Erica Campbell Addresses ‘I Luh God’ Controversy: ‘God don't live in
a box. Why should I?’
Article By Sheryl Salter
Christian rap is definitely on the rise and GRAMMY® Award-winning gospel artist Erica Campbell has jumped on that
trend.
Her new single, “I Luh God,” is shaping up to be a massive hit, but everyone isn’t happy about the sound.
Still, Campbell, 42, believes the vibe, cadence and beat reaches those who relate to the culturally current track.
"Everyone doesn't speak properly. Everyone doesn't live in a well-maintained manicured neighborhood. People live in
rough neighborhoods and they speak how they speak,” she explained during a Tom Joyner Morning Show interview.
“I Luh God” is lifted from her newest release, Help 2.0, which soared to the #1 spot on Billboard Top Gospel Albums
chart. Also, the controversy-stirring single sits at #5 on the Hot Gospel Songs chart.
Like it or not, gospel fans have a major appetite for the urban musical dish Campbell is serving up in the song that is
ultimately about acknowledging the goodness and blessings of a God who is worthy of our love, service and adoration.
“No matter where you are, you have to acknowledge that you're blessed,” she said. “Everybody don't like it. Some
people are upset about it, but they'll be alright. God don't live in a box. Why should I?”
Some have compared the song to “trap music,” popularized by mainstream rappers promoting violence, drug-dealing,
materialism and all sorts of debauchery.
Though Campbell’s “I Luh God” undoubtedly borrows the sound, it revolutionizes the message—something those who
support her music say is most important.
Though the chorus of critical voices from within the Christian community are growing louder, Campbell is taking the
criticism in stride. After all, she is no stranger to controversy.
In 2013, when her now infamous tight white dress drew scathing reviews from Christians and non-Christians alike, she
remained bold and unapologetic in her stance.
“I think that young girls shouldn't only get sexy images from people who are not proclaiming Jesus. But I am. And I'm
cute too,” Campbell said in an Essence.com interview.
All in all, when it come to the feedback about her latest musical offering, the positive far outweighs the negative.
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