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Drake, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Rich Brian, and Rick Ross are just a few of the artists that appear on ‘27 Secular, Religious-Referencing Rap Songs.’

“I know we in church, and the way that I’m thinking wrong,” Game spits on “Hallelujah.” Earlier, on Jesus Piece, on “Church,” he spits, “I’m tryin’ to go to church / Get some chicken wings, after that hit the strip club / See some hoes, twerk…” Jesus!  How many times have you been to church and had impure, blasphemous thoughts pop into your mind? How many times have you transformed something holy into something devilish? Apparently, rappers practice this frequently.  This playlist features secular religious-referencing rap songs.  A few songs have redeeming qualities, but definitely won’t save your soul.

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1. Drake, “God’s Plan”

Scary Hours • Young Money / Cash Money • 2018

“God’s plan, God’s plan / I can’t do this on my own… / Someone watchin’ this shit close, yep, close…/ Might go down as G.O.D., yeah, wait / I go hard on Southside G / I make sure that north-side eat.” On the melodic “God’s Plan”, the number one hit single by Drake, the rapper-singer seems to acknowledge God himself (“I can’t do this on my own”), but, still references secular ideas.  Such secularism includes a no-no, according to the Ten Commandments: false idolatry (“…Might go down as G.O.D.”).

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2. Rich Brian, “Amen”

Amen • EMPIRE / 88rising Music • 2018

“I’m givin’ my number to any bitch lookin’ like Rhonda.” Amen? Rich Brian considers himself a religious person.  Fair enough.  When annotating the opener from his self-titled debut album for Genius, he admits to saying amen a lot.  “Amen” is not religious or spiritual itself, however.  The record launches abruptly with the agile rhymes, backed by skeletal production.  God isn’t part of the script, save for Brian spitting, “I’m thinkin’ ‘bout havin’ many kids / Even Osama gon’ be like, ‘Goddamn that’s a lot of kids.” Again, not spiritual, save for his self-admitted mistakes: “I’m still learnin’, I’m still fuckin’ up, correct me if I’m wrong.” Again, amen.

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3. CyHi The Prynce, “God Bless Your Heart.”

No Dope on Sundays • Sony • 2017

In 2017, rapper CyHi The Prynce issued his debut studio album, No Dope on Sundays. One of the songs happens to fit the topic at hand, “God Bless Your Heart.” The eighth track from No Dope on Sundays isn’t a gospel song – understatement.  However, it’s clear that CyHi The Prynce is thankful to God, and encourages others to exhibit a similar mindset. “God bless your heart… / Be thankful his mercy let us say all these precious thoughts.” Could be more secular.

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4. Kendrick Lamar, “GOD.”

DAMN. • Aftermath • 2017

DAMN. is one hell of a deep album by rapper extraordinaire Kendrick Lamar.  Sigh, the previous statement wasn’t very Christian in the least.  Neither is the song “GOD.,” the penultimate record from DAMN. Here, K-Dot addresses the overconfident notion of god status. God status is clearly different from being God-fearing, let alone Christ-like. The chorus is the ultimate flex-fest, with celestial, triumphant production work to match.

“This what God feel like, huh, yeah / Laughin’ to the bank like, ‘A-ha!’, huh, yeah / Flex on swole like, ‘A-ha!’, huh, yeah / You feel some type of way, then a-ha! / Huh, yeah (a-ha-ha, a-ha-ha).”

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5. Logic, “Hallelujah”

Everybody • Def Jam • 2017

“Hallelujah” opens Everybody, the third studio album by Logic, epically.  Led by a grand, gradual crescendo, Logic blesses the track with quick-paced, sharp rhymes. On the hook, he affirms his own beliefs, painting the exuberant major-key production masterfully:

“I’m like hallelujah! / Praise God, almighty, the Most High / Alpha and omega in the sky.”

Throughout “Hallelujah,” he plays on words, incorporating the spiritual and – wait for it – the SECULAR. A skit about death – part of the conceptual narrative – extends the length.  Listeners hear Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson play the role of God. False idolatry?

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6. Machine Gun Kelly, “Golden God”

Bloom • Bad Boy / Interscope • 2017

“Golden God” is the sixth track on bloom, the third studio album by Machine Gun Kelly.  MGK has no shortage of confidence, let alone cockiness.  Machine Gun Kelly proclaims he’s a god:

“I’m a golden god, I’m a golden god / I’m on the roof of the party / Still almost famous, still all the way dangerous.”

Simply stated, he’s “kind of a big deal.” He still hasn’t achieved indisputable fame, but, at least in his eyes, ‘he’s got next.’ Biblically-speaking, the god thing is utter blasphemy.

“You shall have no other gods before me… for I the Lord your God am a jealous God.”

