Slim Thug, a controversial Houston-based rapper who has collaborated with multi-platinum artists such as Beyoncé and Pharrell, includes pastor Joel Osteen in his latest album Hogg Life Volume 2: Still Surviving.
The song, "Chuuch," credits the megachurch pastor as a featured artist, and begins with Osteen preaching about the company we keep.
"I want to talk to you today about the right people," says Osteen in the beginning of the song. "Who you spend your time with will have a great impact on what kind of life you live. There are people God has already ordained to come across our path to help us fulfill our destiny. People that inspire us, challenge us make us better."
The soundbite lasts for around a minute before Slim Thug begins rapping. Other parts of the sermon are sprinkled throughout the rest of the song.
Slim Thug rose to fame in the hip-hop world in 2005 with his debut album Already Platinum, which was produced by Pharrell's The Neptunes. The rapper also appeared on Beyonce's 2005 hit "Check on It," which was featured on Destiny's Child's greatest hits album #1s.
Rappers often sample speeches for their songs, sometimes controversially.
Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy used excerpts from a T.D. Jakes sermon for his song "Holy Ghost Remix" last year. Jakes did not approve the use without proper consent and took legal action against the song.
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