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Explore the controversy surrounding the performance of Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" in churches. Does the song bridge culture and faith or compromise worship's sacredness? Photo by John Angelillo/UPI / Alamy Live News The Church, The Culture, & The Controversy From being declared GQ's 'song of the summer' to the record-breaking Halftime performance filled with symbolism, it's no secret that Kendrick Lamar's " Not Like Us" has the world in an uproar. But just because a song is praised in the culture doesn’t always mean it belongs in the pews. Lately, the TikTok streets have been buzzing with debates over whether this viral anthem has any place in the house of the Lord. Some argue that using mainstream hits helps to engage younger generations and make the church more relevant. Others believe that incorporating secular music—especially one rooted in hip-hop beef—compromises the sacredness of worship. So, does " Not Like Us" belong in church? Let’s take a look at both sides of the conversation. RELATED : Tamela Mann Responds To Glorilla's Viral Performance of 'Take Me To The King' The Song Behind the Debate Released on May 4, 2024, Not Like Us emerged amid a heated back-and-forth between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. The song, produced by Mustard, is a West Coast anthem wrapped in a diss track. In it, Kendrick seemingly calls Drake out over disturbing allegations, including rumors of predatory behavior. But despite its origins in rap beef, " Not Like Us" quickly transcended the feud. Photo by FeatureFlash/ Jean Nelson / Deposit Photos Why Has " Not Like Us " Become a Cultural Anthem? What began as a diss track quickly evolved into a celebration of Black culture, unity, and resilience—especially within the West Coast community. Its infectious beat, danceable rhythm, and chant-like hook made it an instant hit, turning it into more than just a callout but a symbol of collective pride and expression. From Juneteenth celebrations to family cookouts, " Not Like Us" became a staple at Black gatherings, embraced for its energy and communal feel. Much like how gospel has historical ties to blues and jazz, the song resonated emotionally, creating a shared experience that naturally crossed into different spaces—including churches. However, its presence in worship settings has sparked debate, as not everyone agrees that a song born out of rap beef belongs in the house of the Lord. Why Churches Are Playing Not Like Us Engaging a Younger Generation Some churches argue that incorporating " Not Like Us" helps engage a younger generation by using culturally relevant references to make biblical messages more relatable. Meeting people where they are, they believe, opens the door to deeper understanding and connection. RELATED : Youth Pastor Brings Prayer Back to Local Schools A prime example of this is Pastor Mike Todd of Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In his sermon "A Distraction Named David," he remixed " Not Like Us" while drawing a parallel between Saul vs. David and Drake vs. Kendrick. He used the song to illustrate biblical themes in a way that resonated with his audience on the topic of comparison and resentment. A Modern Evangelism Strategy? Some argue that the church has always adapted to cultural trends to stay relevant and effectively engage people. They believe using elements from pop culture—like "Not Like Us" —can create familiarity and openness, making it easier to connect with younger generations or people who are newer to the faith. By using symbolism from pop culture concepts they already understand to explain biblical concepts, understanding can be shared across broader communities. However, others push back, insisting that God’s truth is already alive and powerful, needing no help from worldly influence to reach hearts. The Controversy: Should Secular Music Be Played in Church? The Sacred vs. the Secular Debate Northside Agape Ministries in Vero Beach led a sermon titled "They Not Like Us," drawing from Romans 12:1-2 , which emphasizes not conforming to the way of the world. Their message reinforced the idea that as Christians, believers should remember that the people of the world are not like us—set apart by faith and a renewed mind. However, some argue that using a secular reference to convey this message contradicts the very scripture being preached. Does incorporating a song rooted in rap beef weaken the distinction between faith and culture, or does it serve as a relevant bridge to communicate biblical truths? Where Should the Line Be Drawn? Critics of blending secular music with worship argue that it’s “playing in God’s face,” diluting the sacred by incorporating elements born from a different spirit. While most churches aren’t playing "Not Like Us" in its entirety—often using just the melody, chorus, or a remixed version— it's up for interpretation whether or not the original lyrics contain themes that are contrary to Christian values. So, where do we make the distinction? How can the church connect with culture without promoting comfort in being lukewarm? Scripture, like John 17:16, reminds believers that they are called to be in the world but not of the world—a tension that challenges churches to balance cultural relevance with spiritual conviction. Photo by Moffly / Deposit Photos Final Thoughts: Should " Not Like Us"  Be Played in Church? Beyond the debate, this raises a deeper question: Are we prioritizing culture over kingdom? As Black people, our shared experiences, music, and traditions are significant, but as believers, our first identity is as children of God. While "Not Like Us" may symbolize Black unity and pride, our true identity is found in Christ. Some see the song’s presence in church as a tool for connection, a way to make biblical truths more accessible to younger generations. Others argue that incorporating secular music—especially one rooted in conflict—compromises the sacredness of worship. Is this an example of meeting people where they are, or does it blur the distinction between the sacred and the secular? As the conversation continues, the challenge remains: How do we engage with culture without letting it define us? What do y'all think, Saints?

