“Utley reminds us that rap music has much to say about myth, power, meaning, and social justice in contemporary America. Moreover, that it does so in ways that playfully embrace doubleness— always skirting the line between blasphemy and praise—makes it a compelling object of study. Utley’s analysis is powerful, precisely because she is irreverent toward such binaries.”
“”– Rudo Mudiwa, Rhetoric and Public Affairs
“Utley enables the reader to recognize that the Hip Hop genre has reinterpreted a Jesus with a strong survival/elevation ethic as opposed to a liberation ethic, helping the gangsta ‘to make it through’ and embrace success. An outstanding book and a must-read for every academic and practitioner serious about engaging popular culture in an urban context.”
“”– Mike A. Royal Black Theology
“Rap and Religion will generate timely discussions in a variety of different spaces and contexts—college courses on popular culture and hip hop, seminary courses on theology and culture, ongoing discourses in churches, barbershops, and Internet sites about the relevance, value, and dangers of rap music, especially for youth. Everyone involved in these discussions will be enriched by reading this book.”
“”– Joseph Winters African American Review
“This book is welcome ammunition for those eager to defend against hip-hop critics who paint the culture as godless or lacking any deep spiritual introspection.”
“”– Bomani Armah Words, Beats, Life
Utley presents a unique study of the cultural and sociological context in which religion and hard-edged rap intersect, mainly from the mid 1990s to the present. Also, the book’s laid-back prose offers a quick read…. Summing Up: Recommended.
“”– Choice
Dr. Utley encourages us to harness the gangsta’s God in our own lives and conversations.
“”– Chris Patti
Rap and Religion is a tremendously thoughtful book.
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Dr. Utley deftly demonstrates through the pages of her book everything is not what it seems when it comes to rap and religion.
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Rap and Religion is the finest writing I’ve seen in the field. Dr. Utley writes eloquently with remarkable readability.
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Dr. Utley explains brilliantly that no one has a monopoly on the language we use to imagine God.
“”– Rashad Grove
Dr. Utley does work that theologians have yet to do.
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Dr. Utley has written this book much the same way that Kanye West writes rhymes. He said that he wanted every sentence to make an impact and she has done just that with Rap and Religion.
“”– Brian Foulks
Dr. Utley’s book is an excellent point of reference for someone who, like me, is on a personal exploration of faith, or is simply interested in the various ways religion has influenced Hip-Hop culture.
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Utley’s Rap and Religionis the most incisive analysis of religion in hip hop out there.
“”– Nneka Ofulue
Utley makes a compelling case about rap and hip hop’s spiritual relevance, leaving us both breathless and re-energized.
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Rap and Religion is elegant, compelling, and desperately needed. A remarkable scholarly achievement, and a gift to hip-hop fans everywhere.
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Hip Hop has not abandoned Jesus; it has reinterpreted Jesus. Rap and Religion is destined to be a classic.
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Rap and Religion uncovers the place where God, spirituality, and Christianity meet.
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Rap and Religion is a must read.
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Storyteller–Dr. Ebony Utley
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Society Yeezus
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Rap, Religion and Women
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Author’s Lounge Utley Experience Rap & Religion
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Rapping with Jesus (14:39-58:30)
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Rap and Religion: CSU Prof. Analyzes How God Plays Into Popular Songs
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Will Jerry Falwell Blame Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. for Hurricane Sandy?
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Who or What is the Gangsta’s God?
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Dr. Ebony Utley says [Nicki Minaj] is walking a path that has already been trod upon.
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Woman with Ideas. Knowledge Seeker. Perspective Shifter. Obsessive Googler.
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Utley notes…Honestly, we don’t know what the support will be for an openly gay rapper because one has not come out.
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Ebony Utley…has done extensive research on women and hip hop.
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Ebony Utley Joins the Cypher (28:27-48:00)
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What’s the Connection Between Rap and Religion?
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CSULB Professor Releases Heavenly Hip-Hop Handbook
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10 Things We Learned From Reading “Rap And Religion: Understanding The Gangsta’s God” by Ebony A. Utley
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Rap and Religion
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Dr. Ebony Utley Interview
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Examination of Religion’s Presence in Hip Hop Culture
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Professor & Author, Dr. Ebony Utley, Releases New Provocative Book
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Dr. Utley Talks About Black Women Rappers Satisfying Their “Fatherlack” Through Lyrical Worship
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Meet Digital Sisterhood Leader Ebony Utley
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Interview with Dr. Ebony Utley
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[The God Quest] Understanding the Gangsta’s God
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Learning While Teaching: Understanding the Gangsta’s God
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Exploring Rap and Religion with Dr. Ebony Utley
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Utley’s Newest Book Takes a Look at God, Hip-hop and Rap
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Dr. Ebony A. Utley provides social commentary involving Hip Hop as a means to garner individual power.
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