"Partner with those that understand the consumer." That is exactly right. For the longest time, these types of stores were the only places I could go to hear alternatives to mainstream. It saddens me that these artists are scrutinized so heavily so much so that the consumer suffers. A kid/teen interested in that new Kanye or Kendrick goes into one of these stores just missed out on the opportunity to hear something that they probably would have loved. Like I said, if it weren't for these stores I would have never heard of OGG'z or T-bone back in the day which I'm sure at their time were considered questionable. But because they were willing to sell these cd's it caused a chain reaction in me and I've been listening to CHH for like 20 years. Sho, I love your music. Keep it up. Humble Beast always makes quality music on point. It's a great time with artists like you Givez, Givens, Prop, Jackie, Ruslan, Lecrae, Beleaf, Social Club Misfits, Dee-1, Bizzle, Datin, Sevin, NF, Erica Mason, Canon, No Malice, Andy Mineo, Trip Lee,....I could keep going. You all don't understand how important the music has been in my life. Don't stop.
Real talk. This is that conversation seasoned with salt we hear about. So gracious. So wise. So legit. You spoke from the heart and reached straight into the heart of this musician just trying to find that door but concerned over the same issues you brought up. Nothin but praise for you, brother. Keep up the good work.✊🏻
Sho, love your music! Life way is dead wrong to band it! I’m embarrassed that Christian bookstores everywhere carried Bill Cosby parenting books back in the 90s but not your music which bridges our Christian Beliefs with Holy Spirit led Social Change.
Lifeway is a business and they know how their target market and they will out of their way to make them happy. But the way people define Christian music isn't a problem it's are we using our gifts and resources to bring glory to Jesus Christ or are we trying to introduce our own agendas and masking them as Christianity? Jesus had one agenda and that was to be like his father. If we aren't following that model then we aren't doing anything for the kingdom John 3:30
do not change what or how the message is delivered because there are "some" who would be thought of as "soccer moms" who do not get offended about the words chosen to bring the message to many who are filled with complete nonsense in lyrics of worldly artists. I cannot begin to understand why the typical soccer mom would be choosing sho baraka album anyways unless for her kids and IF that is the case ....not sure why these individuals are hearing one word and becoming upset when the world around them is far more destructive in the everyday life activities... even commercials and games and clothing are more vulgar than a word properly used one time in one song. but this is the beast we face day to day. At least not all who APPEAR to be soccer moms are this way and have a past that understands and believe it or not relates to the lyrics and thankfully has knowledge that these creations can be purchased through other outlets so if a "Christian" store pulls or refuses to sell this music ..those of us who support and agree can still obtain. I happen to feel that these Christian stores should NOT sell many items such as books written by many false teachers and prophets but I do not complain, I pass over and understand the Times we live in as I try to give Grace in excusing the decision makers to sell those individuals by believing that they just have no discernment about who they promote keep sharing the truth and know those of us who have supported your work will continue to regardless of others out there who cannot see positive godly influence of your reach into the world grounded in Christ ...while remaining not of the world...that is NOT easy to do ..I'm sure. prayer up, be blessed all of your days...
Interesting, I was perplexed by the entire situation. I actually bought his new CD; I just need to listen to it, lol. It's been sitting on my TV Stand for a month now.
I'm beginning to really like this dude! I definitely don't agree with his position on matters of race, but he's a solid guy living to glorify the Lord and standing up for what he believes is right, despite opposition. I admire that.
Nope. I get music through iTunes, Bandcamp or directly through Humble Beast or Kings Dream. But yea, never know if someone would buy a cd at store like Lifeway. Would be nice if it was carried there in that case.
