Church On The Block

In this episode, we are talking rap battles and beef within the hip hop community. The conversation touches on the negative trend of petty battles, the cultural impact, and the need for authenticity. We also explore the positive side of battles that focus on affirmation and the commendable apology of J. Cole who chose integrity over competition. The conversation also highlights the dangers of beef...

In this episode, Pastor Phil, Pastah J and Rami Nashashibi, explore the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the impact of systemic issues on the Palestinian community, and the role of art and hip hop in expressing and addressing trauma. They discuss the importance of understanding the nuanced history, confronting urban segregation, and engaging with the Palestinian artistic movements...

In this episode of Church on the Block, Pastor Phil and Pastah J sit with Rami Nashashibi to explore the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a Palestinian perspective. Rami shares personal accounts of the occupation's impact on Palestinian lives, including his own experience with Israeli soldiers in Birzeit. The discussion addresses the historical roots of the conflict, the daily oppression faced by...

In this episode of "Church on the Block," Pastor Phil welcomes CHH rapper VerbPro124 for an in-depth discussion on faith, music and healing. Verb, whose name is inspired by Proverbs 12:4, shares her transition from the secular music industry to Christian hip-hop after finding salvation at age 20. They explore the themes of her song "I Am Not That Light," emphasizing the importance of living out go...

In this episode of "Church on the Block," Pastor Phil and CHH Artist Aaron Canon explore the evolution of Christian hip hop and its influence on the church. They discuss the culture's progress and the challenges artists face, including acceptance within the church and the need for authenticity. They also touch upon the Grammys, recognizing the importance of persistence in the industry. Learn more...

In this episode of Church on the Block, our hosts, Pastor Phil, Pastah J and DJ Ruckus reflect on the Grammy Awards, unpacking Jay-Z's powerful acceptance speech and its cultural implications. They discuss the recognition of hip-hop artists, the depth of mature music, and the arrest of Killer Mike, highlighting the industry's complexities. The conversation celebrates authentic music and artists li...

In this episode of "Church on the Block," Pastor Phil, Pastah J, and DJ Ruckus, along with guests Daryl and Thre from Chicago, explore the intersection of hip hop, the church, and street culture. They discuss how their street experiences shape their ministry and stress the importance of authenticity in Christian hip hop. The conversation also touches on the challenges of creating genuine music tha...

In this episode Pastah J, and Lorenzo Watson engage in a deep discussion about the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) and its alignment with Christian teachings. They explore the principles of Christian community development, the role of the church in community salvation, the power of shared leadership, and the significance of a holistic approach to community issues. Pastah J and L...

In this episode of Church on the Block, hosts Pastor Phil and Pastah J, DJ Ruckus along with guest Dr. Daymond Glenn, explore the intersections of hip hop, race, faith, and justice. Dr. Glenn, founder of the Cultural Soul Project, discusses hip hop's intellectual value, its roots in the African American experience, and its role in expressing and shaping identity, particularly for marginalized comm...

In this episode of Church on the Block, Pastor Phil and Reverend Russell St. Bernard engage in a deep conversation about their paths in ministry, with a focus on youth ministry. Rev Russ recounts a defining moment at a youth retreat that solidified his calling and discusses the influence of his mother's work ethic on his approach to ministry. They explore the evolution of youth ministry, the impor...

In this episode of Church on the Block, our hosts discuss the integration of hip hop culture into church ministry with special guest, author, pastor and speaker Troy Evans. They explore the challenges of maintaining authenticity and the importance of holistic discipleship. The discussion underlines the need for the church to embrace hip hop as a genuine form of worship and not to segregate it from...

In this podcast episode, Pastor Phil, DJ Ruckus, and Pastah J discuss their transformative trip to Ghana with two former street rivals, Jaquan and Manny. The journey provided profound insights into their heritage and the struggles of their ancestors, fostering gratitude and a desire to pass on this knowledge. They compare the sense of community in Ghana to their lives in Chicago, noting the potent...

In this episode of Church on the Block, Pastor Phil, Pastah J and DJ Ruckus talk with Jaquan about his past life on the streets and his transformative journey. Jaquan opens up about his upbringing in a neglectful home, which led him to seek validation through criminal activities. His story highlights the challenges of leaving street life, including the pressure from peers and the allure of street...

