(OPINION) In a divided America, music is just another means of dividing based on political affiliation and race. While country music has the image of being “All-American,” hip-hop often sheds light on the social injustices to minority people. When listening to music, it can seem as if there is no unity among people from different backgrounds. However, Gangstagrass is fighting back against that narrative by bringing people from two different genres together.
Read MoreWhen people think of the most influential rappers of all time, Kendrick Lamar is definitely on the list. The hip-hop artist made history in 2018 by winning a Pulitzer Prize in songwriting for his album “DAMN.” His lyrical genius and socially conscious rap resonate with millions. To many, he is considered the greatest rapper of all time. This is why we were curious when an anonymous package labeled “Kendrick Lamar's diss track” showed up in our mailbox.
Read More(REVIEW) “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets” is the latest docuseries from Amazon Prime that focuses on the family and their connections to the nonprofit organization Institute in Basic Life Principles, created by an unordained teacher named Bill Gothard, who was based in the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook, Ill.
Read More(REVIEW) Jelly Roll, a musician with an unusual name, featured in the documentary “Save Me” shows a redemption journey still in progress. The gritty country singer rose to fame with his breakout song “Save Me.” The documentary gives fans a look into a troubled person that has chosen to walk a path of grace through music.
Read More(REVIEW) “The Secrets of Hillsong” uncovers Hillsong culture, abuse and Carl Lentz. The four-part documentary dropped on May 19th. Since Carl Lentz’s fall from grace due to his affair with Ranin Karim, many celebrity gossip and media voices have chimed in to tell Lentz’s story. For the first time since the scandals, both Carl and Laura Lentz tell their own stories in the documentary.
Read More(REVIEW) The eight-episode series “In The Name of God: A Holy Betrayal” covered Jesus Morning Star, Five Oceans, The Baby Garden, and the God of Manmim cults. Comedian Esther Ku spoke with ReligionUnplugged.com about how the series unearthed an ecosystem of cults in Korea.
Read More(ANALYSIS) According to the controversial singer Ye, formerly called Kanye West, Black people are Jews. This part of his rhetoric is the strongest hint of where exactly his recent outpouring of antisemitism flows from.
Read More(REVIEW) After much anticipation, Kanye West’s tenth studio album, “Donda,” released. The 27-track album shows the evolution of Kanye’s Christian faith and its inspiration for impressive pop music.
Read MoreNick Hall founded the Christian ministry organization Pulse to bring Jesus to the next generation in innovative ways, like digital campaigns and local revival events. After training and mentoring young evangelists online during the pandemic, partly on how to spread the gospel on social media, more than a million people have responded — more than the ministry’s previous 15 years combined.
Read MoreMainstream rapper DMX (birth name Earl Simmons) passed away on April 9 after being in a coma for a week and suffering a heart attack. While his lyrics referenced the violence and drugs he knew well, DMX also aspired to be a pastor and ended his albums with gospel music and prayer.
Read MoreIn New York, a young man and bishop Kim Lubrin jumped off a roof. He had progressed up the ranks of the secretive, close-knit Israelite Church of God in Jesus Christ (ICGJC) in Harlem, which has a history of financially and emotionally pressuring and ousting members for alleged transgressions. Days before his death, Lubrin had told his father he had sinned and feared how the church would punish him.
Read MoreIn July, Bevelyn Beatty, a fiery Christian, conservative and Black woman, got America’s attention when she painted over three Black Lives Matter memorials in New York City to promote “Jesus Matters.” Religion Unplugged contributor Princess Jones spoke with Beatty about her life and her fight to reveal the truth as she sees it about the state of the Black community and Black church.
Read More(REVIEW) Beyoncé released the musical and visual album “Black is King: The Gift” on July 31. It serves as an ode to “Blackness” and African spirituality, but in doing so idolizes Blackness in place of God with messages that listeners are also gods.
Read More(OPINION) A young black Christian woman in New York had not attended previous protests because she thought revenge, anger and bitterness characterized the Black Lives Matter movement. Then Brooklyn churches organized a “prayerful protest.”
Read More(OPINION) Kanye West says being a good person isn’t enough— that God calls for radical obedience. Fans are asking whether his switch to gospel music is here to stay or just good marketing.
Read More(FILM REVIEW) These satanists may not constitute their own religion, but they want religious freedom laws to protect every faith equally and use the devil to push their message.
Read MoreFrom the White House to London and Brooklyn, interfaith iftars — the fast-breaking meals of Ramadan — are trending this year.
Read More(OPINION) Lil Nas X released his genre-busting song, Old Town Road. Things are happening between country and hip hop that all have to do with gospel music roots.
Read MoreEvans, known for her progressive take on the faith, was only 37 when an infection quickly turned fatal. Her last blog post, about Lent and before she announced any illness, was a reminder that we will all return to dust.
Read MoreAt a recent event in New York City, a Christian astronomer and astrophysicist discussed the existence of aliens and how they fit into God’s plan as outlined in the Bible.
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