During the 39th Annual Stellar Awards, we asked Gospel Singer Tamela Mann about her thoughts on Memphis Rapper, Glorilla's performance of her song 'Take Me To The King'. Photo by ImagePress Agency Glorilla sang the song several times while on the Hot Girl Summer Tour with Meg The Stallion. It went viral because of the contrast between the message of the gospel song, and Glo's usually provocative lyrics. RELATED: Tamela Mann's Amazing Wins at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards Opinions on the performance were divided. Some people believe that the performance was inappropriate, while others think it was great that Glorilla used her platform to share a song about God. When asked about her response to the performance, Mrs. Mann gave such a gracious and loving answer! Saints, do you think the two artists will link up? Watch the full video below: RELATED : Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ in Church? Christian Social Media Users Debate Its Use

Praise dance is a cultural touchstone designed to glorify God through movement. Also known as Liturgical Dance, which means public worship, it's a powerful art form that plays a significant role in churches worldwide. What is Praise Dance? Not to be confused with "shouting" or the spontaneous dance done by an individual who feels the presence of God during a praise break, a Liturgical dance is usually choreographed and rehearsed extensively before being performed during a church service or event. It can be performed by just one person or a larger group of dancers. There are many instances of praise dancing in the Bible. For example, in the Old Testament, Miriam, the sister of Moses, led the Israelites in a dance to celebrate crossing the Red Sea. King David danced with all his might after feeling the Spirit of God. Psalm 149:3 instructs us to "Praise His name with the dance..." The elements of modern praise dance have ancient roots that can be traced back to West African religious dances. It became widely popular in the Black Church during the 1970s, but there is evidence that dancing as a form of worship was popular in the Christian church as early as the 9th century. Praise dance can incorporate components of ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance. It can even be done with flags or ribbons. The most significant aspect of liturgical dance is the motivation behind the movements. It's intended not solely for entertainment but to set the atmosphere of a church service or event. Its primary function is to celebrate, minister, and communicate the greatness of God to onlookers. The Acceptance of Praise Dance in the Church Praise dance is most commonly practiced in Pentecostal, charismatic, and non-denominational Christian churches. Many Catholic, Lutheran, and Conservative Baptist churches actively discourage or want to ban praise dancing due to concerns about its association with paganism or inappropriate physical expression in worship. The role praise dance has in the church is significant. Dance is a powerful art form that allows dancers to express their faith and creativity. Some believe that praise dance can be a powerful tool for spiritual renewal, leading to a deeper, more personal connection with God. Drop a 💃🏾 in the comments if you look forward to seeing a praise dance in church!

Master motivator and Stellar-Award winning Gospel artist Pastor Mike Jr. gave a "must-see" interview on the Tamron Hall Show. Courtesy of CR8 Agency On Friday ( March 7), Pastor Mike joined Tamron Hall to discuss his #1 single 'Amen'. During his appearance, Phe mentioned his battle with anxiety and what the Holy Spirit taught him about thriving- not just surviving. Pastor Mike is known for incorporating social media trends and pop culture references into his sermons to make them more relatable and applicable to modern life. He and the talk show host were jubilant and positive as they talked about his accomplishments and bonded over a viral TikTok dance. Tamron Hall even compared their friendship to a brother-sister relationship. She had a great time learning the dance but jokingly told the minister, "Just don't do that in the church!" Courtesy of CR8 Agency During his segment, a tearful Pastor Mike reflected on his journey. When he founded 'Rock City Church' in Birmingham, Alabama, they had to max out credit cards to pay musicians. He didn't have much money, but he had the Favor of the Lord. He's grateful to know that despite life's challenges, his parents approve of him, and his children respect and admire him. He has the overwhelming support of the Christian community and, most importantly, the presence of God. Courtesy of CR8 Agency Pastor Mike left his message with viewers: People of faith still experience difficulties, but if you're going to thrive, you must stay close to Jesus even on the bad days. The episode is available on the Tamron Hall Show's YouTube page. Watch the performance below:

