Since its inception, hip-hop has evolved into a multi-trillion-dollar industry, shaping music, fashion, and social movements across the globe. More than just a genre, it is a cultural powerhouse that has influenced politics, identity, and storytelling on an unprecedented scale. National Geographic hails hip-hop as ""the world's favourite youth culture,"" noting that ""just about every country on the planet seems to have developed its own local rap scene."" Hip-hop isn’t just a global phenomenon—it’s a mission field. Like any other cross-cultural movement, it demands respect, understanding, and intentional engagement. This is where the mission starts. Now how do we begin?

Recommendation from ELF Director Greg Pritchard
Hip-hop is profoundly shaping global youth culture. Efrem Buckle is a key gospel leader in the UK whose lifelong passion has been engaging hip-hop culture with the Gospel message. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore how the gospel speaks into one of today's most influential cultural movements.

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Efrem Buckle, as Deputy CEO and Director of Training and Mentoring at London City Mission, draws on thirty years' experience in urban ministry including twenty years as church-planting pastor of ecclēsia (South London). In the early-90s he formed part of a missional music duo, Ministry of Defence (M.O.D.), who were focused on reaching London’s hip-hop influenced community and subculture. Despite viewing music purely as a missional tool, M.O.D. were the first Christian rap artists to be signed to a US record label (Cross Movement Records). Those early years of prison, schools and street ministry resulted in outreaches such as ‘The God Corner’ (reaching over 1 million Notting Hill Carnival goers), artistic directors for Soul in the City - an outreach at Brixton Academy - and an arts-based missional curriculum in local schools. Efrem was born and raised in South London, has two daughters, a granddaughter and has been married for 30+ years. He enjoys swimming, technology and creating digital arts.

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