Kurtis Blow Leads Hip-Hop Church Services In New York

Sunday - April 16, 2006

Two New York churches have been trying new things to draw in visitors and kids — mixing religion with old school hip-hop.

Hip-hop pioneer Kurtis Blow, who is known as the first rapper to sign with a major label and have a certified gold single, has been leading hip-hop services in two Harlem churches, according to the Associated Press.

The legendary rapper feels that young people don’t feel welcome in a regular church service, so this approach helps reach them on their level.

“Don’t get it twisted, God has always existed,” said Blow. “And in terms of these young people out here who love God, but do not like to go to church, only hip-hop can bring them back to the church.”

“We break it down for them,” the rapper adds.

On Thursday evenings at Hood Memorial AME Zion Church, Blow and Pastor Stephen Pogue hold the services, which are attended by nearly 100 teens who rap for God weekly.

“It is not about entertainment and it’s not an act,” said Pogue. “The service is held to worship God. It’s just done differently than a traditional service.”

— Miles Bennett