Since its inception, the CM has chosen to define themselves as the Christian or holy division of hip hop culture as opposed to the hip hop or rap division of Christian culture. Within the genre of rap music, there are various subgenres such as gangsta rap, Conscious rap, old school rap, crunk, and reggaeton, but all of it falls under the rubric of rap and, by extension, hip hop. In choosing to define their music as simply being another subgenre - i.e., the Christian rap subgenre - of hip hop culture, the CM attempts to "keep it real" in order to maintain the validity needed to influence members of hip hop culture who may or may not be Christians. In their 2003 release, Holy Culture, The CM stated their reasoning is based on a passage from the Bible, St. John 17:15-19 in which Jesus is reported to have said to God:
“My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”
As the word sanctified means "to set apart", the interpretation maintained by the CM is that they are instructed by Jesus to remain a part of hip hop culture while being set apart from the majority of the followers of hip hop culture in order to influence it from within to conform to the mores and moral code preached by the followers of mainstream Christianity. The acceptance of this interpretation has been mixed, however. Despite their claim to be a part of hip hop culture, the CM has slowly found more acceptance, though not total acceptance, in the Christian community than in the secular hip hop community as the majority of their concerts are held at churches or church-sponsored events as opposed to secular venues. In 2006, the CM received a Grammy nomination for “Best Rock Gospel Album,” as opposed to any of the traditional hip hop or rap categories. Additionally, the CM has generally only been recognized at Christian and Gospel awards shows such as the Dove Awards or Stellar Awards as opposed to hip hop-only award shows such as the Source Awards or the Vibe Awards.
Holy Culture
The Cross Movement Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Thank God for music that we can use it to do what he said
Deliver His word until we're dead like two in the head
Blue and red, white flashin' lights light up the night
Fiends inside of a building light up a pipe
What do you sell? Plus you got a brother in jail?
You would rather be there than to suffer in hell
Come on, what do you tell kids who ask, why are we here?
I always hear people talk like evil is fun, evil is good
But what about the evil outcome?
You know this can't be the way, this canvas we paint
Can't just be blamed on the powers that be
The artists are us, we draw what we lust
And cause the corruption and problems we see
(Hook)
All we do is pray, stay, build, chill, walk the, talk the
Spark the Holy Culture!
Live, give, speak with meakness... week out and week in
Spark the Holy Culture!
(Verse Two)
Visualize this, visit these lives with such vivid design which
Of course gets distorted when vicious demise hits
The streets will put a tear in your eye
Life is so unproductive, you're here then you die
Bucks growin' up fasts pockets blow up with cash
Can't even read the sign that says, "Slow up or crash!"
Throw up your stash, hope that you're the one who enjoys
All that your hands worked for when you were employed
You and your boys have turned into you and your mens
Time has passed you by and ruined your trends
At two and at ten o'clock hands on the wheel
Life is bumpy road can't handle it still
Manage your bills as best you can test of skill
Without cheatin' to get by, test of your will
Blessing your meals, thankful that you got what you need
Knowing that you was trippin' you're not on your dean
Watching your seeds grow into what you forgot
Bucking off shots on the corner clutching their crotch
Young girls with cash proud cause they got rich quick
But can't even be proud of how they got it
I know I talk like I'm old, I walk by the code
I'll spark up a whole generation of youth
To tune into God, bump these tunes in your ride
Soon we'll be aiight long as we facin' the truth
(Hook x2)
(Verse Three)
Sit back and try to interact with this side of the conversation
Your job while we're conversatin' is to be sincerely contemplatin'
Time is wastin' waitin' for legislation to pass
Innercity is neglected while education is last
Facin' the blast of cold winds, holdin' the heat
Breaking ties with old firends hoping to meet
Someone who rightly wins the title of friend
Who can revive us and make us vital again
But he ain't hard to find, He left behind a trail of truth
Like gold nuggets leading people to the old rugged
Your soul loves it when you understand the situation
We're slaves to sin but in the day of salvation
About facin' is taking place and we're making haste when
We see the Lord and His glorious grace and
I hate when people make decisions on religions from behind a curtain
Flirtin' with death when no provision has been made for
When this life is over, that's why I like Jehovah
Because he makes eternal life doper
I hope ya, don't have to wait in vain
Choosing the wrong one to save you in this spiritual dating game
Ask questions, find out if the one your choosing
Won't have you loosing all in the name of paying dues, man
Behind the door I choose, Elohim waits for me and my fellow team mates
To finally meet Christ scream hello dream date
Then live happily ever after in the after life
Knowing that only Christ suffices as the sacriface
And that's a nice way to say it but even still I bet the world won't play it
but hey
It'll be sweet like raisins kissed by the sun's rays
When we praise the raised Son all because the Son raised
It'll be sweet like raisins kissed by the sun's raised
When we praise the raised Son all because the Son raised
(Hook x2)
The Cross Movement's song "Holy Culture" is a call to Christian believers to live in a way that honors God and reflects His values. The song is structured around three verses that offer a sharp critique of the cultural values and norms that dominate urban communities. The first verse confronts the realities of drug addiction, crime, and incarceration, and asks listeners to consider why evil is often glorified while goodness is ignored. The second verse emphasizes the importance of responsibility, honesty, and hard work, even in the face of formidable obstacles. The third verse turns to salvation and the ultimate hope that comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ. The song's choruses urge listeners to "spark the Holy Culture" through prayer, service, and a commitment to Christ.
