God Over Money | Bizzle’s Bamboozled

There is a genre of rappers that never make it into the Best Rappers category. In a secular system, I guess it shouldn’t. Christian emcees are some of the best to do it. I will not pretend I know every Christian rapper; the genre is more extensive than most perceive. My mentor encouraged me to listen to Christian rap outside of Chicago. I had only known my dearly departed brother Lonnie Richardson as transforming into that space. She told me about the genre, and since 1997, I haven’t looked back.

Cross Movement (no longer an organization or label ~ as far as I know), the 116 Clique, and God Over Money are the most known groups. I’ve seen Lecrae in concert, Da Truth in concert, Bizzle, and several Chicago artists on the God Over Money tour in concert. I won’t get into my favorites, as that would only lead to a comparison controversy. I prefer to avoid that as it would go against the purpose of this post. I have a lot of favorites, and Bizzle is one of them.

Bizzle has grown tremendous leaps and bounds over the years. There was a time, (#Bizzle) correct me if I’m wrong, that some of his early lyrics had profanity. Coming from the world to know Yeshua (Jesus) is not an overnight switch. To witness the maturation of a Christian artist and growth from faith to faith over the years is tremendous. You learn, grow, and increase your knowledge of the scriptures by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and studying the sacred text. Prayer, meditation, fasting, and being rooted are all part of growth.

Bizzle is a defender of the faith. Against the grain of this world and artists who seek to dismantle Christianity, Bizzle responds through lyrical provocation, love, firmness, and a logical approach addressing those artists’ songs, like Macklemore’s Same Love. His response was articulate, artistic, and insightful, as seen in his interview with VLAD. He’s responded to several artists in a lyrical format. In my opinion, Joyner Lucas’ Devil Works song (which is pretty dope) didn’t warrant a response, but Bizzle also responded to that song. And, when you listen, you’ll see why Bizzle responded the way he did.

How I missed this song, Bamboozled, by Bizzle, which he released some time ago, is a mystery, but since it’s pulsating in my IG feeds, I had to listen and share it with my peoples. The track is so simple it’s genius (this isn’t a diss to the engineer; the track is so dope with no intricacy and one I’ve been freestyling to – Bizzle, let me make my response to the track, please. lol). Bizzle pretty much summed up racism, reverse racism, discrimination, reverse discrimination, anti-semitism or the illusion of it, and exposes the hypocrisy of attitudes towards former President Donald Trump by the same industry that allows ideas, values, and content that doesn’t line up with Christian views or thoughts. Trust me, he’s not defending the former President or Ye. He depicts how the media controls narratives and the power of manipulation by finite minds. He doesn’t hold back his thoughts on folks called “crazy” when they speak out against music/industry executives. The Lauryn Hill’s, Chapelle’s, and Ye’s were seemingly blackballed (where did that term come from?) by speaking truth with power.

Should a Christian artist ever use the dreaded “N” word? Or should we accept a Christian artist who uses it with a contextualized message? We can debate that forever, but let me quote some barz from the lyrics.

Bamboozled

I’mma kill a n*gga
I’mma kill a J*w
One of those are wrong
One of those are cool
One of these will get a rich Black man canceled
The other one will put a new Grammy on his mantel

Where’s the lie? I had a song on my first album, but my wife said, “I get your point, but husband, don’t do it.” My good friend, who happens to be caucasian, was in my basement reviewing the album. I told him my plans; as a Brother in Christ, he shared the same sentiments as my wife. Regardless of how any Christian who hears the song may feel, the last two barz are significant. How many rappers have we seen get Grammys to sell out thousands of concert venues, all at the cost of their violent and misogynistic lyrics? And let me add, I’ve added to this culture by supporting the NWA’s, the Bigs, the Pacs, as I’ve supported the Poor Righteous Teachers, the KRS-1’s, and the Public Enemy’s. But when it comes to world acceptance, most pure, conscientious rappers do not have a Grammy.

Bizzle is hands down one of the best artists in the game. His challenges to Christians and the secular culture have been noted in interviews and radio shows. He’s respected. Going on VLAD, well, someone has to share the voice. I’m not sure how many Christian platforms he’s interviewed on. One thing is clear: Bizzle isn’t going anywhere. He’s not going to buckle. He’s not going to stop following his calling. Bamboozled is making a statement, and come what may in secular retribution, I am supporting this song by a Christian artist who has much to say and should be heard.

Next up, the artist Dee-1!