Gospel artist colaborating with secular artist...your thoughts?

[kodacolor]

I was on iTunes and I saw this review for Shei Atkin's CD "Life In Stereo".

"I am worried because i found this album mixed in with some of crossmoment's songs from artist like R-Swift (who does great music by the way), but when i see Paul Wall and other secular artist on a "christian" album that threw a definite red flag for me... you cannot be a christian artist and include secular artist that use raw and unclean language and material in videos and songs.. God ahs not part in that!!! There is a line in Trip Lee's song Cash or Christ (from his if they only knew album) that saids "Allow me to encourage you, if you agree thw word is true, you can only serve one maters some of us are servin two..can't serve God and cash, cant love the world and Christ, put money out your mind, focus on eternal life!"  BEST LINE an all too true!!"

This person gave the CD 1 out of 5 stars because they saw "Feat. Paul Wall and Chamillionaire" on track 3.

What do you think?  Do you feel that gospel and secular artist should be featured on the same song?  Does it depend on which secular artist is singing with a gospel artist?  Do you think that secular artist do it for they money, becasue they have a relationship with Christ even thought their main form of income is through secular music, because the gospel artist is a friend of theirs and they wanted to help out, or some other reason?

[BigFoot_BigThumb]

It's a matter of opinion.  Not ALL secular artists are profane or even overly risque.  Some have good lyrics that uplift even though it isn't label as gospel.  Why do they pick certain folks?  It could go back to personal friendships?  Is R-Swift from Houston?  If so, then there's your connection.  Some artists can be swayed by doing certain projects.  This could maybe change P.W. and Chamillionaire.  It may, it may not.  R-Swift is he only one that can answer why he chose them.  If you disagree, then show it by not buying the project.  That speaks volumes. 

I own a CD by Missy Elliott where she had a song called "Higher Ground" with Karen Clark-Sheard, Kim Burell, and Mary Mary.  It was a great song, but it was a hidden track after the remix to a song called "One Minute Man" which is a very racy song if you've never heard it.   Now it's placement was a very bad choice, but you never know, somebody might have heard that song that nay have never heard it any other way.  And somebody somewhjere was truly moved and/or even changed by it. 

These collaborations will go on until the end of time, so we should be used to it by now.

As for my feelings, I think it can be done with a positive result when it's done wisely.     

[divinemusician]

so my question is when do we draw the line and be ye transformed...
when do we separate ourselves from the world?

[Brittsings87]

 This post kind of reminds me of a G. Craig Lewis video I was watching one day. He was saying some of the same stuff you are saying divinemusician. And let me just say I don't agree with EVERYTHING G.Craig Lewis says, but on this subject he kinda held a strong argument. At frist I didn't see anything wrong with secular artists working with gospel artists. But now I see it from a different perspective. But l'ma leave this one alone! 

 But before I do I'ma just say this..... I'm reminded of Michelle Williams from Destiney's Child, Patti Labelle, Fantasia, etc. They ALL have sang both gospel as well as R&B, at the same time, if I'm not mistaken  . I use to get upset about it, because you're either gone do gospel or R&B?! I'm not oppose to R&B, but when you start dippin' and dabbin' in both, AND singing songs about sex and stuff, it makes me wonder. Like Fantasia for instance, she can tear up a gospel song, but when I see her on these music vids half dressed... its just sad, can't serve 2 masters. However, I try not to talk about these ppl... only God knows their hearts.

 I do understand your point though divinemusician. 

[divinemusician]

and that is my point. WE always say God knows their heart and we can't judge because we don't know their life etc. But what if the only God a person sees is you. For e.g. Fantasia people loved her on American Idol because we thought we had one on our side. Now you have young girls who admire her and want to be like her etc. They see her doing this and that, then trying to sing for God. Don't get me wrong she is stronger when she sings for God then she will ever be singing that mess she does (not a big fan of hers when it comes to R&B). What do we say to those girls who thinks it is ok to do that junk she does and still have a "relationship" with God.