It's no profit to gain the world but lose your soul. Angela White explains why she chose to turn to God. Photo by ImagePress Agency / Deposit Photos She recently shared a glimpse of her testimony on social media while celebrating over 2 years of being sober. Formerly known as Blac Chyna, the model and television personality has attributed her transformation to her growing relationship with Jesus Christ. In a candid Instagram post, she writes, "I wasn't happy... I wasn't at peace...until I found Jesus." Angela made a drastic lifestyle change by quitting her OnlyFans career. While creating explicit photos online was lucrative, the model faced lawsuits and numerous expenses, which had her throwing away as much money as she made. On an episode of "Safe to Say", a podcast hosted by Heather Sanders, Angela explains that although she earned up to $450,000 a month, the enemy still had a hold on her life. She needed the money and was making millions, but had to stop because she felt she was moving backward. Angela White's Baptism & Bible College Degree Angela decided to get baptized on her 34th birthday in 2022. After taking that step, she realized she couldn't continue creating explicit content. She told Daily Mail,  “With me being baptized, that's just not what God will want me to do. It's kind of degrading... Now I'm just going by faith. I'm not even really going by like the Blac Chyna way or the Angela way. Let me just let God lead me." Letting God lead her has done her well! Since her initial transformation, she's earned a doctorate from Sacramento Theological Seminary and Bible College , and in March of 2025, she celebrated 900 days or 2.46 years of being sober. RELATED: Denzel Washington Gets Baptized & Becomes a Licensed Minister in Training Angela shares that when battling addiction, trusting in God will bring salvation. She writes, "Every day we're faced with a decision...but we opt to exist in a world of deception that will never transform unless you transform."

Sing Kelly! They were a group for a season, but they're sisters forever. Former Destiny's Child members Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland shared a clip on social media singing the classic song 'God's Got It' by Reverend Milton Brunson. Michelle wrote in her Instagram caption that the clip was recorded on the way to Kelly's birthday party. She stated that Kelly "chose to have a moment of praise". Now, listeners want more Gospel music from the duo. But we can't forget the hits that Kelly has already given us. Photo by ImagePressAgency / Deposit Photos RELATED : Michelle Williams Says Her First Kiss & First Fight Were in Church Kelly has contributed to many incredible Christian songs over the years, and social media users affectionately nicknamed her Kelly "Mississippi Mass Choir" Rowland because her voice sounds like a whole choir when she belts. Kelly Rowland, Beyonce, & Michelle Williams Sing Gospel Acapella Here are 6 Christian Songs Sung by Kelly Rowland: Outro / Amazing Grace (1999) Destiny's Child chose to end their Sophomore album "The Writing's on the Wall" with a modern take on the traditional hymn Amazing Grace. It included all the dynamic components of Gospel music, including call-and-response, complex rhythms, and rich harmonies. The song was dedicated to the late Andretta Tillman , one of the group's initial managers. Outro (Amazing Grace) - Destiny's Child Good to Me (2000) It's no secret that the legendary duo Mary Mary grew up in a large family and suffered from financial hardship. Long-time fans were introduced to their testimony through the lyrics of the 10th track of their self-titled debut album. "Good to Me" ft. Destiny's Child is an upbeat tune with a positive message of thanksgiving. Kelly's sweet yet powerful vocals grace the second verse and were a gift to all the church kids who loved the pop group but weren't allowed to listen to secular music. Finally, we could bump a Destiny's Child track without getting into trouble with our parents for breaking the rules. Gospel Medley (2001) For their third album, the group returned with their first Gospel medley- an arrangement they later performed together countless times throughout their career. The medley included original lyrics written by Beyonce Knowles, paired with covers of the melody of Kirk Franklins "Now Behold the Lamb" and the outro of "Center of My Joy" by Richard Smallwood. The popular medley was also included on Michelle William's premiere solo album "Heart to Yours" in 2002. I Know (2003) This soulful track from Destiny's Child was initially featured on the Fighting Temptations soundtrack. However, staying true to tradition, Michelle Williams included the inspirational tune from the trio on her sophomore album "Do You Know," released in 2004. The song "I Know" incorporates storytelling over melodic guitar strumming and rhythmic drums. On the second verse, Kelly boldly proclaims, "You better be ready when He comes", and encourages listeners to hold onto God through the trials of life with her heartfelt ad-libs and intricate harmonies. You Will Win (2007) Kelly proved she could carry a Christian song on her own with this solo emotional ballad. Featured on the Spiriting Rising album, "You Will Win" is an encouraging yet highly underrated song. Say Yes (2014) After years of longing for a reunion, Destiny's Child fans were elated to see Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams reunite for another Gospel single. "Say Yes" was featured on Michelle Williams' album "Journey to Freedom". But it didn't stop there--for the Stellar's Award 30th Anniversay, the former group took the stage and gave a memorable performance at the Stellar Awards 30th anniversary . It's been over a decade since the release of a Christian song sung by Kelly Rowland and her former groupmates. What do you think? Would you love to hear another Gospel collaboration from the children of destiny?

