IT'S LIT: A MUSIC STORY

Imani B.
Sep 18, 2017
3 min read

I'd like to consider myself pretty well-versed in the music realm. Thanks to my 8-year instrumental music career and my wonderful parents; I've learned to appreciate composers like Gustav Holst, to 80s/90s R&B groups like New Edition. From Psychedelic Funk and Neo-Soul, to Old School Hip-Hop and 00s Pop, I was never one to shy away from a bop. (I really didn't intend to rhyme there)

But wait, what about Christian/Gospel music?

WOAH, PUMP THE BREAKS! Don't I get enough of that on Sunday's? I'm okay with my regular music 6 days out of the week, and we can save the holy music for Sunday's ya dig?

One of my biggest struggles on this Christian walk of mine was finding Christian music that I really enjoyed listening to as much as I did "regular" music. I don't know any old hymns. I don't enjoy singing about sorrow and hardship. And how was I supposed to be lit when me and my grandma singing the same songs? So I made up my mind: Uhh, issa no.

It wasn't until fairly recently that I started figuring out that you don't have to save your holy songs for Sunday. (You can praise the Lord on the way to your class if you so please). I realized that what I was feeding my spirit on the weekdays directly opposed everything what I was singing on Sunday's. So, I wanted to challenge myself and my ear, and started listening to different types of music under the Christian/Gospel "umbrella".

My father introduced me to Christian Hip-Hop/Rap, I picked up a few classic bangers from church/radio, and I also found myself searching for different playlists on YouTube no matter if it was old school gospel, contemporary, or worship. And my discovery was amazing:

CHRISTIAN MUSIC ISN'T ALL THAT BAD

Now that feels terribly awful to type. But I know a lot of people, from previous generations, to this generation, and the next, think that Christian music is all that bad. They can't find anything to resonate in their spirit, so they leave it alone. But I'm here to tell you that if you look for it, you'll find it. And next thing you know, you, your friends, and Jesus are turnt in your dorm room -- trust me, I know from experience.

Now, it wouldn't be right if I shared my journey with this Christian music thing and didn't share any links, songs, or artist to help you out. So, below I have some links to YouTube channels, playlists, a few songs and artists for you to listen to. I've been waiting since I started this blog to write this post, so I hope you enjoyed and share it with someone who might need it!

YouTube:

1. The Good Christian Music Blog

2. Christian Music Daily

Playlists:

1. In The Quiet... A Chilled Peaceful Worship Mix

2. As In Heaven... An Upbeat Joyful Summer Party Mix

Soundcloud:

1. Sarah Juers

2. CASS

3. Montell Fish

4. Cortes

Songs: