markets. [7 ]
In addition, many major Gospel stars were getting in on the hip-hop & rap genre. Kirk Franklin joined with the 1 Nation Crew in the album Kirk Franklin presents 1NC . Gospel legend Pastor Shirley Caesar recorded a stunning duet "I Know The Truth" with Tonex in which she raps.
This year, the All Eyes On Me Achievement Awards’ scope is national. As such, we wanted to lay the foundation and recognize Christian hip hop’s founding fathers that blazed trails before us.
Below is a list we’ve assembled of the genre’s pioneers. Because this movement’s birth was not authoritatively documented, the record below cannot be considered exhaustive. However, we have attempted to research it as thoroughly as possible and consulted with many of the industry’s most knowledgeable experts.
We are attempting to contact and secure the appearance of as many of these names as possible. If you can assist with this effort, please let us know by contacting Sketch the Journalist at sketchwrek@dasouth.
Without any further ado, the 2008 All Eyes On Me Achievement Awards gospel rap pioneer nominees:
Pioneer 1st Rap Tape
* Stephen Wiley – “Bible Break” and/or “Rappin’ For Jesus” (1985)
Pioneer 1st 12”
* MC Sweet - Jesus Christ (1982)
Christian Hip Hop Martyr
* D-Boy Rodriguez (accepted by MC Gegee or someone from family)
Pioneer Female Christian MC
* MC Gegee
Pioneer Group
* SFC (Soldiers for Christ)
* I.D.O.L. King
* P.I.D. (Preachas In Disguise)
* Freedom of Soul
* JC & the Boyz
* Dynamic Twins
* ETW
* Apocalypse – Ed Grice
* D.O.C. (Disciples of Christ)
* DC Talk
Pioneer MC
* Michael Peace
* Stephen Wiley
Pioneer MC on a Major Mainstream Label
* B.B. Jay "Universal Concussion" (Jive Records, 2000)
Pioneer Convention
* CRU-Vention – Christian Rappers United – Jason Goddard
Pioneer Nationwide Event
* RapFest (Bronx, NY) – Brother E & Bert B
* Flavor Fest (Tampa, FL) – Urban D
* Holy Hip Hop Awards & Artist Showcase (Atlanta, GA) – Danny Wilson
* Houston Holy Hip Hop Achievement Awards (Houston, TX) – Tre9
Pioneer HHH websites
* SphereofHipHop.com - Plastic
* Om95.com – slave
* HipHopZone.com
* GodzHouse.com
*
Pioneer Record Label
* Brainstorm
Pioneer Classic Record Label
* Grapetree Records – Knolly Williams
* Syntax Records – Tim Trudeau
Pioneer Graffiti Crew
* Daystar Tribe (DJ Promote , Raimstar, Pyksy)
Pioneer Graphic Designer
* Art Peace - Brad Smith
* Spe©
Pioneer TV Program
* Apocalypse /Ministerz of the Underground
Pioneer Hip Hop R&P
* Bernard Wright
* Out of Eden
* Amani
* Soulfruit
Pioneer 1st Nationwide Magazine
* Heaven’s Hip Hop – Knolly Williams
Pioneer Magazine
* FEED
* Breaks
* ONEMIND Magazine
Pioneer DJ
* DJ Dove
* DJ Skillspinz
* DJ Maj
* DJ Form
* DJ Official
Pioneer Radio DJ
* Special K
* Johnny Jams
* Barry T
* J-Boney
* DJ EST/Ed Grice
* Scott Blackwell
Pioneer Classic Groups
* Gospel Gangstas
* Grits
* Cross Movement
* LA Symphony
* LPG
* Future Shock
* Tunnel Rats
* New Breed
* Brainwash Projects
* Brothers Inc.
* Labklik
* Phat Kats
* Sackcloth Fashions
* Southern Gospeltality Records
* G.O.G.’s
* Unity Clan
* CMC’s
* A1 Swift
* Sound of the Rebirth- Mark J
* Sons of Intellect
Pioneer Classic MC
* E Roc
* T-Bone
* Lil Raskull
* Prime Minister
* Antonious
* L.G. Wise
* MG! the Visionary
* King Shaun & SS MOB
* Dirt (Shadow of the Locust)
* Corey Red & Precise
* Knowdaverbs
* Sev Statik
* Urban D
* Pettidee
* Fros’T
* Mark J
* Todd Bangz (aka Tre-Z)
* Jah Word
* Geno V
* Elle Roc
* KJ-52
* Sup the Chemist
Pioneer Film or Documentary
* PAIN: The Movie - Levi
* The Next Level
* Holy Hip Hop – Danny Wilson
Pioneer Book & Author
* Urban D- Un.Orthodox
* Kymo Dockett- Lost Generation
* Phil Jackson / Efraim Smith- The Hip Hop Church
Karma
Taylor Swift Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Addicted to betrayal but you're relevant
You're terrified to look down
'Cause if you dare, you'll see the glare
Of everyone you burned just to get there
It's coming back around
And I keep my side of the street clean
You wouldn't know what I mean
'Cause karma is my boyfriend, karma is a god
Karma is the breeze in my hair on the weekend
Karma's a relaxing thought
Aren't you envious that for you, it's not?
Sweet like honey, karma is a cat
Purring in my lap 'cause it loves me
Flexing like a goddamn acrobat
Me and karma vibe like that
Spider boy, king of thieves
Weave your little webs of opacity
My pennies made your crown
Trick me once, trick me twice
Don't you know that cash ain't the only price?
It's coming back around
And I keep my side of the street clean
You wouldn't know what I mean
'Cause karma is my boyfriend, karma is a god
Karma is the breeze in my hair on the weekend
Karma's a relaxing thought
Aren't you envious that for you, it's not?
Sweet like honey, karma is a cat
Purring in my lap 'cause it loves me
Flexing like a goddamn acrobat
Me and karma vibe like that
Ask me what I've learned from all those years
Ask me what I earned from all those tears
Ask me why so many fade when I'm still here (I'm still here, I'm still here)
'Cause karma is the thunder rattling your ground
Karma's on your scent like a bounty hunter
Karma's gonna track you down
Step by step, from town to town
Sweet like justice, karma is a queen
Karma takes all my friends to the summit
Karma is the guy on the screen
Comin' straight home to me (woo)
'Cause karma is my boyfriend (karma is my boyfriend), karma is a god
Karma is the breeze in my hair on the weekend (weekend)
Karma's a relaxing thought
Aren't you envious that for you, it's not?
Sweet like honey, karma is a cat
Purring in my lap 'cause it loves me
Flexing like a goddamn acrobat
Me and karma vibe like that
Karma is my boyfriend
Karma is a god, ooh
Karma's a relaxing thought
In "Karma," Taylor Swift is addressing someone who is constantly talking negatively and betraying others just for attention and relevancy. Swift claims that the person is scared to look down or confront their actions because they know it will reveal the people they hurt along the way. Everything this person has done will ultimately come back to them because of karma. Swift, on the other hand, keeps her side of the street clean and does not engage in toxic behavior. She sees karma as her boyfriend and a god, someone who will always be on her side, and lets it guide her actions.
Swift compares karma to a breeze in her hair on the weekends, a relaxing thought, and a cat purring in her lap because it loves her. For her, karma is sweet like honey and flexes like an acrobat. On the other hand, she says that the person she's addressing will never be able to experience karma in the same way because they have not acted with kindness and empathy. Swift notes that she has learned a lot from the years of experience and tears, and she has been able to stay relevant despite others fading away. At the end of the song, she asserts that karma is a queen, who will always come back to track down those who have done wrong, and that she and karma vibe like that.
Overall, "Karma" is a strong statement on the power of karma and how one's actions can have long-lasting consequences. It also speaks to Swift's values and how she believes it's important to treat others with kindness and empathy.
Line by Line Meaning
You're talkin' shit for the hell of it
You are saying hurtful things just for the sake of being mean.
