John Reuben Zappin, was born in Columbus, Ohio. He is of Jewish heritage and according to his MySpace, his mother is the owner of a Christian Death Metal record label. Raised in Pataskala, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus, Reuben got his start in rapping in 1994 by taking the bus into the city to rap on open mic nights and participate in rap battles at the age of fifteen. Reuben later released Monuments, an independent EP, which caught the attention of Gotee Records. They took a chance, signing him to the label and releasing his first project, Are We There Yet?, in 2000. TobyMac, the founder of Gotee Records, provided vocals for the album's final track, "God is Love". Reuben's next release, Hindsight (2002), continues his use of a wide variety of musical genres and thoughtful, often funny lyrics. The album was praised as a "truly eclectic and creative hip-hop album that blends old-school sounds with progressive production." Once thought to be a Christian version of Eminem. Reuben's first two releases established him as an original, witty, sarcastic musician, as well as Gotee's top-selling solo rap artist.
Professional Rapper (2003) marked Reuben's debut as a self-producing artist. The album is noticeably different from his previous efforts, using more instruments and less DJ sampling for the tracks. Along with these differences, the album is noticeably darker in both lyrics and feel. It includes several somber tracks which allow a glimpse into Reuben's struggles and self-doubt. Adrienne Camp of The Benjamin Gate contributes vocals to two tracks on the album.
The following year Reuben released So In Hindsight the Professional Rapper Isn't There Yet (2004), an album of remixed versions of songs from his first three albums.
The Boy vs. The Cynic (2005) continued Reuben's trek from the non-serious songs which characterized his earlier work to music that's far more somber and meditative. Reportedly, when the time came for him to submit his work for the album, Reuben turned in enough tracks for two albums, one light hearted, the other more serious. Rather than releasing a two disc release, the label decided to splice them together into The Boy vs. The Cynic. Relient K's Matt Thiessen contributes to the album's second track, "Nuisance". Tim Skipper of the band House of Heroes appears on the track "So Glad". Most of Reuben's songs use "traditional" musical instruments, typically the guitar, though he experiments with many different instruments and musical styles.
Reuben is currently working on a reality show detailing his "rise" to stardom while poking fun at many of the conventions of reality television. The pilot of the show can be viewed on YouTube.
John released his fifth album, Word of Mouth, on February 6, 2007. Allmusic.com called Word of Mouth an "unqualified triumph" and said that "You won't find a truer, more honest, or more celebratory album this year."
Gotee Records released John Reuben's sixth studio album, "Sex, Drugs and Self-Control" on December 22nd, 2009. The first single, "Town Folk" was released on July 14th, 2009. The next Single, "Jamboree," was released August 18th, 2009. Followed by "Confident," which was released September 15th, 2009, "No be nah" was released October 14th, 2009.
According to an interview with TVU in January, John Reuben said that there are definitely more music videos planned to release in the coming months from his most recent CD.
