Another reason is that rap and hip-hop are lyrically intensive (or maybe I should say lyrically intense), so a true disciple of Jesus who has been to the well more than once can dip into the deeper aspects of Christian life and come up with some profound statements that will captivate a lyrically hungry audience. Of course, there is the potential to be cutesy and trite too, but the fan base will weed those out (or maybe I should say it will whomp whomp them out). Well, even if they aren’t ceremoniously yanked off the stage like at the Apollo Theater, the fan base will vote with their dollars by either buying (or not buying) their CD’s.

Finally, hip hop used to be much more culturally relevant than it is today. (There’s a reason why Flava Flav, who regardless of the caricature he has become today was a master hype man back in the day, wore a big ole clock constantly.) There are a few notable exceptions (Talib Kweli), but for the most part hip-hop and rap were taken over by rich white executives and is primarily marketed to white suburban kids. Although still primarily black artists, the targeted audience is primarily white, and there are just certain things you don’t say / issues you don’t push if selling records (to white kids) is your primary motivation, not affecting social change. The culture clash that Jesus (and Christians) presents to a lost and dying world is laden with ripe lyrics and rich imagery.

Then also theres Matt Kearney if you want some piano rock. Ben rector is also stellar. Not necessarily Christian labels, but still good.

Jon foreman and switchfoot ( both together and severally) are exceptions to what gets played on k love.

I’m a music snob too.

No matter what, Coldplay, radiohead, Mumford & sons beat all these in my Book.

But overall I agree.