Hip-Hop And The BibleSample

“The Bible Serves As Primary Basis For Trip Lee’s Music”

Warren Lee Barefield III was just 16 years old when he caught the attention of rising hip-hop star, Lecrae. Half a dozen studio albums later under the moniker Trip Lee, the rapper, pastor, and author has consistently used the Bible as an inspiration for his lyrical content.

Take for instance Trip Lee’s song “One Sixteen,” which pays tribute to his close friends and label mates at Reach Records (including Lecrae, Andy Mineo, KB, Tedashii, and Gawvi) known as 116 Clique—a nickname derived from Romans 1:16.

“We do hip-hop and we want to do it in a way that honors God,” Trip Lee told Beliefnet when talking about 116 Clique. “…But we’re also good friends. We have a genuine love for each other. I would hate to be on the road with folks that I didn’t enjoy and I didn’t like. That just hasn’t been an issue for me. These guys all love the Lord and we’re trying to help each other follow Jesus. I’m grateful to have them with me on the road.”

In fact, according to the Stellar Award winning and Grammy nominated rapper, his entire fourth album The Good Life was intended to explore an overall theme through biblical teachings. 

“There are so many lies out there about what the good life is whether that’s making as much money as you can or just being the best you can be,” Trip Lee told Beliefnet. “I just wanted to challenge those lies and look at what God says the good life is in His Word.”

The Bible continued to be a source of inspiration on his fifth album Rise including a reference to John 5:28-29 on the title track. On another track, “Sweet Victory,” Trip Lee shares the microphone with guest vocalist Leah Smith on a chorus that invokes the crucifixion of Christ as described in Matthew 27:27-56:

The crown of thorn

Declares your King

A scarlet robe can't cloak Your majesty

They nailed Your hands

You mailed our death

From the cross You reigned

Your Kingdom knows no end

Oh, Jesus

You won it all

Oh, Jesus

Victorious

In an interview with the Christian Post, Trip Lee explained why the Bible is so important in everything he says and does as an artist and communicator.

“I want all of it to be centered on what God has already said in (the Bible),” he said. “I’m not wise enough to change anybody’s life, but God’s Word is powerful enough.”