(Via http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Reuben)
God Is Love
John Reuben Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sing it like
Love is God and God is love no one's below no one's above
Thinkin' of my past motivates my future
Will I make or break love or hate
Now tell me who's the fake n who's the snake man
Who can I trust so many promises I seen bust
And keep movin yeshua illuminate my path
And keep me tuned in so much negative around for me
To still get consumed in, but I still have peace
In the misdst of confusion I still have peace in the midst of confusion
Even though I know my life has purpose
I find myself down n' out feelin' worthless
And defenseless against them that rise against me
But I still call no man my enemy
'Cause competition is none no competitors
Matthew 5 44 has got me prayin' for predators
Turnin' cheeks on the regular so throw your dart
And chances are you'll hit the heart
But never take me apart because I'm found in yeshua
So who can be agaist me that's what I thought
Nobody
Love is God and God is love no one's below no one's above
Sing it like
Love is God and God is love no one's below no one's above
Singin'
Love is God and God is love no one's below no one's above
Sing it like
Love is God and God is love no one's below no one's above
Singin'
Toby mac and I came to drop this on you
I got a fresh point of view
John reuben let me tell you what I'm tryin' to say
The world can't take theses smiles away
Sunny days though they may be gray
And by the way some people just love to hate
But I got love for them all so much love for them all
God is love with a capital L
And it's the last thing he told us throught Christ as well
You got to love God with all your heart
And love your brother like you love yourself
Love your brother like you love yourself man
And for you john that's a whole lotta love
Love is God and God is love no one's below no one's above
Sing it like
Love is God and God is love no one's below no one's above
Singin'
Love is God and God is love no one's below no one's above
Sing it like
Love is God and God is love no one's below no one's above
Singin'
Love huh no one's above it or below it
Love right some think they're tough 'cause they don't show it
Love huh we'll make it plain to see
That we got love even if they haven't for we
Love huh no one's above it or below it
Love right some think they're tough 'cause they don't show it
Love huh we'll make it plain to see
That we got love even if they haven't for we
Love is God and God is love no one's below no one's above
Sing it like
Love is God and God is love no one's below no one's above
Singin'
Love is God and God is love no one's below no one's above
Sing it like
Love is God and God is love no one's below no one's above
Singin'
The verses of "God Is Love" by John Reuben address the idea of finding peace and purpose in a world filled with confusion and distrust. In the first verse, Reuben reflects on past experiences that drive him to either love or hate in the present. He questions who he can trust and has lost faith in justice being accomplished. However, he finds solace in his faith, asking Yeshua (which is another name for Jesus) to guide him and tuning out the negativity around him. The second verse continues this theme, as Reuben talks about feeling worthless and defenseless against those who oppose him. Yet, he chooses not to see anyone as his enemy and instead, prays for his predators. Reuben strives to follow the teachings of Matthew 5:44: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. He recognizes that through his faith, nobody can truly come against him.
The chorus reiterates the central message of the song: "Love is God and God is love no one's below no one's above." The listener is reminded that love is the basis of their faith and that nobody is above or below anyone else because of it. The final verse, sung by Toby Mac, adds another layer to this theme of love. He talks about how some people try to bring others down, but nothing can take away the love they have for each other. Mac emphasizes the importance of loving God and loving your brother as yourself.
Overall, "God Is Love" presents a message of finding peace and purpose through love and faith. It emphasizes the importance of treating others with love and kindness, even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Love is God and God is love no one's below no one's above
Love and God are one and the same, there is no hierarchy
Thinkin' of my past motivates my future
Reflecting on past experiences drives future actions
Will I make or break love or hate
My actions determine whether I spread love or hate
Now tell me who's the fake n who's the snake man
Questioning the genuineness of people in my life
Who can I trust so many promises I seen bust
Distrust and disappointment from broken promises
Justice never accomplished right so I gotta let that go
Moving past the injustices that cannot be righted
And keep movin yeshua illuminate my path
Turning to God to guide my journey
And keep me tuned in so much negative around for me
Asking to stay focused and positive despite negativity
To still get consumed in, but I still have peace
Managing to find inner peace despite external chaos
In the misdst of confusion I still have peace in the midst of confusion
Reiterating peace in the face of confusion
Even though I know my life has purpose
Acknowledging the purposefulness of my life
I find myself down n' out feelin' worthless
Experiencing feelings of worthlessness despite purpose
And defenseless against them that rise against me
Feeling vulnerable against those who oppose me
But I still call no man my enemy
Refusing to see anyone as an enemy
'Cause competition is none no competitors
Choosing to not view others as competition
Matthew 5 44 has got me prayin' for predators
Referencing a Bible verse about praying for those who oppose you
Turnin' cheeks on the regular so throw your dart
Choosing to turn the other cheek when faced with opposition
And chances are you'll hit the heart
The opposing party will realize their wrongs
But never take me apart because I'm found in yeshua
Staying grounded in faith while facing destructive opposition
So who can be agaist me that's what I thought
Realizing that no one can truly be against me with God on my side
Toby mac and I came to drop this on you
Introducing Toby Mac's collaboration on this song
I got a fresh point of view
Bringing his own perspective to the song
John reuben let me tell you what I'm tryin' to say
Addressing John Reuben directly to share his message
The world can't take theses smiles away
Remaining positive despite the world's negativity
Sunny days though they may be gray
Acknowledging that good days can still have struggles
And by the way some people just love to hate
Noting that some people thrive on negativity
But I got love for them all so much love for them all
Choosing to love even those who spread hate
God is love with a capital L
Affirming that God embodies love completely
And it's the last thing he told us throught Christ as well
Referencing Christ's message of love before his death
You got to love God with all your heart
Stressing the importance of loving God fully
And love your brother like you love yourself
Encouraging the love of others like oneself
Love your brother like you love yourself man
Reiterating the call to love others
And for you john that's a whole lotta love
Directing love specifically towards John Reuben
Love huh no one's above it or below it
Love is universal and cannot be ranked or divided
Love right some think they're tough 'cause they don't show it
Some people may view vulnerability as weakness
Love huh we'll make it plain to see
Making love evident and undeniable
That we got love even if they haven't for we
Continuing to love even when it's not reciprocated
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: GRANT ELLIS HARRISON, JOHN REUBEN ZAPPIN, TOBY MCKEEHAN, TODD V. COLLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@IMwhatisawoman
Mr. Reuben deserves a lot more credit he gets.
