In an innovative blend of faith and culture, Kevin Johnson, DMA, associate professor of music and director of the Spelman College Glee Club, made history recently with the premiere of his Hip-Hop Mass. Held at the Lyke House, a Catholic Newman Center in Atlanta serving Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Georgia State University, the Mass blends hip-hop, gospel, and Catholic liturgy into a transformative spiritual experience.
The cast and crew see the Mass as more than a musical performance, but rather as a bold cultural statement — challenging traditional notions of worship and creating a sacred space where contemporary Black artistry meets faith.
A longtime faculty member at Spelman, Dr. Johnson is known for pushing creative boundaries while honoring musical traditions. His Hip-Hop Mass seeks to engage younger worshippers — particularly Black youth — who may feel disconnected from conventional religious practices.
“Hip-hop is the language of the people,” Dr. Johnson asserts. “It carries the struggles, the prayers and the triumphs of an entire culture. It belongs in the church.”
Before its official premiere on Feb. 14, 2025, the Hip-Hop Mass was previewed at a historical event on Feb. 13 to a group of long time friends and supporters. Selections from the Mass were performed during an induction ceremony honoring the late Sargent and Eunice Kennedy Shriver for their contributions to human and civil rights and underscoring the intersection of faith, justice and culture.
The liturgy, which features 24 songs in the order of a Mass, urban and liturgical dance, and a depiction of the Eucharistic Prayer, celebrated Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Washington — the first African-American cardinal. The evening set the stage for the Mass’s debut and reinforced its themes of social justice, spirituality and artistic innovation.
"The Hip-Hop Mass is a groundbreaking fusion of faith and culture, bringing the timeless message of peace and unity to a new generation,” said Dr. Johnson. “Through the universal language of hip-hop, we affirm that God meets us where we are — same God, different beat.”
For Dr. Johnson, the Hip-Hop Mass is more than a professional milestone — it is deeply personal. His daughter, Ryanne Pigford, a classically trained vocalist, pianist and songwriter, served as both writer and worship leader for the Mass. A Spelman alumna with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a concentration in Opera Performance, Pigford infused the service with rich vocal and emotional depth, guiding the congregation through an immersive worship experience.
Dr. Johnson’s son, Kevin T. Johnson (pictured far left), played a pivotal role as a writer, producer and artist, shaping the Mass's sound by merging the rhythmic intensity of hip-hop with the sacred resonance of liturgical music. His contributions brought an authenticity and innovation that made the mass resonate across generations.
Spelman and Morehouse students invigorated the Hip-Hop Mass with their creative energy, performing rap verses, scripture readings, and musical arrangements that seamlessly integrated hip-hop into Catholic traditions. Among the students was Bianca Moore, C'2025, a Spelman senior majoring in theater and performance with a minor in writing. Her commanding stage presence and artistic depth helped bring the mass to life.
Many students shared that the experience was revelatory. “It was moving to see how hip-hop could be used in such a sacred way,” said one choir member. “It felt like we were reclaiming something that was always ours.”
“The Hip-Hop Mass is the renaissance of worship,” said Moore. “As a recently converted Catholic, it deepened my connection to God—His words became a part of me through this performance. I grew up loving theater but rarely found a production that resonated with me spiritually. This Mass bridges Christian youth and Catholic ministry, connecting generations through music," said Moore.
The Hip-Hop Mass challenges conventional views of hip-hop as a secular art form. In fact, Dr. Johnson’s work reveals hip-hop’s power as a vehicle for spiritual reflection, community engagement and worship. By presenting it as a legitimate medium for sacred expression, the Mass affirms the cultural identities of young Black worshippers within religious spaces.
At a time when organized religion often struggles to engage younger generations, innovative approaches like Dr. Johnson’s offer new pathways for spiritual connection. Both the organizers and the viewers agree on one thing: The Hip-Hop Mass is not just an event — it is a movement, a model for how faith communities can embrace contemporary cultural expressions without compromising theological depth or reverence. The production will continue to generate discussion and stand as a testament to the enduring ability of music to bridge generational, cultural and spiritual divides.
Experience the Hip Hop Mass For Yourself
Dr. Johnson earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from California State University, Los Angeles, and a doctoral degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music. He has taught music at high schools in Los Angeles and Kansas City, at California State University, Los Angeles, and is in his twenty fifth year teaching and conducting at Spelman College. He has worked as Director of Music at various churches for over forty years and serves as a music consultant for Catholic Archdiocese nation wide.
He is an active conductor/clinician for honor choruses throughout the United States, and is often invited to provide choral workshops and retreats for music educators and churches. He is a member of the American Society of Composers and Publishers as well as an active member of the American Choral Directors Association. He is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the College Music Society and has been the recipient of several musical honors and awards throughout the United States.