All i am saying is this we say God knows their hearts but didn't God say you can't serve two masters in other words if you love the things of this world you pretty much hate the things of God and if you love the things of God you hate the things of the world because they can't work hand in hand that is why he said be ye separated. And your outward actions are your inward feelings. I said this in another post if we read Psalms 1 and truly understand its meaning we would undertsand that sometimes we stand in the way of sinners because they see the "church folk" serving two masters so if they see us doing the things of the world then tell me what is the differance because we throw "holy (i meant for it not to be caps)" up in the front. When will we truly stand on Gods word no matter what and be that difference whether it makes us popular or not. I heard one girl say Jesus said the world would hate him and if we are to be like Christ shouldn't the world hate us if they hated the one that died for us? something to think about, when you are friends with the world, i personally think it is time to check your walk with Christ.

I personally believe if a gospel artist did a song with a worldly artist something should change about the worldly artist after all Jesus never had an incounter with somebody who didn't get changed after their encounter with him (Christ)

just my little 2 cents

[Brittsings87]

 Oh and no, I don't agree with secular artists singing with gospel artists, then again I guess it all depends on both the artists and God Himself, true we are suppose to be separated and what not. Jesus hung around the sinners, but then again are we suppose to be in ministry with the sinner?! This is suppose to be a ministry, how you're gonna minister to someone in one place singing gospel, then at the next gig you're talkin' about you need a "Hood Boy", and half dressed at that!

I think I just confused myself lol. I shoulda stopped while I was ahead!

 

[Brittsings87]

and that is my point. WE always say God knows their heart and we can't judge because we don't know their life etc. But what if the only God a person sees is you. For e.g. Fantasia people loved her on American Idol because we thought we had one on our side. Now you have young girls who admire her and want to be like her etc. They see her doing this and that, then trying to sing for God. Don't get me wrong she is stronger when she sings for God then she will ever be singing that mess she does (not a big fan of hers when it comes to R&B). What do we say to those girls who thinks it is ok to do that junk she does and still have a "relationship" with God.

All i am saying is this we say God knows their hearts but didn't God say you can't serve two masters in other words if you love the things of this world you pretty much hate the things of God and if you love the things of God you hate the things of the world because they can't work hand in hand that is why he said be ye separated. And your outward actions are your inward feelings. I said this in another post if we read Psalms 1 and truly understand its meaning we would undertsand that sometimes we stand in the way of sinners because they see the "church folk" serving two masters so if they see us doing the things of the world then tell me what is the differance because we throw "holy (i meant for it not to be caps)" up in the front. When will we truly stand on Gods word no matter what and be that difference whether it makes us popular or not. I heard one girl say Jesus said the world would hate him and if we are to be like Christ shouldn't the world hate us if they hated the one that died for us? something to think about, when you are friends with the world, i personally think it is time to check your walk with Christ.

I personally believe if a gospel artist did a song with a worldly artist something should change about the worldly artist after all Jesus never had an incounter with somebody who didn't get changed after their encounter with him (Christ)

just my little 2 cents

True! I wanted to say some of  that... but my fingers and my brain wouldn't catch up together, not a fast typer! LOL

[kodacolor]

One thing I've noticed (in my area at least) is that some people will welcome some secular artist with open arms and sheild others out.  When the Beyonce', Angie Stone, and the dude from the O'Jays who's name escapes me came out with "He Still Loves Me" the people were all over it.  When Whitney Houston did "The Preacher's Wife" soundtrack people (myself included...lol) were all over that.  When Bono, Mary J, and R-Kelly was in Kirk Franklin's "Lean on Me" everybody was all over that.  When Patti Labelle 'went gospel', even amidst rumors of a "Labelle" reunion CD, people were all over that.  People were down with Bebe Winans when he did r&b and when he did gospel.  A lot of the time the excuse made by the listeners is "well, they started in the church..." BUT when Michelle Williams made the decision to be a gospel artist people a problem with it.  When Coko made the the decision to be gospel artist people had a problem with it.  They started in the church too, so if "they started in the church" is your reasoning what's the problem with Coko and Michelle?  How do you not have a problem with those who go back to singing secular, but have a problem with thow who have made the decision to be gospel artist?

