What does being a professional Christian Hip Hop artist look like? What kind of Christian would promote themselves or expect payment for their services?  “Freely ye have received freely give,” right? (Matthew 10:8) What about where Paul talks about a “workman being worthy of his wages”? (1 Timothy 5:18) Do you even have an opinion on the matter? 

Honestly, should people be compensated for using their talents as a platform for ministry?  I would say “sure,” if what they have is valuable.  We all have different parts to play, but somewhere along the line somebody’s got to cough up some cheddar.  It’s how this whole thing works.  Having an effective ministry will always require lots of prayer, time and effort of course; but if we really want to do something excellent for His glory (outside of having a team of volunteers around you and a well thought out plan), it will invariably require some resources as well.

Anything of value will cost something.  I wouldn’t just expect a well-known and established label to give free downloads. I’m not entitled to one.  In the same way I wouldn’t just presume upon any of the artists we use for our events to give me anything but my money’s worth and the same courtesy and respect that we show them.  They’ve got families and plenty of other places they could be.  It’s up to us to provide funds to help pay for things like travel expenses, making sure they’ve got somewhere to stay, a way to get around, and a little something for their time.  A love offering of $38.42 for instance could hardly be considered acceptable compensation in most cases.

When you have guys like Braille, Sev Statik or Playdough,  for example, (there are more) who do mad shows worldwide, give away free mixtapes and just ask for a donation of any amount for new projects; it speaks volumes and further reveals their level of excellence because of the value of the product.  That attitude commands my respect.  They don’t need to do it like that because they come in with their own suction from momentum they’ve already created.  It’s why some emcees get paid thousands of dollars just to show up, because somebody else is making money on the backend with ticket sales. 

There’s nothing wrong with getting paid to do what you love.  Whether you’re a Christian doctor, lawyer, artist, Pastor or a garbage man, if you work like a professional you should be remunerated accordingly.  All of us need to keep our hearts in line with the word of God not just the ones on the platform. It’s the love of money and the passion to accumulate it that’s evil, not the paper.  If people like you and believe in what you’re doing they’ll want to bless you somehow. It’s that simple, no mystery.  Just accept it gracefully and thank God.  If you’re like most of us you know you could use it.

However if you’re looking to make a living at this full time, there’s a couple of things to keep in mind.  First of all don’t quit your day job, sell everything and head to Nashville. That’s probably not of God if you’re just getting started.  Satan is always trying to hurry us along into sin by appealing to the flesh. Don’t fall for it.  There really isn’t a lot of money out here anyway. There are few labels trying to create the “next big thing.” For the most part,  you’re on your own.  Start where you are and work your way from there.  If you can create a local fan base, chances are it’ll grow.  Be patient, because it’s a slow burn. 

It’s also a lot of hard work and you’re not always going to be on point . Be ready for that. But if you’re serious, have some skills, the connection that you form with the people makes a huge difference; especially if you create what my friend and stagecoach Tom Jackson calls “memorable moments” in your set.  Having a predetermined plan of action is a big help, like bringing a stool with you, a sweat rag and putting out some bottled water and stage props before the set or during sound check.  Even where you stand is a factor in regard to audience interaction and how to keep them motivated

When it comes to being a true professional, there’s definitely some skill involved, so stay teachable.   The better we are at something the further it takes us.  The internet has leveled the playing field for every Tom, Dick and Scary; and to be honest when the dust finally settles I don’t know what this whole thing’s going to look like.  But if what you do create doesn’t have real value, you’ll know it regardless of whether you get paid or not.