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.
House of Representatives
The Cross Movement Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't no stopping us
cause what be coming out our esophagus
will knock the dust· off a living sarcophagus
Dead men walking, talking, hawking
in the darkness they be stalking
looking for those home alone like Macaulay Culkin
But when they come knocking,
who says, "Come correct or catch the flaming hots"
He gives two choices to those who never heard it
either be deserted - or come and get converted
even the introverted, in His presence ain't shy
but scream Jesus Christ equals Elohim and the Most High
Why got to Hell when you die
when Christ be giving fresh breath of life like Binaca
Why be infernally nasty and mean
when you can be eternally crispy and clean
and listen to the God who says
"Forget what you heard
you rep for Me, I'll rep for you, and that's my Word, Bang!"
(Tru-Life)
Present and accounted for
pound it down for my LORD
sound the horn, spit the raw
everybody hit the floor!
If the Lord of all
has given all for all
then why do most of all choose to ball
and walk the broad?
Livin' for the minute
Think, blink it's gone
we in the clutch
Now what, kid? Come on
Everything we do has a fee
that means it costs
Tru-Life says, "Choose Christ
because Christ chose the cross."
(Enoch)
Gospel activist
advocates
of salvation · preparin'
for the invasion of Christ
the Body-snatcher
who will soon to come rapture us
a Kodak moment won't capture this
miraculous event our final call is repentance
No moon, no star, no crescent
we give reverence
to presence of the Maker of the heaven's and the Earth
who places is first
who can match the worth of the great I AM?
who blows on man and turns him back into sand?
God's Lamb, the God-Man
with the hard hand
turns to ruin
the wicked and subdues them
rescues them who pursues Him
renews them
who's tuned into the communion
of divine union
it's no illusion
it's the Most High rulin'
God 'n human
Jesus, no man can stand next to
to whom all respect's due
All hail Ixous
(Chorus)
Mic's we blaze'em
The lost, God will save'em
Hands yall raise'em
Christ, all praise Him
No pretendin'
There's only one Savior we're recommendin'
Indeed, now let's proceed with the Representin'
(The Ambassador)
News flash, it's the Ambassador
known for askin' ya
Do you know the Master of the world the One that's after ya
Had His Son to die to provide a blood bath for ya
You do the math and ya
come up with love that's just his character
He figured the love would capture ya
cause it's spectacular
He's comin' back like remakes of Dracula
just to rapture the
Church, I clap becauseI know Satan's hatin' the fact that you're
Hearin' of Jesus and the wonderful plan He has for ya
Some might laugh at ya
cause their headed for the wrath that ya
Can't grasp cause ya· a passenger
on a path where ya
Party like a bachelor
max like a Maxima
Play the "mac" in fact ya
coined the phrase, "Girl let me rap to ya"
Always strapped down
got enemies all over Crack Town
I know the hap's now
I've got a similar background
Surrender kid, trust Christ, become a friend of His
And let Him throw you on a team of representatives
(The Phanatik)
Jesus be the Lord of land, and man
He loves ya!
Rejectin' Christ is lethal like weapons
in the hands of Danny Glover
Any other option burnin' in ya chest
that has yet to stop sin from turning into death
needs to be thoroughly questioned before the firin' squad
for claimin' to have knowledge that's higher than God's
and for tellin' people these lives my Dad rented never had limits
producin' a world of bad tenants
(Cruz Cordero)
I rush da
urban habitats where heads be strappin' gats
rappin' that, "Keep it real," when they're really lackin' facts
about the Action Pack
Attraction that's
never slackin', Black
He has everlastin' stats on the map
check the atlas
I attack this
phat track wit tactics that
come from the theocratic palace
like Alice
I wonder in this land
if you headz understand
how the blunder of man
put you beneath the Thunderhand
that won't slumber, Fam
to sling you like a rubberband
down into hell for rejecting the Son, the Lamb
the eternal Son who was sent
supreme first-born who took the worse form of punishment
death was performed the curtain tore it was published in
the Holy handbook
that this man took
for the commission
of His coming attractions
of Gospel blockbusters blastin'
His Word that be sharper than box cutters
(Chorus)
The lyrics to The Cross Movement’s song House of Representatives address the need for people to choose Christ and turn away from the darkness that surrounds them. The song is a combination of various rappers’ verses, each one offering their insights on the importance of salvation and the power of Christ’s love. Tonic starts the song off by reminding listeners of the pointlessness of turning away from Christ, as well as cautioning them against walking in darkness. Tru-Life then offers his perspective on how people often live for the moment without considering the true cost of their decisions, and encourages listeners to turn to Christ. Enoch reminds listeners of Christ’s power and how He will soon return, urging them to repent before it’s too late. The Ambassador then delivers his message, imploring listeners to get to know Christ and accept His love. Lastly, The Phanatik and Cruz Cordero emphasize the importance of rejecting sin and instead choosing Christ.