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7. Macklemore, “Church”

Ft. Xperience

Gemini • Bendo • 2017

On “Church,” Macklemore speaks on his religious background, but after listening, one doesn’t get the impression he’s religious per se. Ultimately, his faith seems complicated.

“Music brought me to my knees, I found faith in a verse / So dear spirit, I know I gotta take a chance / And my mistakes and shortcomings finally made a man / I got some issues, I got problems, gotta make amends…”

Macklemore seems thankful for the blessings bestowed upon him, but, just how religious or spiritual is he? Examining “Miracle” which precedes “Church,” if we take him literally, he’s NOT religious.

“…The praise won’t save me, and neither will the fan mail / I’d be a sinner, but thank God I’m not religious / …I know the right, but the wrong is just so tempting / I got a phobia, fear of what I’m missing, amen.”

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8. Phora, “God”

Your Truly Forever • Warner Bros • 2017

Phora opens his 2017 debut studio album, Yours Truly Forever, with a bang.  He starts with ‘The Alpha and the Omega’ himself, “God.”  On “God,” he raps about his shortcomings, admitting that he hasn’t lived the way that he should or been thankful for his blessings.  Give him credit – that’s maturity. The hook in particular, coupled with the spiritual vibe of the production successfully conveys the MC’s feelings, thoughts, and introspections. Still, one questions if God would really appreciate that filthy f-bomb he drops – Ephesians 4:29.

“Yeah, I’ve been unfaithful, God / At times I’ve been ungrateful, God, and / At my lowest points, I went as far sayin’, ‘I hate you, God’ / And nothin’ is okay right now / No one feels my pain right now / If I didn’t have my team, I would’ve blew out my fuckin’ brains by now…”

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9. Wale, “Thank God”

Shine • Atlantic • 2017

“The city of light, city of light when the moon out / Criminal side, they say I’m dark Miss Luna / Heavenly God, I pray the squad stay too up / And Satan stay with y’all ‘cause the Fear of God too much.” For his fifth studio album, Shine, D.C. rapper Wale switched-up his formula.  From the start, the album contrasts the rapper’s previous work. “Thank God” starts things off with a shine at least. Wale is all about positive vibes and thankful for his success.  While he’s thankful, he also flexes, even if it’s to a lesser extent than his contemporaries.

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10. Mac Miller, “God Is Fair, Sexy Nasty”

Ft. Kendrick Lamar

The Divine Feminine • 2016

Mac Miller makes a couple of references to God on The Divine Feminine.  The first of which is “Planet God Damn.” The title alone breaks one of the Ten Commandments. Technically, Miller already did so with his cleverly titled GO:OD AM album from 2015.  While the profane title is sinful, “God Is Fair, Sexy, Nasty” is clearly more blasphemous. The final joint from The Divine Feminine closes the album with a bang…no pun intended.  Kendrick Lamar guests on the eight-minute juggernaut, which has nothing to do with God and all to do with sex. The last three minutes or so serves as an interlude, featuring Mac’s grandmother expounding upon her relationship.

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11. Tech N9ne, “Need Jesus”

Ft. Stevie Stone & JL

The Storm • Strange Music • 2016

“I don’t know why they wanna call me up every Easter Sunday to the altar / Maybe the music I am doin’ is never gospel, sinner is what they call ya.” On “Need Jesus,” Tech N9ne is assisted by Stevie Stone and JL. Tech N9ne raps about perceptions more so than his spiritual walk.  He does use spiritual references to intensify his message. He’s unapologetic: “My mother was a Christian but I used to go with the wicked for the stick and what’s the problem.”

 

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12. A$AP Rocky, “Holy Ghost”

Ft. Joe Fox

AT. LONG. LAST. A$AP • RCA • 2015

“Church bells and choir sounds, tell ‘em, ‘Quiet down’ /Bow your head, the Most High’s around cocktails / Guys and gals miss me, ties and gowns happen now / My entire sound is how you tryna sound? Stop it now.”  Jesus. Church isn’t a place you will find rapper A$AP Rocky. “I got my own relationship with God, Lord.” Despite the title “Holy Ghost,” a highlight from his 2015 sophomore album, AT. LONG. LAST. A$AP, he’s definitnely NOT rapping about praising God. Also, it should be noted that A$AP Rocky takes issue with church officials.

“The pastor had a thing for designer glasses / Yeah, I’m talkin’ fancy plates and diamond glasses / The ushers keep skimmin’ the collection baskets / And they tryna dine us with some damn wine and crackers.”

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13. Jeezy, “God”

Church in These Streets • Def Jam • 2015 

“I’m a god in the hood, nigga!” On his 2015 album, Church in These Streets, Jeezy uses numerous religious references and song titles. Examples include “Holy Water,” “Church in These Streets,” and the song at hand, “God.” The result of this god-status-driven number is undoubtedly controversial and completely devoid of Jesus.

