Jesus Walks: When Rappers Liken Themselves to Christ

Artists depicted as the Lord and Savior.

Tupac - Tupac's The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory had the rapper on a cross conveying his persecution by the media and the drawing was meant to draw light to his artistic resurrection. The cover was painted by Death Row artist Ronald "Riskie" Brent. Showing no malice, a warning was also placed underneath the artwork. "In no way is this portrait an expression of disrespect for Jesus Christ. – Makaveli"(Photo: Death Row Records)
Andre Nickatina  - Bay area rap legend Andre Nickatina formerly recorded under the name Dre Dog and released his debut, The New Jim Jones, in 1993. The tape cover featured the Fillmore MC on a cross with his arms extended and covered in blood. (Photo: In-A-Minute Records)
Nas - Nas and Diddy reenacted Jesus’s march to his demise in the 1999 Hype Williams-directed video "Hate Me Now" and were crucified at the end of the clip. After the video was shot, Puff had reservations about being portrayed as the Holy Son and had his images as Christ removed, but not before a one-time showing of the unedited version on MTV.The artwork for his 2004 double album, Street’s Disciple, also featured different shots of the Queens MC at "The Last Supper" table.(Photos: Columbia Records)
Clipse - The Clipse may have been spitting about their time in the streets with cuts like "Grindin'" on their 2002 debut, Lord Willin’, but that doesn't mean they didn't bow down to a higher being. A Black Jesus is seen riding in the back seat watching over Pusha T and Malice despite their sinning ways. (Photo: Star Trak Records)Cormega - Cormega recently dropped his new single, "Industry," from his upcoming album, Mega Philosophy, dropping July 22, and used a picture of "The Last Supper" for the artwork. Switching it up, Mega honored some of hip hop's fallen soldiers with an image drawn by Ibrahim Sincere of Gang Starr's Guru, Eazy-E, Big L, Heavy D, Ol' Dirty Bastard, The Notorious B.I.G., Big Pun, Jam Master Jay, Pimp C and Scott La Rock seated around Tupac, who's centered at the head of the table as Jesus Christ. (Photo: Slimstyle Records)

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Andre Nickatina  - Bay area rap legend Andre Nickatina formerly recorded under the name Dre Dog and released his debut, The New Jim Jones, in 1993. The tape cover featured the Fillmore MC on a cross with his arms extended and covered in blood. (Photo: In-A-Minute Records)

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