"Finally! A thorough resource that intelligently articulates what is too often misunderstood."

"As someone who grew up in hip-hop culture and as someone who pastors a church targeting it, I can say a book like this is long overdue. For years there has been a tension between the two due to a lack of understanding. This has been an additional factor in the drop in church attendance among emerging generations. Efrem and Phil do a thorough job of breaking down the history of hip-hop culture and the dynamics of urban churches. They paint an encouraging and realistic picture of how the church can engage the culture and stay true to its biblical foundation."

"The hip-hop culture has penetrated, infiltrated and influenced greatly the young American culture. Hip-hop is no longer an African American phenomenon but now has greatly impacted the White and Latino culture as well. It is extremely important for us as Christians to understand the art of hip-hop and how we can use this medium to reach young Americans with the good news of Jesus Christ. Phil Jackson and Efrem Smith's new book, The Hip-Hop Church, is the best resource I've seen in helping us bridge this gap. For anyone working with youth today, The Hip-Hop Church is a 'have to' read."

"Hip-hop is a culture that we must deal with both culturally and biblically. This book that Phil and Efrem wrote will help the evangelical community to understand it, minister through it and redeem it for the kingdom of God."

"Phil and Efrem have shaped a refreshing and insightful look into the world of hip-hop through the lens of the gospel. They are able to discuss hip-hop culture in a way that is theologically sound while also 'keeping it real.' This book is a must read for pastors, teachers, theologians, youth leaders or anyone else serious about ministry to this current generation."

"The black church and hip-hop are the two greatest repositories of our culture. . . . The time is right for the two to be joined. . . . The gospel ministries and work artfully described in this volume by Efrem Smith and Phil Jackson . . . are successful, exciting and real. In preaching, music, worship, counseling, social analysis and more these congregations offer vibrant insights that may transform the values, beliefs and traditions of hip-hop America--and enrich us all. What these two churches have done, other churches can do. . . . Here is to a new movement in black and multiracial America--the hip-hop church--keepin' it real and keepin' it right."

"This book is a well-written and concise guide by two men who are familiar with the mores and folkways of the hip-hop culture. It is an excellent tool that will enable the church to encounter and engage this culture as agents of transformation. It also challenges the church to reevaluate who it is and what it is to be about. If the church is to be the most powerful instrument in the public square, then it must imitate the carpenter from Galilee. We must go forth, not in judgment but in love as we dialogue with hip-hop culture. The church can make a difference, and it must. The difference will come when we realize agape is a panacea for our existential situation. Therefore, I highly recommend this book and its authors as chief resources to be read and utilized in claiming this territory yet unconquered."

"Phil is one of the most superbly gifted ministers I have ever met. Phil is able to reach youth because he understands where they live, how they think but most important how they navigate the perilous terrain of urban life. I know of no one who is more qualified to reach, teach and preach to youth and the often bewildered parents who don't have a clue about their children's world. Phil is 'the bomb': he's as explosive as a hand grenade and he packs a powerful punch for the cause of Christ."