I'm sorry, but there's a little bit of falseness going on here with you, Sho. First, I appreciate you bringing up the struggles and hypocrisy in the Christian music biz. And in many ways Lifeway may be hypocritical if they banned you and not someone else that used language they didn't agree with, but this can be the problem with CCH and Christian rap. It's not necessarily the genre that can be a problem, it's overriding the Christian message with the culture you're from. No offense, but as a believer, if the content of the music is theological and God-honoring, I can listen to a CCH musician, a Christian rapper, or someone that just sings old hymns and be edified by the music. But when the cultural backdrop of a genre overrides the God-honoring aspect of Christian music to the point where we overemphasize social issues, personal angst, etc. without a Biblical solution weaved into the songs, we have a problem. King David wrote many psalms that highlighted his struggles, fears, etc. but before you got to the end of it, it all pointed specifically back to God. Not all CCH or rap music does that. And while listeners don't understand the dynamics of the music business, the fact that it's always be complained about like the secular should make everyone rethink their motives for doing music. If it's just a business and you just happen to be a Christian in the business (not particularly wanting to emphasize the fact that you are a believer), then this is the struggle that you're going to have (just like the unsaved artist). But second, I feel the statement made where Sho doesn't want to be controversial either shows that he's not truly thinking through the lyrics he writes or he is thinking it through and uses specific words to make a point. As a rhyme-artist, could he have thought of a better way or word to use in the song? Was it necessary to go there and then joke about it in this video? This shows a level of immaturity in the rebuke of Lifeway. While they may have made an error in banning you, Sho, you need to also rightfully examine what you say and do as a believer (the way we all should). We are called to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). We are called children of light (Ephesians 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:5). We are warned to be careful about our speech in terms of corrupt communication, jokes, etc. (Ephesians 4:29, 5:4, James 3:5-12). Men, whether aged or younger, are called to be sober minded (Titus 2:2, 6). And we're not to conformed to this world, but be renewed in our minds (Romans 12:1-2) because we are soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3-4) fighting a spiritual war (Ephesians 6:10-18). While I have no clue about the struggles in the Christian music industry, I do know what scripture says about walking in Christ. Getting banned from Lifeway is not the end of the world, but on the other hand, examining yourself in the faith to see if perhaps it wasn't prudent to use a word that specifically describes a private body part shouldn't be ignored. Your main revolution is against sin (because the world loves it and is enslaved to it) and your main activism is the gospel because it is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).
"King David wrote many psalms that highlighted his struggles, fears, etc. but before you got to the end of it, it all pointed specifically back to God." Excellent point! This is what I say. I hear some artists talk about being relevant, but there is no better, nor OTHER way for a Christian to be relevant than to present Christ. The stage God allows a Christian to use is ALWAYS for His Glory. If they are intimidated by that fact, or stray from it, their message is a dangerous one. I don't think there was anything wrong with using that particular word, but I've heard Sho, other artists, AND preachers use actual profanity and/or play with suggestive language. How does it all point back to God? To Jesus?
WHAT!?! Get serious. The way he user the Word penis was truthful and a help for others who may identify. Read all through scripture and there are issues of sexual deviance, rape, lust, fornication, prostitution, whoredom, etc. So that's a real issue in society AND in the church. And the way in which Sho mentioned it was not praising what his past was--- AT ALL. And it seems like people hate honesty... unless it makes them comfortable. The song is about God's goodness up against our failures. It was one line. You know what's really sad? Some of the same people who have problems with the word "penis" have an even bigger problem with sexual immorality, but don't want people to know that. So they bark at the concept of even a Christian mentioning it--- even with the scientific term. Get serious.
I'm vexed. The issue was Lifeway removing his CD because the word penis was in one of the songs. How is there falseness in his statement? The word "ass" is used in the KJV of the Bible. Penis is a medical term. Connotation does not override definition.
Lifeway is more than a soccer mom store. It is owned by the SBC and is expected to sell items that align with our beliefs. I am a pastor and a CHH fan, but I wouldn't play your album in a church setting. I understand the argument about context when it comes to sexual themes and cursing, but I support lifeways decision. I also respect your reply. Thanks
Hey...Abraham, Hope ur well while reading this. I'm interested in who's ALBUM (in the CHH genre) you would play in church settings? And is there a song or songs from Sho's album that you would play in Church settings since you wouldn't play the WHOLE album?? Glad you're a fan of CHH. Shalom!
Antha REdNOTE that's a great question and I appreciate your kindness. After thinking about it I can't think of an artist that I have played inside the church as far as worship goes. I have played Trip, Andy, crae on youth trips with our teens. I allow my kids to listen to them and sho too if they want, but parents of younger children would not approve due to the adult subjects specifically sex. I think social club would be ok. I need to listen to Sho's album a few more times before I could tell if any one song would be ok.
