[129] Beats, peacemaking and authenticity with lenny duncan

Compass Podcast: Finding the spirituality in the day-to-day

Lenny duncan takes us through a spiritual journey in hip-hop on Compass. Engage in conversations about systemic change and personal faith.

If you want to hear some cultural commentary from a spiritual perspective, if you want to explore how hip-hop music speaks to both our human experience and our longing for spiritual connection, and if you want to learn a bit about the church of the future, stay tuned for this conversation with lenny.

Lenny is a writer, speaker, scholar, and media producer working at the forefront of racial justice in America. lenny is the author of Psalms of My People, Dear Church, and Dear Revolutionaries, and co-creator of the podcast BlackBerryJams with PRX. A PhD student in Historical and Cultural Studies of Religion. lenny is originally from West Philadelphia, has hitchhiked thousands of miles on American byways, and makes home up and down the I-5 to see found family, and in the E bay for research.

In this episode:
(00:00) “Book explores hip hop’s spiritual authenticity.”
(06:25) Amid conflict, empathize with those you oppose.
(12:20) Jimmy Hendrix, hip hop, music, family, church.
(13:08) Early exposure to Nation of Islam, gang culture.
(17:52) Early hip hop parties provided community for kids.
(21:09) Understanding hip-hop as a nerdy experience.
(27:30) The struggle of artists in hustle culture.
(30:40) Reflection on societal gaze and impact on art.
(33:31) Considering the legacy of humanity through music.
(37:55) Women and queer artists leading innovative hip-hop.
(40:50) Interpretation of Jesus creates ontological problem.
(43:20) Share songs for spiritual playlist in community.

Compass is hosted by Rev. Ryan Dunn and is a production of United Methodist Communications.

For episode notes and more episodes: www.umc.org/compass