On this episode of Church on the Block the gang is back together again and they're talking church life. Pastor Phil, Pastah J and DJ Ruckus share funny stories from their years of church experiences that we can all relate to. From tales of singers with less-than-stellar performances, musicians choosing odd music for services, and a youth's rap lyrics causing chuckles to comedian Barry Brewer's tak...

In this episode of Church on the Block, Pastor Phil and Pastah J delve into the evolution of Christian hip hop and its cultural influence. They explore the genre's challenges and triumphs in 2023, discussing the need for artists to harness modern platforms and address social issues with bold, truthful music. They stress the importance of originality, urging artists to avoid mimicking mainstream hi...

In this episode of Church on the Block Pastah J explores the role of the fifth element of Hip Hop, knowledge and its connection to faith. He discussed using privilege for God's glory and combating ignorance with knowledge, drawing inspiration from the apostle Paul. Pastah J relates hip hop's purpose to God's love and pursuit of humanity, referencing Belshazzar's story and the concept of a kingdom...

In this episode of Church on the Block, Pastor Phil Jackson delivers a sermon titled "The Writing's on the Wall," drawing parallels between the biblical story of King Belshazzar and modern life choices, emphasizing humility and God's guidance. Pastah J discusses the transformation of the mind and heart, citing 1 Corinthians 13 and addressing the community's struggle with gun violence. The episode...

In this episode of Church on the Block, Dr. Terrence Gadsden, a.k.a. DJ Rock On, discusses the concept of a "kingdom state of mind" through the lens of hip hop and Jesus' teachings. Celebrating 50 years of hip hop and 45 years of Lawndale Christian Community Church's mission, Dr. Gadsden draws parallels between the values of the kingdom of heaven and the positive aspects of hip hop culture. He enc...

In this episode of Church on the Block, Pastah J celebrates the intersection of hip hop and Christian faith in his sermon series "Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop and 45 Years of Loving God and Loving People." He discusses the significance of breaking in hip hop as a peaceful and unifying force, relating it to King David's uninhibited praise before God. Drawing parallels between breakdancing and bi...

In this podcast episode, Pastors Phil and Jay, along with DJ Ruckus, engage in a candid discussion about the church's engagement with social issues, music, and global conflicts, particularly in Israel and Gaza. They critique the church's lack of critical thinking in artistic interpretation, notably concerning Andre 3000's new album. They call for a more empathetic and nuanced approach to complex i...

In this podcast episode, Pastor Phil and Rabbi Steve discuss the Israel-Hamas conflict, the violence taking place and the resulting harm to innocent lives. They differentiate Hamas from the Palestinian people and explore the historical and religious context of the land. They urge listeners to seek truth and provide humanitarian aid. They emphasize the importance of speaking out against injustice a...

In this episode of Church on the Block, Pastor Phil, Kena Young, and Tajah Kelly discuss the role of music in the church and its impact on the African American community. They share personal experiences with gospel music, discuss its evolution, and address its importance in worship and connection with God. The conversation also covers the role of gospel music in the civil rights movement, and the...

In this episode of Church on the Block, Pastor Phil, Pastah J and DJ Ruckus discuss the controversy surrounding a video by Christian hip hop elder, Sho Baraka. They express surprise at the negative responses to Sho's satirical style, emphasizing the importance of understanding satire and metaphor in Christian hip hop. They discuss the need for direct conflict resolution and critical thinking withi...

In this episode of "Church on the Block", Pastor Phil, Pastah J, DJ Ruckus, and guest Sho Baraka discuss their shared experiences in the world of hip hop and how it influenced their faith. They reminisce about their college days, their involvement in Christian hip hop, and the formation of their group, Ecclesiastes. The conversation also delves into the importance of quality in music, the need for...

In this episode of Church on the Block, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop. We share personal stories about their introduction to the genre, discussing its cultural elements and impact. The conversation also delves into the significance of Christian hip hop, its evolution, and the challenges faced by artists. We reminisce about the early days of Christian hip hop and its influence on our...