Sho the message you get across through your music is life changing like when you said "but in the end, the gates of hell couldnt shut us down" and man thats the truth. I mean what these people aren't understanding is how tough it is to get a message across to the audience and its not always gonna be nice and sunshine all the time and no little kid is gonna listen to Christian rap, more than likely their parents don't like the way we worship through the hyms we listen to. Sho, God is good.
Some of us, like myself did not know what the conversation was regarding. I am glad he mention the reason he got kicked out. I do not believe it was said to be funny. If you listen there is someone in the background asking him a question and that was his answer.
Juanica Thomas I listened to what he asked and felt he was trying to be humerus about it. It was unnecessary. He also said the "B" word on a previous album which caught a lot of attention. You can't sell his record at Christian stores because there's no advisory sticker on it which isn't even an option. Parents with kids... Such as myself won't play that track around their kids... Parents probably heard it while there kids were playing it and got angry. Most parents want content like kj-52 has. I personally don't have a problem with any of it, but don't make a joke at the end. It's just my opinion.
Friend I respect your opinion as I voiced mine. I simply stated someone asked him a question. I felt he was being direct. I am not a large follower of Sho. I'm not defending him or condoning. I like some of his work but I have not listened to much of it. I understand why it was kicked. But until watching this video has no idea of the commotion prompting his video response. I am unbiased.
"If getting kicked out of a Christian bookstore is our metric for #revolution, we need to reevaluate our #activism."
"Partner with those that understand the consumer." That is exactly right. For the longest time, these types of stores were the only places I could go to hear alternatives to mainstream. It saddens me that these artists are scrutinized so heavily so much so that the consumer suffers. A kid/teen interested in that new Kanye or Kendrick goes into one of these stores just missed out on the opportunity to hear something that they probably would have loved. Like I said, if it weren't for these stores I would have never heard of OGG'z or T-bone back in the day which I'm sure at their time were considered questionable. But because they were willing to sell these cd's it caused a chain reaction in me and I've been listening to CHH for like 20 years. Sho, I love your music. Keep it up. Humble Beast always makes quality music on point. It's a great time with artists like you Givez, Givens, Prop, Jackie, Ruslan, Lecrae, Beleaf, Social Club Misfits, Dee-1, Bizzle, Datin, Sevin, NF, Erica Mason, Canon, No Malice, Andy Mineo, Trip Lee,....I could keep going. You all don't understand how important the music has been in my life. Don't stop.
Context is everything! What a shame Lifeway, what a shame.
That last line was stellar comedy.
Real talk. This is that conversation seasoned with salt we hear about. So gracious. So wise. So legit. You spoke from the heart and reached straight into the heart of this musician just trying to find that door but concerned over the same issues you brought up. Nothin but praise for you, brother. Keep up the good work.✊🏻
Not to be off topic, but that hat has me convinced Sho should be the guy to bring the afro back to mainstream.
That comment at the end tho lol!!!!!!!!! Too hilarious!
S/O to Sho and HB, love it all... But y'all didn't notice that this man talked from sun up to sun down? 😂
I knew that verse in his song 4:50 would get him in trouble. Don't worry Sho, Gods got you!
Dude do wat you do that's why we love you🙏🏾❤️
I absolutely love this man and his albums. Keep on spreading truth @amishobaraka. Some of us still find it refreshing.
Sho, love your music! Life way is dead wrong to band it! I’m embarrassed that Christian bookstores everywhere carried Bill Cosby parenting books back in the 90s but not your music which bridges our Christian Beliefs with Holy Spirit led Social Change.
Lifeway is a business and they know how their target market and they will out of their way to make them happy. But the way people define Christian music isn't a problem it's are we using our gifts and resources to bring glory to Jesus Christ or are we trying to introduce our own agendas and masking them as Christianity? Jesus had one agenda and that was to be like his father. If we aren't following that model then we aren't doing anything for the kingdom John 3:30
Jerome Hill well said
Thanks for the response. Will said. I completely agree.
do not change what or how the message is delivered because there are "some" who would be thought of as "soccer moms" who do not get offended about the words chosen to bring the message to many who are filled with complete nonsense in lyrics of worldly artists. I cannot begin to understand why the typical soccer mom would be choosing sho baraka album anyways unless for her kids and IF that is the case ....not sure why these individuals are hearing one word and becoming upset when the world around them is far more destructive in the everyday life activities... even commercials and games and clothing are more vulgar than a word properly used one time in one song. but this is the beast we face day to day. At least not all who APPEAR to be soccer moms are this way and have a past that understands and believe it or not relates to the lyrics and thankfully has knowledge that these creations can be purchased through other outlets so if a "Christian" store pulls or refuses to sell this music ..those of us who support and agree can still obtain.