Erica Campbell touched hearts and glorified God with her performance at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors. The ceremony was held on Friday, February 21, 2005, at Novo in Los Angeles . Photo by Sipa USA / Alamy She gave an anointed performance of the classic Gospel song, 'Thank You', written by the late Walter Hawkins. Erica's heartfelt delivery of the timeless lyrics was a powerful reminder that God's provision and grace are everlasting despite the world's limited resources. RELATED: Tamela Mann's Amazing Wins at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards Check out the full performance below: The NAACP Image Awards Creative Honors was a night to remember. See the list of winners for the untelevised event here . RELATED: TRIBL Records Celebrates Four NAACP Image Award Nominations

Author and Psalmist Pastor Latoya Brewington ( @lbdministries ) sang the saints happy at the 66th International Bible Way Holy Convocation . The conference was held in Atlanta Georgia and the theme was "Adjust to Advance". You can watch the full service here: E20 Seaso Pastor LaToya Brewington's E320 Season After preaching the sermon, a praise break broke out as Pastor Brewington encouraged listeners to celebrate the promises that God will fulfill. She calls it an E320 season. E320 is short for the bible verse in Ephesians 3:20 which states that God is " able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." This clip of her singing went viral. Many people stated that they simply could not stop listening to the song. Not only was it sung beautifully--it's super catchy too! Don't Play With Her Praise! Pastor Brewington's ministry stands for loaded, blessed, and dangerous. She's based in North Carolina but travels extensively to spread the Gospel of Christ. She believes that God is still performing miracles, signs, and wonders. She stated that the single E320 is coming soon. We'll definitely be on the lookout!

It’s no secret that Denzel Washington is a man of faith. Over the years, he has proudly shared details about his reverence for God and his upbringing as a Pastor’s kid in the church. He even said that he once considered becoming a preacher . Photo by ImagePressAgency RELATED: Denzel Washington Gets Baptized & Becomes a Licensed Minister in Training When he sang the classic hymn “I Know it Was the Blood” in a riveting scene from the 2023 film ‘The Equalizer 3’-- I just KNEW he had a praying grandmother . And I was right. A recent viral clip shows the actor reuniting with his childhood Sunday School Teacher, Mother Scott, for the first time in 65 years. When Mr. Washington shared how long it had been since he’d last seen Mother Scott it made social media users think, ”Wait, how old is Denzel Washington ... and how old is this church mother?” Because they both look AMAZING. Watch the full video here. The pair reunited during the 103rd Holy Convocation at Kelly Temple COGIC, located in New York City, NY. For those who don’t know, a church convocation is an annual meeting where congregations from different locations gather for spiritual enrichment. There’s singing, preaching, workshops, and activities. And let me tell you, the saints have a GOOD TIME. So it’s no surprise that tears were shed and love was spread during this church service. If you listen closely you can hear Mother Scott say, “Praise makes everything possible, Love gives you the strength to do it.” Amen Mother!  Isn’t this beautiful?

" You gotta keep moving...You deserve to win". Not only are these the lyrics to Tamela Mann's latest single, but they're also a reflection of her testimony. She was honored with NAACP Image Awards in two categories at today's (Feb 21) virtual ceremony. Photo by Lawrence Cooper/ Sipa USA The Gospel artist won Outstanding Gospel / Christian Album for Live Breathe Fight and Oustanding Gospel / Christian Song for her powerhouse single "Working for Me"--and it is indeed working for HER. The album was written from a place of heartache as she battled with family tension. She transformed her private struggles into inspiring songs and God has publicly rewarded her. After her debut live performance of "Working for Me" at the 2024 Stellar Awards, Tamela admits she was nervous to share the single with the world. It's a bit faster than the traditional ballads she usually records. But the world has welcomed the song with open arms. In response to winning in two categories, the singer expressed her gratitude for the support of her husband, David Mann, and their entire team of producers and writers. Nominations for these categories included works from chart-topping Christian artists like DOE, Yolanda Adams , Karen Clark-Sheard, and Maverick City Music. See the full list of winners from night two of the awards weekend here . RELATED: Tamela Mann Responds to Glorilla's Viral Performance of "Take Me to the King" RELATED: TRIBL Records Celebrates four NAACP Image Award Nominations The celebration will continue during the live airing of the 56th NAACP Image Awards on BET And CBS on Saturday, February 22nd, at 8 PM EST.

