Christian hip-hop artist and author Trip Lee performed Feb. 24 at California Baptist University’s Van Dyne Gym.
As the doors opened, students rushed to the stage, hoping to get a front-row spot. As the students waited for the show to begin, strobe lights flashed and the music of other popular Christian rap artists such as Andy Mineo and LeCrae played in the background.
“It was kind of different from what CBU usually has most of the time, but it was very upbeat and was a chance to enjoy yourself,” said Walker Goodman, freshman healthcare administration major.
From the beginning to the end, Lee brought energy and enthusiasm. After every other song, Lee would take a break to talk with the audience about his music and how it corresponds with his faith.
Lee explained the difference between secular hip-hop and Christian hip-hop. He spoke about how modern hip-hop tends to glorify drugs, sex and violence, which is contrary to the type of music he sings. He discussed how hip-hop should be used for not only positivity, but relatability and, in his case, to glorify Christ.
Sara Gollehon, junior public relations major, explained she is not usually a fan of the hip-hop music genre, but she enjoyed the concert.
“It was really uplifting and awesome,” Gollehon said. “I liked it when he talked to the audience about how hip-hop is so secular and how he does hip-hop while praising Jesus.”
Lee talked about a few of his personal experiences and quoted a few Bible verses. The concert was a combination of music and spoken messages.
“I just like how he is real and how it’s more about Jesus than it is about his music,” said Andy Abelein, junior graphic design major. “He doesn’t need a crazy beat to get his message across. But that’s what all his songs are; they are a message. It’s not just pointless words.”
At the end of the concert, people left with smiles and excitement. Lee brought a fun, original musical style to CBU and delivered quite a few powerful messages throughout the week’s chapel services.
Students said having an artist like Lee on campus has excited students and it is an event many of them would like to see concerts happen more often.
“I do think CBU should bring more artists like this; I really enjoy it,” Abelein said. “I think it brings a lot of good attention to hip-hop, especially these guys in the hip-hop industry. They speak about the gospel and they speak about Christ, and I think that’s important.”
Lee has proven hip-hop, typically associated with a negative reputation, can be a positive platform to bring people to Christ.