Addicted to betrayal but you're relevant
You constantly betray others, but somehow you still think you matter in this world.
You're terrified to look down
You are scared to face the consequences of your actions.
'Cause if you dare, you'll see the glare
If you look down, you will see the judgment and condemnation from everyone you have hurt.
Of everyone you burned just to get there
You have hurt many people in your quest for success.
It's coming back around
The bad things you did will catch up to you eventually.
And I keep my side of the street clean
I always try to do the right thing and be a good person.
You wouldn't know what I mean
You have no idea what it means to be a good person.
'Cause karma is my boyfriend, karma is a god
I believe in the concept of karma and trust that it will bring justice to those who deserve it.
Karma is the breeze in my hair on the weekend
Karma is a feeling of peace and relaxation for me.
Karma's a relaxing thought
Thinking about karma brings me a sense of calm and control.
Aren't you envious that for you, it's not?
You are jealous that you cannot feel this sense of peace and tranquility like I can.
Sweet like honey, karma is a cat
Karma is a comforting and soothing presence in my life, like a purring cat.
Purring in my lap 'cause it loves me
Karma is something I can always count on and feel comforted by, like a cat lovingly cuddling in my lap.
Flexing like a goddamn acrobat
Karma is powerful and can move in ways you wouldn't expect, like an acrobat performing impressive tricks.
Me and karma vibe like that
I have a strong connection with karma and trust that it will always come through for me.
Spider boy, king of thieves
You are sneaky and deceptive, always trying to take what isn't yours.
Weave your little webs of opacity
You use your deceitful nature to create a web of lies and confusion.
My pennies made your crown
Your wealth and accomplishments are built on the backs of others and their hard work.
Trick me once, trick me twice
You have fooled me in the past, but I won't let you do it again.
Don't you know that cash ain't the only price?
There are more important things in life than money, and your actions will have consequences.
Ask me what I've learned from all those years
I have learned a lot from my experiences and the people I have encountered throughout my life.
Ask me what I earned from all those tears
I have gained a lot of wisdom and strength from the hardships I have faced and the tears I have shed.
Ask me why so many fade when I'm still here (I'm still here, I'm still here)
Many people have come and gone, but I have persevered and remained strong.
'Cause karma is the thunder rattling your ground
Karma can shake things up and bring about major changes in your life.
Karma's on your scent like a bounty hunter
Karma is always tracking your actions and will catch up to you eventually.
Karma's gonna track you down
Karma will make sure that you face the consequences of your actions.
Step by step, from town to town
Karma will follow you wherever you go and make sure that justice is served.
Sweet like justice, karma is a queen
Karma is a powerful force that brings about justice and fairness in the world.
Karma takes all my friends to the summit
Karma rewards those who do good and brings them to success and happiness.
Karma is the guy on the screen
Karma is a symbol of justice and morality, often depicted in movies and TV shows.
Comin' straight home to me (woo)
Karma is always on my side and brings me good things in life.
Karma is my boyfriend (karma is my boyfriend), karma is a god
Karma is a central part of my life and beliefs, like a loving partner or deity.
Karma's a relaxing thought
Thinking about karma brings me a sense of calm and control.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jack Michael Antonoff, Jahaan Akil Sweet, Keanu Dean Torres, Mark Anthony Spears, Taylor Alison Swift
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@phoenixarjun
Hearing this chorus echo through a stadium is giving me goosebumps already
@thegreenfairyqueen7884
SAME
@radhikasharma7727
Yup hopefully the chaotic announcement is a tour!
@hypernovaeofficial4063
@@radhikasharma7727 maybe it's the 3 am 7 more songs!
@robinskull
MY SONGS ARE WAY BETTER THAN TAYLOR SWIFT
@shreenidhhi8633
OMG OMG YES
@catherine4757
This is so genius, I'm in love with the idea that Karma has the backs of those who have no bad intentions
@teeg.9097
Yes! 🔥🔥🔥
@afaqumara
preach 👏
@SarahbearJayne
This is EXTREMELY well said. A perfect summary of this song.