Rapper Lecrae Breaks the Mold of What It Means to be a Christian Artist

Lecrae, who describes himself as a rapper who is a Christian, breaks the mold of what is traditionally viewed as a "Christian artist." Last month, his seventh album, Anomaly, became the first title to top the Billboard 200 and Gospel Albums charts in the same week. He believes this success could help bring him closer to being embraced by both gospel and mainstream music. Lecrae realizes that he cannot be boxed musically.
"I didn't really fit in either world," said Lecrae, 34, who's been endorsed by both Kirk Franklin and Busta Rhymes. "But it's telling to the gospel industry that there are people who crave a sound that is not traditional. To the mainstream industry, there's a voice of faith from all walks of life."
He wants to provide thought-provoking messages of life in songs without sounding like a Bible-thumping preacher. "That's all they know of me, so I have to reeducate with my presence," