Christian Rap Music: Yes, It's Okay to Listen To!

The game has officially changed.

Christian music has often been met with skepticism; it was a big deal when DC Talk came out with their 80s hip-hop singing about being a 'Jesus freak.' And with TobyMac, a rapcore/electronic/soft rock artist who specializes in combining the three genres into his own style, and KJ-52, a white rapper most often compared to Enimem, the rap genre has been largely left underdeveloped in the public eye.

When characterized as something cheesy such as 'holy hip-hop', it's hard to gain credibility.

Time to turn skeptics into believers (pun intended).

Within the last five years, the hip-hop scene has exploded with a variety of talent, some of which has given Christian music an entirely new dimension to offer audiences. So for the music fan, here is a suggestive list of artists to check out; feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments.

Lecrae; With his last two albums debuting in the iTunes top 10 (overall), Lecrae has been at the forefront of the revamped Christian rap movement. Nearly every song is maxed-out in rating on popularity, and after releasing Rehab last November, he released an album full of fresh music (Rehab: The overdose ) not two months later. With the ability to switch between fast, club-style beats and songs with a much more serious tone, his skillset is definitely wide enough to have something every fan will enjoy.

Personal favorites: "Jump" "Check In" "Overdose"

Sho Baraka; Since 2007, Sho has succesfully combined elements of rock in refrains to give individual songs multiple sounds, as evidenced on his latest album Liars and Lions . Yet, he can also drop a track that features your typical rap stylings with synth beats and thumping bass, giving him a repertoire not often found on a rap album.

Personal favorites: "Kobe Bryant On 'Em" "Slow it Down"

Trip Lee; Occasionally, Trip has a track that makes you wonder how much R&B influences his style, but plenty of songs have a beat that 'pops' more than thumps to place him squarely in the middle of the rap genre.

Personal favorites: "Superstar (Eyes Off Me)" "Bear with Me"

Tedashii; As evidenced by his recent release, Blacklight , Tedashii continues to sway between mainstream club beats, and taking those elements for harder-hitting beats. The variance between tracks is enough that you won't get immediately bored and write this music off as "another rap copycat."

Personal favorites: "Dum Dum" "Fresh"

This'l; An ex-hustler wrapped in the drug scene, This'l changed his ways and has used rap to communicate his changed life to others. Though his style generally relies more on synth beats to propel the music, the message given in a unique look into the darkness he experienced before becoming a Christian.

Personal favorites: "Picture This" "Not Enough Dope in my Rhymes"

R-Swift; Twisting synth organs, the occasional funky drum, and your standard beats, R-Swift has been a staple of the Christian rap scene since it grew to BE a scene. Many times, the feel is more standard, but R-Swift sometimes pulls something fresh to mix it up.

Personal favorites: "Awesome God" "Breatha"

Ambassador; Best known for a more laid-back style that often incorporates acoustic guitars, Ambassador nonetheless presents his own style that can easily stand out form the rap genre. Heck, the guy's listed as 'reggae' and songs such as "Thesis Pieces", but as others listed can certainly bring a fair rap styling as well.

Personal favorites: "Gimme Dat!" "Amba-ss-ador"

Flame; He could be labeled as the precursor to the rap madness, considering his first album dropped in 2005, but it wasn't until "Joyful Noise" in 2008 that propelled him to the front of the Christian music scene. Flame takes a more serious tone in his music, and subsequently veers more towards synth beats with a sometimes darker, sometimes lighter tone to convey his messages.

Personal favorites: "Joyful Noise" "Go Buck"

G-Notes; Possibly the most mainstream sounding of those listed, his ability to intertwine elements of techno with certain songs is what sets his style apart. But for those fearing that the mainstream sound takes away from the message should listen to "American Dream" before making a judgement.

Personal favorites: "American Dream" "Stunna Shades"

Others worth checking out: 116 Clique (was comprised of six rappers on this list before they went single), DJ Official (remixes and drops beats that feature many listed here), Everyday Process, K-drama, Grits, Joe Justiz, Pettidee, K-Nuff