Ruslan KD Podcast Jon Keith: The Problem in this Christian Industry...
Jan 4, 2026
In this conversation with Jon Keith, a Christian hip-hop artist and founder of the Holy Smoke festival, they explore the intersection of faith, culture, and mental health. Jon discusses the potential for redemption in Christian rap, the competitiveness of the hip-hop scene, and the pressure of fashion trends on authenticity. They tackle the ideological divides within the Christian audience and reflect on the importance of treating others with compassion. Jon shares his journey into music and his candid struggles with mental health, emphasizing healing and community support.
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Genre Isn’t Inherently Evil
- Jon Keith rejects the idea that a music genre is inherently evil and emphasizes examining how people use it.
- He wants conversations, not quick condemnations, about redeeming cultural forms for Jesus.
Rap’s Competitive Culture Collides With Faith
- Rap has a sportlike competitiveness that normalizes trash-talking and self-promotion.
- Jon questions whether that combative posture fits Christian witness when there's no clear opponent.
Talk First, Diss Later
- Address real problems directly with the person involved before releasing public diss tracks.
- Do private confrontation first and use public songs only to address genuine, systemic issues.