I happen to feel that these Christian stores should NOT sell many items such as books written by many false teachers and prophets but I do not complain, I pass over and understand the Times we live in as I try to give Grace in excusing the decision makers to sell those individuals by believing that they just have no discernment about who they promote
keep sharing the truth and know those of us who have supported your work will continue to regardless of others out there who cannot see positive godly influence of your reach into the world grounded in Christ ...while remaining not of the world...that is NOT easy to do ..I'm sure.
prayer up, be blessed all of your days...
Good response
He said penalized..lol
Brandon Roots lol
Great word!!!
😂 "the soccer mom"
Hmm, hmm,hmm, I'm with this . Nicely said fam.
Interesting, I was perplexed by the entire situation. I actually bought his new CD; I just need to listen to it, lol. It's been sitting on my TV Stand for a month now.
I'm beginning to really like this dude! I definitely don't agree with his position on matters of race, but he's a solid guy living to glorify the Lord and standing up for what he believes is right, despite opposition. I admire that.
Read about Lifeway's decision in an article on the Reformed African American Network. Then I bought the MP3 album on Amazon. Do people still by CDs?
Nope. I get music through iTunes, Bandcamp or directly through Humble Beast or Kings Dream. But yea, never know if someone would buy a cd at store like Lifeway. Would be nice if it was carried there in that case.
I try to
I'm sorry, but there's a little bit of falseness going on here with you, Sho. First, I appreciate you bringing up the struggles and hypocrisy in the Christian music biz. And in many ways Lifeway may be hypocritical if they banned you and not someone else that used language they didn't agree with, but this can be the problem with CCH and Christian rap. It's not necessarily the genre that can be a problem, it's overriding the Christian message with the culture you're from. No offense, but as a believer, if the content of the music is theological and God-honoring, I can listen to a CCH musician, a Christian rapper, or someone that just sings old hymns and be edified by the music. But when the cultural backdrop of a genre overrides the God-honoring aspect of Christian music to the point where we overemphasize social issues, personal angst, etc. without a Biblical solution weaved into the songs, we have a problem. King David wrote many psalms that highlighted his struggles, fears, etc. but before you got to the end of it, it all pointed specifically back to God. Not all CCH or rap music does that. And while listeners don't understand the dynamics of the music business, the fact that it's always be complained about like the secular should make everyone rethink their motives for doing music. If it's just a business and you just happen to be a Christian in the business (not particularly wanting to emphasize the fact that you are a believer), then this is the struggle that you're going to have (just like the unsaved artist).
But second, I feel the statement made where Sho doesn't want to be controversial either shows that he's not truly thinking through the lyrics he writes or he is thinking it through and uses specific words to make a point. As a rhyme-artist, could he have thought of a better way or word to use in the song? Was it necessary to go there and then joke about it in this video? This shows a level of immaturity in the rebuke of Lifeway. While they may have made an error in banning you, Sho, you need to also rightfully examine what you say and do as a believer (the way we all should). We are called to be holy (1 Peter 1:15-16). We are called children of light (Ephesians 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:5). We are warned to be careful about our speech in terms of corrupt communication, jokes, etc. (Ephesians 4:29, 5:4, James 3:5-12). Men, whether aged or younger, are called to be sober minded (Titus 2:2, 6). And we're not to conformed to this world, but be renewed in our minds (Romans 12:1-2) because we are soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:3-4) fighting a spiritual war (Ephesians 6:10-18). While I have no clue about the struggles in the Christian music industry, I do know what scripture says about walking in Christ. Getting banned from Lifeway is not the end of the world, but on the other hand, examining yourself in the faith to see if perhaps it wasn't prudent to use a word that specifically describes a private body part shouldn't be ignored. Your main revolution is against sin (because the world loves it and is enslaved to it) and your main activism is the gospel because it is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).
