On April 3, Moody student Tyrone Andrew Thompson, Jr. performed at Moody’s first rap recital for a crowd of approximately 350 students. No stranger to rap and the hip-hop culture, Thompson has been rapping since junior high. Embrace, a Moody ministry focused on cultural awareness, held the recital to honor and showcase Thompson’s talent and ministry.

Several of Thompson’s friends joined him in the performance of nine original songs. Throughout the night, this array of rappers and singers was supported both by backtracks and a live band.  Thompson, hoping to see God encourage people through rap music, took the time to explain the lyrics to several of his songs, educating and edifying the audience with songs about reconciliation, redemption and hope. 

Originally from Jamaica, Thompson rapped both in English and Jamaican Patois, an English-African Creole language.  It was in Jamaica that Thompson first began rapping. However, it was not until he found Christ at age 15 that he began to use rap as a ministry.

A member of New Hope Bible Church, Thompson has performed at several youth nights, both at his home church and around Chicago. Recently, Thompson had the opportunity to rap at a “Helping the Hood” event at New Hope. Over 3000 youth attended this event and 30 came to know the Lord. Passionate about youth, Thompson hopes to continue using rap to reach young people.

Thompson views his songs as a way to preach and a platform to reach people. Conscious of the power of music, he embeds his lyrics with theology learned in his Bible classes. However, Thompson knows that his songs will never change people, noting that only the Spirit of God possesses such a power. Though he feels blessed to use rap as a ministry, Thompson is careful to point out his true purpose. “My hope is not in rapping,” Thompson says.  “Rap can fail me. Jesus never will.”

— Article by Daniel Harting, Freshman, Communications/Print Media major