“Imagine crosses on the units / Stamps looking like a crucifix / Pure like the blood of Virgin Mary / Turn water to some wine, nigga / Plug did a touch down / Met him at the Steak ‘n Shake in Mt. Zion, nigga.”

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14. Logic, “Young Jesus”

Ft. Big Lenbo

The Incredible True Story • Def Jam • 2015

“Hip-hop descendant, gold Jesus on my pendant / Got to pull it out for everyone that’s in attendance.” Logic doesn’t even incorporate spirituality into “Young Jesus.” Him and Big Lenbo dive into an awesome flex-fest devoid of praises. Talk about some “Flexicution”. The only reference that comes close to lauding The Most High is Logic’s featured lyric about “Jesus on my pendant.”  Ultimately, “Young Jesus” is a throwback, 90s rap joint with both MCs on autopilot.  It won’t earn salvation, save for saving rap…maybe.

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15. Mac Miller, “Ascension”

GO:OD AM • Warner Bros • 2015

“Oh I need a religion to follow / I swear to God that I got more problems / Than there is bitches in Carlow / Lord have Murciélago, yeah.” Give Mac Miller credit for acknowledging his shortcomings, though his word choice – specifically bitches – could’ve been reconsidered.  Obviously, “Ascension” has its share of religious references, but Miller certainly doesn’t present himself as Christ-Like.  The ascent is quite “high,” while Miller isn’t sincere referencing God, religion, and spiritual things.  Case in point: “I met God before I ever stepped into a church / And that motherfucker still owe me money.” Bro!

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16. Machine Gun Kelly, “Alpha Omega”

General Admission • Bad Boy / Interscope • 2015

“Only fear two things with three letters dawg / That’s G-O-D, God and my fucking initials.” Oh brother.  On “Alpha Omega,” Machine Gun Kelly uses the Biblical reference to describe his status in rap – he’s the beginning and end.  He likens himself to God, common in rap circles.

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17.Meek Mill, “Lord Knows”

Dreams Worth More Than Money • Atlantic • 2015

“They say I’m the Messiah, you rappers is liars / I sign up at church just to rap at the choir.” Meek Mill doesn’t lack the least bit of confidence on “Lord Knows,” the fiery, Mozart-sampling opener of Dreams Worth More Than Money.  The real God isn’t on Mill’s mind, just his own perceived view as being something as a savior to the rap game. The god-status is in full-blown effect here.

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18. Rick Ross, “Sanctified”

Ft. Kanye West & Big Sean

Mastermind • Def Jam • 2014

Something is amiss regarding the sanctification of “Sanctified.” The 14^th song from Rick Ross’ first album of 2014, Mastermind, “Sanctified” lacks godliness. The god-status is turned up to the nth degree. Betty Wright, who serves up the throwback hook, escapes the sacrilege.

“There’s a field with angels movin’ around me / I just worship thee, for all he’s done for me… / I’ve been born again, I’ve been born again… / His word is so clear to me.”

The same can’t be said of rappers Big Sean, Kanye West, or Ross.

Big Sean desires “…A hundred million dollars and a bad bitch,” and admits guilt “…Fornicatin’ from my status.” Kanye West also wants the same things, while adding, “And wash my sins in the blood of Jesus / People sayin’, ‘Ye we need another Yeezus.’” Blasphemy! False idolatry! And NO, we don’t need another Yeezus. Ross’ biggest sin is his materialism. Also, if you want to get downright Biblical, premarital sex.

“‘Til I fuck a girl, that girl tweeted that I was stylish / When we fucked again, she told me ‘That was just some foul shit.’”

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19. Angel Haze, “Black Synagogue”

Dirty Gold • Island • 2013

“Did he die on the cross for this? / Do you have any fucking proof?” Uh oh, #Team Non-Believer. Angel Haze, a former member of the Apostolic faith, became disillusioned and called it quits.  In a couple of instances within her discography, she’s referenced skepticism towards God and religion.  Obviously, “Black Synagogue,” the fifth song from her 2013 album, Dirty Gold, is a prime example.  Continuing the aforementioned lyrics, excerpted from the third verse: “Everything here is man-made / and I’m just searching for some fucking truth.”

Her most powerful statement about relying solely on religion and God comes on the explicit outro.

“How many people here look for Jesus to solve their problems? Lots of people. And how many of those people are fixed? None of them know fucking about shit, they’re all fucking fucked up. Anything to help you escape. It takes it, it takes something to just say, ‘Fuck it! This is reality, I’m gonna deal with it!’ But do we ever really deal with it? Deal with it, stop running, stop trying to find these substitutes? Stop trying to find Jesus in strangers, and Jesus in church, and God, and find God in yourself. Powerful thing, yeah?”