Eric Smith hope the truth sets him free
That was a very good point and the delivery both courteous and graceful. Much appreciated.
"King David wrote many psalms that highlighted his struggles, fears, etc. but before you got to the end of it, it all pointed specifically back to God." Excellent point! This is what I say. I hear some artists talk about being relevant, but there is no better, nor OTHER way for a Christian to be relevant than to present Christ. The stage God allows a Christian to use is ALWAYS for His Glory. If they are intimidated by that fact, or stray from it, their message is a dangerous one. I don't think there was anything wrong with using that particular word, but I've heard Sho, other artists, AND preachers use actual profanity and/or play with suggestive language. How does it all point back to God? To Jesus?
WHAT!?! Get serious. The way he user the Word penis was truthful and a help for others who may identify. Read all through scripture and there are issues of sexual deviance, rape, lust, fornication, prostitution, whoredom, etc. So that's a real issue in society AND in the church. And the way in which Sho mentioned it was not praising what his past was--- AT ALL. And it seems like people hate honesty... unless it makes them comfortable. The song is about God's goodness up against our failures. It was one line.
You know what's really sad? Some of the same people who have problems with the word "penis" have an even bigger problem with sexual immorality, but don't want people to know that. So they bark at the concept of even a Christian mentioning it--- even with the scientific term. Get serious.
I'm vexed. The issue was Lifeway removing his CD because the word penis was in one of the songs. How is there falseness in his statement? The word "ass" is used in the KJV of the Bible. Penis is a medical term. Connotation does not override definition.
Lifeway is more than a soccer mom store. It is owned by the SBC and is expected to sell items that align with our beliefs. I am a pastor and a CHH fan, but I wouldn't play your album in a church setting. I understand the argument about context when it comes to sexual themes and cursing, but I support lifeways decision. I also respect your reply. Thanks
Hey...Abraham, Hope ur well while reading this. I'm interested in who's ALBUM (in the CHH genre) you would play in church settings? And is there a song or songs from Sho's album that you would play in Church settings since you wouldn't play the WHOLE album?? Glad you're a fan of CHH. Shalom!
Antha REdNOTE that's a great question and I appreciate your kindness. After thinking about it I can't think of an artist that I have played inside the church as far as worship goes. I have played Trip, Andy, crae on youth trips with our teens. I allow my kids to listen to them and sho too if they want, but parents of younger children would not approve due to the adult subjects specifically sex. I think social club would be ok. I need to listen to Sho's album a few more times before I could tell if any one song would be ok.
Sho the message you get across through your music is life changing like when you said "but in the end, the gates of hell couldnt shut us down" and man thats the truth. I mean what these people aren't understanding is how tough it is to get a message across to the audience and its not always gonna be nice and sunshine all the time and no little kid is gonna listen to Christian rap, more than likely their parents don't like the way we worship through the hyms we listen to. Sho, God is good.
Why make the comment at the end at 4:50, quoting what got you kicked out if Lifeway? It wasn't funny to me.
Some of us, like myself did not know what the conversation was regarding. I am glad he mention the reason he got kicked out. I do not believe it was said to be funny. If you listen there is someone in the background asking him a question and that was his answer.
Juanica Thomas I'm referring to the end at 4:50
Yes me too
Juanica Thomas I listened to what he asked and felt he was trying to be humerus about it. It was unnecessary. He also said the "B" word on a previous album which caught a lot of attention. You can't sell his record at Christian stores because there's no advisory sticker on it which isn't even an option. Parents with kids... Such as myself won't play that track around their kids... Parents probably heard it while there kids were playing it and got angry. Most parents want content like kj-52 has. I personally don't have a problem with any of it, but don't make a joke at the end. It's just my opinion.
Friend I respect your opinion as I voiced mine. I simply stated someone asked him a question. I felt he was being direct. I am not a large follower of Sho. I'm not defending him or condoning. I like some of his work but I have not listened to much of it. I understand why it was kicked. But until watching this video has no idea of the commotion prompting his video response. I am unbiased.