The Ultimate American Success Theme Song...

I heard this song on the radio the other day. Its called "I Made It" by Kevin Rudolf. I looked it up on YouTube and found the music video (yes, they still make those). Its actually a really good video. Really creative. It features Birdman (from CashMoney), Jay Sean (made famous by his song "Down" and can actually sing), and Lil'Wayne (if you haven't heard of him, well, not sure what to say... anyway, I'm not a fan). I've liked several of Kevin Rudolf's songs in the past. "Let It Rock" was solid and "Welcome To The World" was really good as well. He blends hip-hop and rock as well as anyone. He's kind of the secular version of TobyMac (I never thought I'd say that about anyone).

Anyway, so I heard this song. Good song. Its kind of like a Rocky Balboa-type song of the music world. "Me against the world!" All of the guys in the video came from nothing. I know Rudolf's story and Lil'Wayne's. They came from the streets. Now they have hit records, money, women, jewelry, money, cars, new baseball hats, millions (literally) of fans/followers, and money. They have, as they say, "made it." And by all accounts in our society they really have made it.

(Don't be afraid, if you click play it won't bite...)

Some thoughts about this song:

1. Their self-confidence is astronomical.

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" Proverbs 16:18

(Lil' Wayne is currently serving a one year jail sentence on weapons charges and Birdman has been arrested several times)

2. They think that they are at the pinnacle.

"For all that is in the world - the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." 1 John 2:16-18

3. They think what they achieved has come from themselves.

"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom here is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:16-17

"...what is man that you are mindful of him..." Psalm 8:4

I think this song is a great summation of pop culture and its goals. It also is a song that shows the definition of success for this generation. Be aware (not "beware" as in "go and hide" in your Christian Ghetto). Be Aware! Go and confront not go and hide! This generation needs the life changing power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They need to know what it means to "make it."