The rapper, poet and preacher’s third album Blameless demonstrates how Christian artists can stay authentic to their cultural heritage while glorifying God. It’s a message that’s particularly relevant during Black History Month, says Maxine Harrison
Jackie Hill Perry recently released her third album, Blameless. A woman of many talents, Hill Perry is known for her preaching, poetry and rapping gifts - all of which she utilises with meticulous care to communicate God’s truth.
Born and raised in Saint Louis, Missouri, Hill Perry is incredibly knowledgeable about God’s word, and passionate about teaching others to know it for themselves, too. The 36-year-old mother of four, who was a lesbian before she found Jesus, is also unapologetic about the African-American culture that she comes from. From her long, ombre locs to her unique fashion sense, Hill Perry stands bold in all that she believes God has called her to be - and that includes her culture.
In a recent interview on YouTube, she talked about the temptation to try to be someone she is not. It left her feeling like she “didn’t have power”, she told King Cyz. She concluded: “I’m [going to] be Jackie with whatever I do. If that’s a book I’m [going to] be Jackie. If that’s a podcast I’m [going to] be Jackie. If it’s a song I’m [going to] be Jackie - because it’s easier to be me than it is to be anybody else”.
Be yourself
As we celebrate Black History Month, this is particularly noteworthy in the context of the Western church. Often, there can be a pressure to assimilate into a predominately white church culture. For those from the global majority, this can feel like abandoning the culture they were raised in - or feeling like it is subordinate somehow.
However, the Bible shows us that God celebrates diversity. He intentionally made us different with the promise of ”every nation, tribe, people and language” being saved on the day of redemption (Revelation 7:9).
She is passionate about expressing her worship to God in a way that is authentic to the culture she was raised in
In a recent Instagram video, Hill Perry spoke about the lyrics and themes contained in the new album. She was aiming to produce an honest reflection on her own pride - but also the prejudice she sometimes experiences from others. The chorus of one track goes: “This is pride and prejudice / Maybe I’m just relevant / Maybe I’m just arrogant / Maybe y’all need a therapist”.
Blameless is also packed with theological themes, with references to the prophet Elijah, as well as touching on current struggles faced by Christians today, including false prophets.
Current culture
One of my favourite songs on the album is ‘Menorah’. Creatively crafted, Hill-Perry explains that the song was written as a dialogue between God, speaking to a Church who have lost their burning love for him, and the Church responding humbly, in repentance, drawing closer to God as they do so.
Sonically, the album is influenced by Memphis rap, a southern hip-hop subgenre from Tennessee that originated in the secular space. However, Hill-Perry has brought it to the Christian space and used it to glorify God. She speaks about collaborating with producer Ace, referencing the styles of secular artists such as Mary J Blige, Method Man and Lil Wayne, but complementing these with edifying lyrics.The choice highlights how passionate she is about expressing her worship to God in a way that is authentic to the culture she was raised in.
Hill Perry stands bold in all that she believes God has called her to be
As a Black, Christian woman of Jamaican and Nigerian descent, I see Jackie Hill Perry as an important example of someone who is both biblically literate and stands firm in their own heritage. She is proof that culture and faith do not have to be mutually exclusive concepts. Her latest album proves that Christian creative work can also be deeply relevant.
Her husband, Preston Perry, has a quote that speaks to this perfectly: “God didn’t save me from my culture. He saved me for my culture, to reach my culture”. So, embracing the culture you’re from is necessary in order to effectively evangelise to that culture. Jackie Hill Perry does that so well
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