I recall how Rev. Lin recently encouraged (bringing them to see hip-hop concert)/discouraged (showing them some negativity in Christian hip-hop) the Youth on hip-hop artists, I actually do not know of her the intention, especially when she once rejected the CD I once offered on the very brotherly debate between MacArthur/Sproul on infant baptism, saying that it's too confusing for the church. Frankly I don't even know where she stand on this matter as well. I thought only people like Alex is good at this game of ambiguity. Well, at least Rev. Lin stays in the same church, unlike some, who stirred up some trouble here and there and disappeared...the "hit and run" principle.
Here is probably a much better take on Hip-Hop, by someone like Alex, academically, Nathaniel Gray Sutanto, of Indonesia, interviewing Timothy Brindle, christian rapper, reformed, like Shai Linne.
I will be watching this, probably on the subway. Hence, entered under "Projects" category. Reformed Hip-Hop that dissed the likes of Joel Osteen, etc.
On the side note, Alex and Nathaniel both are against Stephen Tong, though their reasons maybe different. I suspect Nathaniel's reason probably has to do with the charismatics. Was he well connected with the charismatics? I do not know, just my suspicion. I would pay for first class seating and a cup of popcorn, if I could see Alex and Nathaniel debate on this (even if it's indirectly)...which is unlikely given how they work, and that they are best pals. Somewhere in there, there is this theology some people, even the very strict reformers, would uphold: I will not criticize you if you are my best pal. That's probably the only practical theology they are doing.
Personally, I can agree that hip-hop is an art, and can be a good art, though rare as it is, but it is not hubris to reject hip-hop from church worship. It has no place in communion with God.