A few nights ago I watched the rapper Mistykal perform his hit single Shake That Ass on BET's Live From L.A. Besides his three dancers, who took turns grinding on him, it was Mistykal's enormous platinum cross hanging from his long platinum chain that caught my attention. I wondered how Mistykal could deliver such vulgar lyrics while wearing a cross.
During the interview segment of the show, host, John Salley asked the young artist about the significance of the cross he was proudly sporting. Mistykal started off by saying that his cross was simply part of the Hip Hop attire. He later added that his "jewelry" represented his faith in Jesus. It's not for me to judge how strong his spiritual beliefs are, but it's important to remember that his first answer to Salley's question was that the cross was part of his style.
His reasoning enabled me to better understand how he, along with many other artists such as LL Cool J and Jay Z, can flaunt their extravagant crosses in videos that objectify women and border on pornography.
If the meaning of the cross was Jesus and only Jesus, I'm convinced many rappers would possibly reconsider the music and images they produced. However, with the Hip Hop's appropriation of the cross, resulting in the removal of its religious significance, it seems easier for artists to wear the cross while openly glorifying pimps, drug dealers and robbers. I'm certain that rappers would think twice prior to penning another misogynistic song.
As a Christian, it's disturbing to witness the cross being marketed by the Hip Hop industry as simply jewelry that is to be worn with the Enyce sweater, Fubu jeans and Lugz footwear. The back pages of all of todays Hip Hop magazines have photos of the various crosses that are available for prices that make me dizzy. The message is clear: the cross is just another piece of bling bling.
It's mind-boggling to meet young adults who wear the cross, but do not possess a love for God. Many have told me that the meaning of the cross depends on the individual. I agree that we as humans give things meaning, but there's certain exceptions. Can you imagine Lil Kim or Trina rockin' a hijab while rapping about sex, drugs and money? Or the must vulgar rappers wearing the Star of David but not believing in Judaism? Certain things have a meaning that's intrinsic, nothing needs to be added or taken away from it. The cross should be associated to Jesus, rather than being linked to Hip Hop culture.
Fimo R. Mitchell " Hip Hop Culture and the Cross", Community Contact (December 2000)