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20. Eminem, “Rap God”

The Marshall Mathers LP 2 • Shady / Aftermath • 2013

“Rap God” brings another religious-referencing rap track and more false idolatry – God, condemn it! The hip-hop generation universally accepts that Eminem is among the best, out-rapping most.  But again, did he need to put himself on a pedestal?  A ‘rap god’ he is, but can’t he avoid violating the scripture?

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21. Kanye West, “I Am A God”

Yeezus • Def Jam • 2013

It’s easy to label Kanye West as an arrogant person given his opinionated persona.  He’s even more confident and dislikable on “I Am A God,” asserting just what the title suggests.  Folks, specifically Christians, would’ve been angrier, however, had West proclaimed himself to be God himself.  Look no further then the Ten Commandments Biblical scholars: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.  Even if West is a god, he’s elevated himself on a pedestal – not pleasing to the Most High.

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22. Wale, “Golden Salvation (Jesus Piece)”

The Gifted • Atlantic • 2013

Wale deserves some credit – he has good intentions in mind (at least partially) with “Golden Salvation (Jesus Piece).”  Unlike Meek Mill, Wale isn’t thinking with his pants, wallet, or “finna kill niggas in the building.” “Jesus piece…But don’t nobody want know Jesus’ peace,” Wale spits on the hook, playing cleverly on words.  No, he’s not the next great Christian rapper, but there’s a worthwhile message. Too many peeps are focused on material things (Jesus piece) as opposed to embracing Jesus and his teachings (Jesus’ peace).

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23.The Game, “Hallelujah”

Ft. Jamie Foxx

Jesus Piece • Interscope • 2012 

Fueled by sample “We See God with the Eyes of Our Soul” (The Dynamic Reverend Maceo Woods & Christian Tabernacle Choir), The Game is tough as nails on “Hallelujah.” He’s certainly not witnessing spiritually. He becomes even more blasphemous by dropping a double-jointed bomb in the middle of a holy word: “Halle-motherfucking-lujah.”  It gets worse on his end:

“Bad Bitches in here, forgive me for my sins/ I ain’t meant to walk inside the church cursing again / I wanna live righteous and you know I love Jesus / But you can’t catch the holy ghost in the Prius.”

Furthermore, throw in Jamie Foxx’s lascivious-sounding falsetto and all hell breaks loose. It’ll take lots of hail Marys to even think about atoning for such.

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24.Kanye West, “New God Flow”

Ft. Pusha T & Scarface

Good Music Cruel Summer • Island Def Jam • 2012

Talk about utter blasphemy (*Gets on knees to ask for forgiveness for even listening*), “New God Flow” goes so far as to sample a sermon.  Then, the record follows-up, referencing false idolatry.  Examine the opening lines from the Pusha T verse:

“I believe there’s a God above me / I’m just the god of everything else / I put holes in everything else / New God flow fuck everything else.”

Ask yourself, What Would Jesus Do?

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25. Meek Mill, “Amen”

Ft. Drake

Dreams and Nightmares • Warner Bros. • 2012

“I just wanna thank God / For all the pretty women he let into my life.” Meek Mill isn’t talking about church services – at least those affiliated with God.  Mill is referencing the club and all the sins associated with it – alcohol, guns, and women.  The collection plates aren’t for tithes and offerings, but rather ‘popping bands’ among other things.  In my experience, hymns usually don’t refer to “A lot of bad bitches in the building.” Maybe he’s referencing Delilah?

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26. Rick Ross, “Ten Jesus Pieces”

Ft. Stalley

God Forgives, I Don’t • Def Jam • 2012

Materialism describes Rick Ross perfectly.  The man loves his money – he’s counting those Benjamins like its nothing “Ten Jesus Pieces” goes beyond the money, but money is certainly pertinent.  Stalley exhibits his guilt, but doesn’t wish to change just yet:

“It’s better things I could talk about or put my money towards / But for now, I’mma wear these ten chains and floss.”

Backtracking, Ross at least asserts he’s not God:

“God forgives, He’s so honorable / But living amongst thieves and niggas like myself / you will not have that luxury.”

#God Forgives, I Don’t.

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27. Kanye West, “Jesus Walks”

The College Dropout • 2004

“Jesus Walks” falls in a similar category to Wale’s “Golden Salvation.”  There are many pros to take away from Kanye West’s messaging.  Still, not many churches would smile about lines like “We eat pieces of shit like you for breakfast” or “Niggas! Might jack your Lexus.”  Then there’s his amendment of scripture: “I walk through the valley of the Chi where death is.” Still, the hook shows promise:

“(Jesus Walks) / God show me the way because the Devil trying to break me down…I want to talk to God but I’m afraid because we ain’t spoke in so long.”

Like the old hymn states, “To the utmost, Jesus saves!”

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