Thank you to everyone who came out to support the release of Rap and Religion. Shout outs to everyone else who wanted to make it but could not. The Utley Experience and Red Pegasus Management appreciate the love. Here are a few pictures from the event. All photos were taken by Emagine Digital Productions. Continue Viewing
Blog
Welcome to RapandReligion.com—the #1 source for news and commentary on hip hop and religion. I am Dr. Ebony Utley, the author of Rap and Religion: Understanding the Gangsta's God. In addition to featuring songs and videos from the book, this blog will keep you in the know when rap and religion collide. Explore the site and come back often for updates.
Rap and Religion with Armstrong Williams
Listen to my conversation about rap and religion with Armstrong Williams and Dr. Carl Ellis Jr. on The Armstrong Williams Show. Here’s some background on the show:
Armstrong Williams has been called one of the most recognized conservative voices in America, disseminating his views and opinions through this nationally syndicated radio show. According to the official Armstrong Williams website, his mission is to “provide intelligent and value-oriented commentary on American culture and politics.” He conducts interviews with some of today’s most influential names and discusses current events from around the country.
God Forgives, I Don’t
Well, I do, but Rick Ross doesn’t in the God Forgives, I Don’t album that officially drops on July 31, but leaked on the web as early as July 25. Ross claims that the album balances a grace-giving God and a ruthless gangsta. Continue Reading
A Killer from the Start?
I’ve been wrecked by the Aurora, Colorado shooting. I don’t know anyone who was murdered or maimed. I don’t know anyone who knew anyone who was killed or injured. I don’t know anything about the killer. I don’t want to know him. But I did read the bios of everyone who died. The entire episode is so epically tragic. Continue Reading
Dr. Ebony Utley’s Rhymes & Reasons
Listen to my interview with Rhymes and Reasons: The Stories of Hip Hop. Rhymes and Reasons is a series of interviews with hip-hop heads who talk about their lives in the context of songs that matter to them.
Being Meek (Mill)
Rapper Meek Mill and Pastor Jomo K. Johnson have beef. I know. Before this week, you’ve probably never heard of either of them. Meek Mill is a Philadelphia rapper whose track “Amen” has inspired the ire of Pastor Johnson who has called for a boycott of Mill. Continue Reading
Dr. Ebony Utley Releases New Provocative Book
Read my interview with Terrance Dean in Hello Beautiful.
Dr. Utley Talks About Black Women Rappers Satisfying Their “Fatherlack”
Listen to my interview with JJ on the Mic from 97.9 The Box in Houston.