The song was released in 1999 as part of The Cross Movement's album "Human Emergency." It quickly became a favorite among Christian hip hop fans and was seen as an important contribution to the growing genre of gospel rap. The song's lyrics were praised for their clarity and directness, as well as their ability to connect with contemporary urban audiences. The beat was also widely admired for its smoothness and accessibility. The song went on to become one of The Cross Movement's most popular tracks and helped cement their reputation as one of the most compelling and thoughtful acts in Christian hip hop.
Line by Line Meaning
Thank God for music that we can use it to do what he said
The Cross Movement is grateful for music because it helps them spread God's message.
Deliver His word until we're dead like two in the head
The Cross Movement will continue to share God's word until they die, just like a shot to the head.
Blue and red, white flashin' lights light up the night
Police lights shine bright at night, representing the contrast between good (white) and evil (blue and red).
Fiends inside of a building light up a pipe
Drug addiction causes people to prioritize harmful habits over their health and well-being.
What do you sell? Plus you got a brother in jail?
People may be involved in illegal activities to make money, even if it means sacrificing their family and personal freedom.
You would rather be there than to suffer in hell
People may choose to go to jail rather than suffer eternal punishment in hell for their actions.
Come on, what do you tell kids who ask, why are we here?
The Cross Movement wonders how to answer tough questions from children about life's purpose and meaning.
What's up with all the drama and why all the fear?
The Cross Movement questions the constant conflict and anxiety in the world.
I always hear people talk like evil is fun, evil is good
The Cross Movement observes how people glorify evil and deem it enjoyable.
But what about the evil outcome?
The Cross Movement reminds listeners that the negative consequences of evil actions far outweigh any temporary pleasure.
You know this can’t be the way, this canvas we paint
The Cross Movement believes that society's current state is unacceptable and needs to change.
Can’t just be blamed on the powers that be
The Cross Movement acknowledges that individuals share responsibility for society's problems, rather than attributing all blame to government or other authority figures.
The artists are us, we draw what we lust
Society's issues are exacerbated when individuals choose to pursue selfish desires instead of acting in a more selfless way.
And cause the corruption and problems we see
Individuals' choices contribute to the corruption and problems in society.
All we do is pray, stay, build, chill, walk the, talk the
The Cross Movement identifies the positive actions they take to promote a holy culture, including prayer, fellowship, building up others, relaxing, and living out their values.
Spark the Holy Culture!
The Cross Movement hopes to ignite a movement towards righteousness and holiness in society.
Visualize this, visit these lives with such vivid design which
The Cross Movement encourages listeners to think about and empathize with the struggles people face in life.
Of course gets distorted when vicious demise hits
Tragedy can distort and change a person's life experience drastically.
The streets will put a tear in your eye
The Cross Movement recognizes the harsh realities of life in impoverished and dangerous neighborhoods, which can be emotionally draining.
Life is so unproductive, you're here then you die
Living a life without purpose or impact feels pointless, so people should work towards making a difference before it's too late.
Can't even read the sign that says 'Slow up or crash!'
Some people don't recognize the warning signs in life and make poor decisions that can negatively impact themselves and others.
Throw up your stash, hope that you're the one who enjoys
People may indulge in risky behavior or illegal activities, hoping to benefit personally without considering the potential consequences.
All that your hands worked for when you were employed
Hard work should lead to a feeling of pride and accomplishment.
Time has passed you by and ruined your trends
People who fail to adapt and change their behaviors with time may struggle or fall behind as society evolves.