I don't pay attention to secular rap news (but my lil sis listens to it) but I haven't heard much from or about Pall Wall.  Same for Chamillionare.  They could have given their lives to God and given up secular music...maybe, maybe not.

What if that secular artist (whether he/she be the label name artist [like EWF, Elliot Yamin, etc] or someone who plays or produces for a secular artst) has a relationship with Christ but is in secular music because it pays more?  Should they not be featured on a gospel artist's CD?

Brittsings87, I'll have to watch that video later.  It's on youtube, right?  Under "G. Craig"?

[Brittsings87]

One thing I've noticed (in my area at least) is that some people will welcome some secular artist with open arms and sheild others out.  When the Beyonce', Angie Stone, and the dude from the O'Jays who's name escapes me came out with "He Still Loves Me" the people were all over it.  When Whitney Houston did "The Preacher's Wife" soundtrack people (myself included...lol) were all over that.  When Bono, Mary J, and R-Kelly was in Kirk Franklin's "Lean on Me" everybody was all over that.  When Patti Labelle 'went gospel', even amidst rumors of a "Labelle" reunion CD, people were all over that.  People were down with Bebe Winans when he did r&b and when he did gospel.  A lot of the time the excuse made by the listeners is "well, they started in the church..." BUT when Michelle Williams made the decision to be a gospel artist people a problem with it.  When Coko made the the decision to be gospel artist people had a problem with it.  They started in the church too, so if "they started in the church" is your reasoning what's the problem with Coko and Michelle?  How do you not have a problem with those who go back to singing secular, but have a problem with thow who have made the decision to be gospel artist?

I don't pay attention to secular rap news (but my lil sis listens to it) but I haven't heard much from or about Pall Wall.  Same for Chamillionare.  They could have given their lives to God and given up secular music...maybe, maybe not.

What if that secular artist (whether he/she be the label name artist [like EWF, Elliot Yamin, etc] or someone who plays or produces for a secular artst) has a relationship with Christ but is in secular music because it pays more?  Should they not be featured on a gospel artist's CD?

Brittsings87, I'll have to watch that video later.  It's on youtube, right?  Under "G. Craig"?


Yeah... either there. Or I may have read it on his website, don't remember which one.

[under13]

So none of yall work at jobs that have nothing to do with God? Doing music is thier job, no different than whatever you guys do for a living that is secular. Not to say that us Christians should be doing raunchy things to make money, but i dont see why its so different when it comes to music.

[divinemusician]

True! I wanted to say some of  that... but my fingers and my brain wouldn't catch up together, not a fast typer! LOL

haha i understand

and yea G.C. Lewis is on youtube... I have the DVD's it is something serious... had me a little scared too (when they was talkin about them dang on demons)

[kodacolor]

So none of yall work at jobs that have nothing to do with God? Doing music is thier job, no different than whatever you guys do for a living that is secular. Not to say that us Christians should be doing raunchy things to make money, but i dont see why its so different when it comes to music.

Here's what Da' T.R.U.T.H said at the end of his song, "Price Tag"

"...you can't work everywhere you wanna work.  I know IBM is a secular job and working at Payless is a secular job, but I'm talking about taking jobs that go against God's kingdom."

[divinemusician]

Here's what Da' T.R.U.T.H said at the end of his song, "Price Tag"

"...you can't work everywhere you wanna work.  I know IBM is a secular job and working at Payless is a secular job, but I'm talking about taking jobs that go against God's kingdom."