Have you ever had a church crush? Being single, and saved isn't always easy. There's a lot of pressure on unmarried saints to find or be found by "the one". And for some--this is easier said than done. What is a Church Crush? Simply put--a "church crush" can be anyone who attends the same church as you who you deem to be a potential romantic interest. Church crushes can be old, young, or anything in between. You might hope to pass by them during offering, catch up with them after Sunday service, or even see them at bible study during the week. Church crushes can end tragically when you find out the other person doesn't reciprocate your feelings. But some church crushes turn out to be a dream come true . For example, NBA Player Steph Curry and his wife Ayesha met at church and have built an amazing family and several businesses together. Photo by ImagePressAgency / DepositPhoto Interacting With Your Church Crush Christian content creator Elijah Seawright ( @thass.lijah ) did an amazing job capturing the experience many people have when navigating romantic relationships in church. The easiest way to interact with your "church crush" is usually to go out to eat after service. RELATED: Michelle Williams Says Her First Kiss & First Fight Were in Church We asked our Instagram followers if this method of "macking" is effective. Most women answered yes. However, some users feel like there aren't a lot of viable choices for dating in the church. Many women feel that there aren't enough men, or the men aren't as upfront or direct about their interest. On the other hand, men often have difficulty finding a member of the congregation who aligns with their physical preference or possesses the character traits they desire in a wife. So, this begs the question--is the church congregation still a good place for people to meet their spouses? According to Nashville, TN influencer @itsdchanel , it can be. But there are certain qualifications you have to look for. Many churchgoers meet the love of their lives at church convocations. Her dad thinks this is the route she should take: Our Instagram followers were torn. Would be better for D.Chanel's daddy to bring her home a church crush or should she try to find love on her own? The rules for dating in the church can vary across denominations and assemblies. Some people believe the pastor and the church should provide guidelines and opportunities for matchmaking. Others suggest leaving it up to each individual. Give Your Church Crush To God Regardless of differing opinions, one thing is certain. If you're single but want to get married, you should put God first and pray about anyone you may be interested in. Feelings lie and sometimes people do too! But God will never steer you wrong. Would you date somebody you met at church? Let us know in the comments!

The 67th GRAMMY Awards held Sunday (February 2), honored outstanding performers in various categories across several genres. CeCe Winans, DOE, and Jonathan McReynolds were among the GRAMMY 2025 winners in Christian and Gospel music. This year’s honorees include the following: GRAMMY 2025 Winners in Christian & Gospel Music Best Gospel Album Released in September of 2024, CeCe Winans' 13-song album More Than This is a heartfelt body of work, full of uplifting praise and adoration. Best Gospel Performance/Song TRIBL Records won the best gospel performance/song award for their song "One Hallelujah" featuring Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Jonathan McReynolds, Erica Campbell, and Israel Houghton. Courtesy of Cr8 Agency RELATED : TRIBL Records Celebrates four NAACP Image Award Nominations Among the nominations for this category were "Church Doors" by Yolanda Adams, "Yesterday" by Melvin Crispell III, and "Hold On (Live)" by Ricky Dillard. Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song CeCe Winans brought home another award for her song “That’s My King”, bringing the total number of her GRAMMY wins to 17. Best Roots Gospel Album This category honors T raditional/Roots Gospel, Country, Southern gospel, Bluegrass, and Americana recordings . Cory Henry won for his first Gospel album “Church.” The artist left the group Snarky Puppy in 2018 and has released 4 solo albums since. Best Contemporary Christian Music Album DOE earned her first Grammy Award for her sophomore album “Heart of A Human”. The album contains 10 songs, including "Holy Hands" which was also nominated for Best Gospel Performance/Song. Writing credits on the album include renowned artist Jonathan McReynolds, and masterful songwriter Juan Winans-- the son of Carvin Winans from the legendary group 'The Winans'. RELATED : Whitney Houston Song Written By Carvin Winans Released After 30 Years Courtesy of Cr8 Agency GRAMMY Gospel History The first Gospel music artist to win a GRAMMY was New Orleans native Mahalia Jackson. Her record "Every Time I Feel the Spirit" won Best Gospel or Religious Recording in 1961 , and she was later inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Over 60 years later, the legacy continues with the 2025 GRAMMY Winners. Congratulations to all the honorees who were celebrated for creating excellent music that uplifts the name of Jesus Christ. #Saints, did you tune in to watch the GRAMMYs this year?