Overall, the song House of Representatives emphasizes the power of Christ and the importance of choosing Him over a life of sin and darkness.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't no stopping us
We cannot be stopped
cause what be coming out our esophagus
because what we are saying is powerful and impactful
will knock the dust off a living sarcophagus
will awaken and bring life to those who are spiritually dead
Dead men walking, talking, hawking
People who are spiritually dead are going about their lives, oblivious to the truth
in the darkness they be stalking
they are actively seeking to deceive and lead others astray
looking for those home alone like Macaulay Culkin
targeting those who are vulnerable and isolated
But when they come knocking,
But when they come to deceive or tempt
the door be opened by my Pop's
they are met by my Father (God)
who says, 'Come correct or catch the flaming hots'
'Come with the right intentions or face the consequences'
He gives two choices to those who never heard it
He offers a choice to those who haven't heard the truth
either be deserted - or come and get converted
either be left alone or choose to be transformed by the truth
even the introverted, in His presence ain't shy
even those who are shy or reserved are bold in the presence of God
but scream Jesus Christ equals Elohim and the Most High
but boldly proclaim that Jesus Christ is God and the highest authority
Why got to Hell when you die
Why choose to go to Hell after death
when Christ be giving fresh breath of life like Binaca
when Christ offers a new and vibrant life
Why be infernally nasty and mean
Why choose to be eternally wicked and cruel
when you can be eternally crispy and clean
when you can choose to be eternally pure and righteous
and listen to the God who says
and listen to the God who commands
'Forget what you heard
'Disregard any false teachings
you rep for Me, I'll rep for you, and that's my Word, Bang!'
you represent Me, and I will represent you, that's a guarantee
Present and accounted for
We are here and ready
pound it down for my LORD
we give full devotion and commitment to our Lord
sound the horn, spit the raw
proclaim the truth boldly and without reservation
everybody hit the floor!
everyone should submit to the authority of God
If the Lord of all
If God, who is Lord over everything
has given all for all
has sacrificed everything for everyone
then why do most of all choose to ball
then why do most people choose to live selfishly and indulgently
and walk the broad?
and choose the wide path of destruction
Livin' for the minute
Living only for the present moment
Think, blink it's gone
Thinking and analyzing for a moment, then it's over
we in the clutch
we are in a critical situation
Now what, kid? Come on
Now what will you do, come on make a decision
Everything we do has a fee
Everything we do has a consequence
that means it costs
that means there is a price to pay
Tru-Life says, 'Choose Christ because Christ chose the cross.'
Choose to follow Christ because He willingly died on the cross for our sins
Gospel activist
Proclaimer and advocate of the Gospel
advocates of salvation - preparin'
champions of saving grace, getting ready
for the invasion of Christ
for the coming of Christ
the Body-snatcher
the one who will gather His people
who will soon to come rapture us
who will soon catch us up in the rapture
a Kodak moment won't capture this
no photograph can capture this moment
miraculous event our final call is repentance
a miraculous event that calls us to repentance
No moon, no star, no crescent
it doesn't matter the signs or symbols
we give reverence
we honor and worship
to presence of the Maker of the heavens and the Earth
to the presence of the Creator of everything
who places is first
who prioritizes us
who can match the worth of the great I AM?
who can compare to the immeasurable value of God
who blows on man and turns him back into sand?
who can take away life with just a breath
God's Lamb, the God-Man
Jesus, both fully God and fully human
with the hard hand
with the strong and just hand
turns to ruin
brings destruction
the wicked and subdues them
overcomes and subdues the wicked
rescues them who pursues Him
saves those who seek Him
renews them
brings renewal and transformation
who's tuned into the communion
who is connected to the fellowship
of divine union
of a special relationship with God
it's no illusion
it's not a trick or deception
it's the Most High rulin'
it's the Supreme Being who reigns
God 'n human
both divine and human
Jesus, no man can stand next to
Jesus, no one can compare to
to whom all respect's due
to whom everyone should show respect
All hail Ixous
We give all our praise and honor to Jesus
Mic's we blaze'em
We speak truth and spread the message of God
The lost, God will save'em
God will rescue and redeem those who are lost
Hands yall raise'em
Raise your hands in worship and surrender
Christ, all praise Him
Give all the praise to Christ
No pretendin'
No faking or pretending
There's only one Savior we're recommendin'
We only recommend one Savior
Indeed, now let's proceed with the Representin'
Now, let's continue representing and proclaiming the truth
News flash, it's the Ambassador
Breaking news, it's the Ambassador speaking
known for askin' ya
known for asking you
Do you know the Master of the world the One that's after ya
Do you know the Lord who is pursuing you
Had His Son to die to provide a blood bath for ya
He sent His Son to die to cleanse and save you
You do the math and ya
Do the calculations and you'll find
come up with love that's just his character
you'll find that God's character is love
He figured the love would capture ya
He believed that His love would attract and save you
cause it's spectacular
because His love is amazing
He's comin' back like remakes of Dracula
He will return like the remakes of Dracula
just to rapture the
just to catch up
Church, I clap becauseI know Satan's hatin' the fact that you're
Church, I applaud because I know Satan hates the fact that you're
Hearin' of Jesus and the wonderful plan He has for ya
Hearing about Jesus and the amazing plan He has for you
Some might laugh at ya
Some might mock or ridicule you
cause their headed for the wrath that ya
because they are heading towards God's judgment
Can't grasp cause ya a passenger
Can't understand because you are just a passenger
on a path where ya
on a journey where you
Party like a bachelor
Live your life selfishly and indulgently
max like a Maxima
live to the fullest
Play the 'mac' in fact ya
Act like a player, in reality
coined the phrase, 'Girl let me rap to ya'
came up with the saying, 'Girl, let me talk to you'
Always strapped down
Always prepared and ready
got enemies all over Crack Town
have enemies everywhere
I know the hap's now
I know what's happening now
I've got a similar background
I've been through similar experiences
Surrender kid, trust Christ, become a friend of His
Give up and surrender, trust in Christ, and become His friend
And let Him throw you on a team of representatives
And let Him include you in a group of people representing Him
Jesus be the Lord of land, and man
Jesus is the Lord of all, ruling over everything and everyone
He loves ya!
