Rap or Religion?

By: Rosa Mancia

Music is an inspiration, something that can change emotions from happy to sad or sad to happy in a second. It offers a way out for so many emotions and also helps you express yourself, said Rene Valdez a young man who dreams of one day becoming a rapper.

Rap began to emerge in the late 1960's and early 70's in Kingston, Jamaica. During the early 1970's rap was being heard in the South Bronx, New York City. Rapping can be traced back to African roots. Its also known as emceeing, which is very important in the hip-hop culture. One important element in rapping is being able to rhyme. By 1990 rap was being accepted, and it was being heard more widely.

"I listen to rap every day," said Valdez, the charismatic teenager who has been motivated since childhood to become a rapper. He got this motivation and desire to rap from Eminem, a famous rapper, whom he admires. Valdez dreams of working with Eminem and learning from this very successful rapper.

Valdez tries to fit rap into his everyday life and takes the opportunity to practice every chance he gets. If I'm in school and I have nothing to do, I'll rap," said Valdez. When I get home I also rap."

My friends hear me rap all the time, mostly at school," he said. His friends support him in his dream and are always willing to hear his new lyrics.

I am supportive of Rene, said Marvin Espana, 16, a close friend of. Everyone has a dream and everyones dream can be accomplished. Hes a bit insane though. Espana has had the chance to not only hear Valdezs lyrics but hes also rapped with him. Rene is progressing, Espana said.

On the other hand, not everyone is supportive of Valdezs dream. His sister, Maria Valdez, 21, is neither a fan nor a supporter of her brothers dream. I am definitely not supportive, she says. I think its a ridiculous idea and a waste of time. I dont think hell make it because of the fact that he doesnt have the talent.

Part of Marias lack of enthusiasm comes from her religion. The Valdez family are members of the Seventh Day Adventist church. Rene has been attending this church with his family since he was a child, and he knows that the church members wouldnt be pleased with his career aspiration.

I dont see a conflict, but I know that other people will see the problem about me wanting to rap, Rene said. I mean, how do you rap and go to church? Its two different things, and thats the problem, he said, looking rather upset. Even for Valdez there is a fine line between rap music and religion and this line shouldnt be crossed.

It would be very hard for someone in church to want to rap," said Pastor Jorge
Romero, of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. In the church there isn't a space for rapping so that the skill can be developed.

Rapping and religion seem to go back to the idea of respect and disrespect. In a sense rapping can be disrespectful as a career for a Christian," said Pastor Romero. The message in the lyrics goes against the church and rap is mundane. Rap and religion are two things that should be separate and they are opposite to one another, he said.

Id never mix religion with rap, said Valdez. I think that would be very disrespectful and idiotic. So where and how does he leave religion?

"Rene supports and believes what the church says, but he doesn't follow it," said his friend. Espana himself understands the conflict of going to church and wanting to rap. Valdezs sister seems to believe that he hates going to church and only goes because he once made a promise to someone that he wouldnt stop going.

Valdez has a decision to make alone but he is taking his time since he is still attending the church that has seen him grow up for so many years. Im afraid to fail, but mostly Im afraid of letting myself down, said Rene Valdez.