@biacorrea398
Even through I didn’t grow up with this song it just feels so nostalgic and comforting <3
@purpleclover8742
One of my all time favorites...
@JayOnEarth12321
love your productions John! shalom brother! - J3 i found YAHWEH ☝
@delaneyjohnson1624
This!!! So we'll said and so relevant still today!!! God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow!!
@jasonhuber1380
I can and been digging it, thanks guys. believe dat!
@user-rv9se9sq3h
Love is God and God is love
No one's below, no one's above
Sing it like
Love is God and God is love
No one's below, no one's above
Thinkin' of my past motivates my future
Will I make or break, love or hate
Now tell me who's the fake an' who's the snake man
Who can I trust? So many promises I seen bust
Justice never accomplished right, so I gotta let that go
And keep movin', Yeshua, illuminate my path
And keep me tuned in, so much negative around for me
To still get consumed in but I still have peace
In the midst of confusion I still have peace
In the midst of confusion
Even though I know my life has purpose
I find myself down an' out feelin' worthless
And defenseless against them that rise against me
But I still call no man my enemy
'Cause competition is none, no competitors
Matthew 5: 44 has got me prayin' for predators
Turnin' cheeks on the regular so throw your dart
And chances are you'll hit the heart
But never take me apart because I'm found in Yeshua
So who can be against me, that's what I thought
Nobody
Love is God and God is love
No one's below, no one's above
Sing it like
Love is God and God is love
No one's below, no one's above
Singin'
Love is God and God is love
No one's below, no one's above
Sing it like
Love is God and God is love
No one's below, no one's above
Singin'
Toby Mac and I came to drop this on you
I got a fresh point of view
John Reuben, let me tell you what I'm tryin' to say
The world can't take theses smiles away
Sunny days though they may be gray
And by the way some people just love to hate
But I got love for them all, so much love for them all
God is love with a capital L
And it's the last thing he told us through Christ as well
You got to love God with all your heart
And love your brother like you love yourself
Love your brother like you love yourself man
And for you, John, that's a whole lotta love
Love is God and God is love
No one's below, no one's above
Sing it like
Love is God and God is love
No one's below, no one's above
Singin'
Love is God and God is love
No one's below, no one's above
Sing it like
Love is God and God is love
No one's below, no one's above
Singin'
Love, huh, no one's above it or below it
Love right, some think they're tough 'cause they don't show it
Love, huh, we'll make it plain to see
That we got love even if they haven't for we
Love, huh, no one's above it or below it
Love right, some think they're tough 'cause they don't show it
Love, huh, we'll make it plain to see
That we got love even if they haven't for we
Love is God and God is love
No one's below, no one's above
Sing it like
Love is God and God is love
No one's below, no one's above
Singin'
Love is God and God is love
No one's below, no one's above
Sing it like
Love is God and God is love
No one's below, no one's above
Singin'
Love is God and God is love
No one's below, no one's above
Sing it like
Love is God and God is love
No one's below, no one's above
Singin'