He loves you
Rejectin' Christ is lethal like weapons
Rejecting Christ is as dangerous as having weapons
in the hands of Danny Glover
in the hands of someone who knows how to use them
Any other option burnin' in ya chest
Any other alternative that you carry within you
that has yet to stop sin from turning into death
that has yet to prevent sin from leading to death
needs to be thoroughly questioned before the firin' squad
needs to be critically examined before facing judgment
for claimin' to have knowledge that's higher than God's
for thinking you have knowledge that surpasses God's
and for tellin' people these lives my Dad rented never had limits
and for telling people that these lives given by God don't have boundaries
producin' a world of bad tenants
creating a world full of disobedient inhabitants
I rush da
I quickly move
urban habitats where heads be strappin' gats
city neighborhoods where people carry weapons
rappin' that, 'Keep it real,' when they're really lackin' facts
acting like they are being authentic, when they actually don't have the truth
about the Action Pack
about the truth of the Gospel
Attraction that's
Drawing people towards
never slackin', Black
always active and vibrant, my friend
He has everlastin' stats on the map
He has eternal impact on the world
check the atlas
look at the map
I attack this
I confront this
phat track wit tactics that
powerful track with strategies that
come from the theocratic palace
come from the divine source
like Alice
like Alice in Wonderland
I wonder in this land
I wander and think in this world
if you headz understand
if you all comprehend
how the blunder of man
the mistake of humanity
put you beneath the Thunderhand
has placed you under God's powerful hand
that won't slumber, Fam
that never rests, my friend
to sling you like a rubberband
to throw you like a rubber band
down into hell for rejecting the Son, the Lamb
to send you to hell for rejecting Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb
the eternal Son who was sent
the Son of God who was sent
supreme first-born who took the worse form of punishment
the highest-ranking Son who endured the most severe punishment
death was performed the curtain tore it was published in
He died, the curtain ripped, and it was made known
the Holy handbook
the sacred book
that this man took
that this person embraced
for the commission
for the purpose
of His coming attractions
of His future plans and events
of Gospel blockbusters blastin'
of powerful and impactful Gospel messages
His Word that be sharper than box cutters
His Word that is sharper than any knife
Contributed by Harper J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@khumbulanikachamba
It's 2022 and I'll always come back to this song. The birth of Christian hip hop to me.
@suthurnfaze1
2023 and this STILL SLAPS!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@wjc252006
There were a few Christian Rappers before them but I agree these guys changed my life. I gave up secular rap because this was God breathed
@quake-0017
@@wjc252006SFC, Danny Boy & GG, IDOL King, PID, GRITS, Tunnel Rats, Mark J, Knowdaverbs, A1 Swift, etc, etc. Thanks for the love my guy. Still Jesus, still Reppin’, still gonna love forever. Grace & peace
@TopsideCrisis346
Wu-Tang: We the most solid crew with the sickest flows ever put on wax!
Cross Movement: Hold my Bible. 😎
@devontaejordan4644
I love this comment I can picture one of Gods Soilders doing that . Hold my bible then proceeds to spit holy bars
@sandysammarie
😂😤🙏🏽🔥
@stephenwilliams7646
When I first received the Salvation of Jesus Christ in 1994, I was still a hip-hop head. After only a few months, I heard these cats...
Blessed my socks off
@sonnyg3312
These guys really made the gospel reach a culture that at the time seem to be unreachable. God is good!
@wadew602
Anyone else still listening 2020 during quarantine?