BINGO!!! I wouln't dare take job that goes against the Kingdom of God!!!  In all you do God should be glorified! I understand yes we all work and need money for this and that but when your job can be the differance somebody sees in coming to Christ and not... come on (no brainer)

we have excuses for everything, lol. but on that day there will be no excuse why we did what we did or didn't do what we was supposed to do!

they can take that same music and turn it around for God and God will bless... why do we think we HAAAAAVVVVEEE to do things against God's will to make money?

Did not the Bible say I never seen the righteous forsaken or his seed begging bread. And yes it did also say that God will cause the ungodly to bless you but guess what God didn't say you would have to transform into being ungodly to receive it the key to receiving that is LIVING GODLY AND DOING THE THINGS OF GOD

[under13]

but I'm talking about taking jobs that go against God's kingdom."

And I wasnt. Not All secular music is against gods word. but let a gospel artist sing or play it it, and yall gonna be the first to criticize them.

[divinemusician]

And I wasnt. Not All secular music is against gods word. but let a gospel artist sing or play it it, and yall gonna be the first to criticize them.

 it may not be aginst it but it don't be for it either. The Bible said chose this day who you will serve. For if you love/do etc the things of the world (things that do not glorify God, edify His people, or build of the Kingdom of God, glorify God, praise God, worship God etc) then you hate the things of God, vis vera.

just my 2 cents again

[kodacolor]

And I wasnt. Not All secular music is against gods word. but let a gospel artist sing or play it it, and yall gonna be the first to criticize them.

...this thread is about secular doing gospel, not gospel doing secular.  What are you getting at?

[under13]

it may not be aginst it but it don't be for it either. The Bible said chose this day who you will serve. For if you love/do etc the things of the world (things that do not glorify God, edify His people, or build of the Kingdom of God, glorify God, praise God, worship god etc) then you hate the things of God, vis vera.

just my 2 cents again

I'll say it again, Thats thier job! Say somone is a cashier. That doesnt glorify God. They are serving people who arent christians, they are not building up the kingdom of God being a cashier. How is that any worse than someone who does clean secular music in addition to gospel?

Good night Sistah

...this thread is about secular doing gospel, not gospel doing secular.  What are you getting at?

Whats the difference? They are both doing both.

I think we need to stop putting so much confidence and faith into what celebrity gospel artist do with thier lives. Especialy when it has nothing to do with us. When they do something even remotly wrong, we get disapointed. They are human just like us. We need to Stop looking at the artist and look at Jesus, cuz he will never fail us

[divinemusician]

I'll say it again, Thats thier job! Say somone is a cashier. That doesnt glorify God. They are serving people who arent christians, they are not building up the kingdom of God being a cashier. How is that any worse than someone who does clean secular music in addition to gospel?

Good night Sistah

Whats the difference? They are both doing both.

I think we need to stop putting so much confidence and faith into what celebrity gospel artist do with thier lives. Especialy when it has nothing to do with us. When they do something even remotly wrong, we get disapointed. They are human just like us. We need to Stop looking at the artist and look at Jesus, cuz he will never fail us

u said that like you sick of me talkin lol. I get what you sayin however taking cash is not depositing anything in your spirit however music does? that is just my two cents

however i will agree with this statement

When they do something even remotly wrong, we get disapointed. They are human just like us. We need to Stop looking at the artist and look at Jesus, cuz he will never fail us

[under13]

u said that like you sick of me talkin lol.

Nah, its 2am I gotta get some sleep. I aint tryin to get fired for fallin asleep on the organ. I always enjoy debating with yall

I get what you sayin however taking cash is not depositing anything in your spirit however music does? that is just my two cents

I kinda agree with this. Yeah music affects our spirit, but nobody makes you listen to anything tht you dont wanna listen to. If I dont like it, I dont listen to it, therefore it wont be deposited into my spirit.
That is just my $200

[OleJ]

Is R-Swift from Houston?  If so, then there's your connection. 

Yeah, I believe it's an Acres Homes connection "wut u kno bout dat fo-fo", I think that's what they say out there, I dunno, my kinfolks are out there, but I'm in third ward...