Life is bumpy road can't handle it still
Life can be difficult to navigate, and some people struggle more than others, unable to handle the ups and downs.
Manage your bills as best you can test of skill
People must learn to responsibly manage their finances, which can be difficult and requires discipline and skill.
Without cheatin' to get by, test of your will
The temptation to cheat or cut corners to succeed can test a person's moral character and willpower.
Blessing your meals, thankful that you got what you need
Gratitude for life's blessings and provisions is important, and people should take time to reflect and give thanks.
Knowing that you was trippin' you're not on your dean
God helps people overcome their past mistakes and sins, even when they feel distant from him or doubt their own worthiness.
Young girls with cash proud cause they got rich quick
People may be tempted by quick, easy money and material possessions, even if it means compromising their values or morals.
But can't even be proud of how they got it
Illegitimate means of making money can cause shame or guilt, even if the end result is financial success.
Sit back and try to interact with this side of the conversation
The Cross Movement invites listeners to engage with this important discussion about faith and culture.
Your job while we're conversatin' is to be sincerely contemplatin'
The Cross Movement encourages listeners to thoughtfully consider the message they're conveying and how it applies to their own life.
Time is wastin', waitin' for legislation to pass
The Cross Movement acknowledges the slow progress of societal change and encourages people not to wait for others to take action.
Innercity is neglected while education is last
The government and society may overlook the needs of impoverished areas, leading to a lack of resources and support for those who need it most.
Facin' the blast of cold winds, holdin' the heat
Life can be challenging and tumultuous, but people must find strength and resilience to endure and overcome obstacles.
Breaking ties with old firends hoping to meet
Sometimes people must leave behind past relationships or unhealthy habits to pursue a better future.
Someone who rightly wins the title of friend
A true friend is someone who provides support, encouragement, and love, and helps lift us up towards our goals.
Who can revive us and make us vital again
A strong, supportive community can help inspire people and reignite their passion for life and purpose.
He left behind a trail of truth like gold nuggets leading people to the old rugged
God provides guidance and truth for those who seek it, leading them towards salvation and a better life.
Your soul loves it when you understand the situation
Understanding the complex nature of life and difficult circumstances can help people feel more at peace and comforted in their struggles.
We're slaves to sin but in the day of salvation
People are inherently flawed and imperfect, but can attain salvation and redemption through a relationship with God.
About facin' is taking place and we're making haste when
The Cross Movement recognizes the urgency of addressing important issues in society and taking action, rather than waiting for change to happen on its own.
We see the Lord and His glorious grace
The Cross Movement looks forward to the reward and fulfillment of seeing the Lord and experiencing His grace and love.
And I hate when people make decisions on religions from behind a curtain
The Cross Movement encourages people to form genuine, informed opinions and beliefs about religion and faith, rather than blindly following tradition or popular opinion.
Flirtin' with death when no provision has been made for
People who waste their life without planning for the future may find themselves in dire situations or at risk of harm.
When this life is over, that's why I like Jehovah
The Cross Movement finds comfort in the belief in an afterlife and a loving God who provides salvation and eternal life.
Because he makes eternal life doper
Eternal life in heaven is something to look forward to and can make life on earth more meaningful and fulfilling.
Choosing the wrong one to save you in this spiritual dating game
Choosing the wrong God or religion to follow can have significant consequences in one's spiritual life and faith journey.
Ask questions, find out if the one your choosing
The Cross Movement encourages people to ask questions and seek answers about religion and faith, rather than blindly accepting what they're told.
Won't have you loosing all in the name of paying dues, man
Some religions or belief systems can demand everything from a follower, leading to a loss of autonomy, identity, or personal well-being.
Elohim waits for me and my fellow team mates
The Cross Movement finds comfort in the belief that God is waiting for them in heaven, just like a team or community.
To finally meet Christ scream hello dream date
Meeting Jesus in heaven will be the ultimate fulfillment and joy for The Cross Movement.
Knowing that only Christ suffices as the sacriface
The Christian belief is that Jesus Christ was the ultimate sacrifice, providing the path to salvation and eternal life.
It'll be sweet like raisins kissed by the sun's rays
The Cross Movement looks forward to the joy and beauty of heaven, like sweet raisins kissed by the warmth of the sun.
When we praise the raised Son all because the Son raised
The Cross Movement celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which provides hope and joy for all believers.
Contributed by Parker H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Shawn Mayhall Sr.
on Name Up
Who is the first artist on this track ????