Rhetoric Race and Religion
It may be more complicated than that, though. Rappers, experts say, have their own relationships with God, which show their appreciation may come from a variety of sources. (R3 contributor) Ebony A. Utley wrote a book called “Rap and Religion: Understanding the Gangsta’s God,” which looked at how different rappers interpret and feel about God. Some women, for example, see God as a father and provider, according to the book.
Utley’s writings say that rappers use God in many ways, mostly to fit into the type of brand they’re trying to promote and how they feel religiously.
But rappers have taken this one step further. Rather than simply praising God or using him as inspiration, they, in turn, have tried to take on the role of God themselves.
Famous rappers have been known to take on the identity of a god, either as a way of showboating their sick skills on the mic or because of narcissism. According to The New York Times, vanity and self-promotion are largely popular among modern rappers, serving as a reflection of the current generation.
For example, Eminem compared himself to a god in the song “Rap God.” He claims he is omnipotent and can influence the world in much of the same way a god can. The song did win Eminem a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records, but it also put him under scrutiny for homophobic lyrics.
Similarly, Kanye West has compared himself to religious figures for years. He even named one of his albums “Yeezus” and makes references to his spiritual abilities in some of the songs, including the aptly titled “I Am a God.”
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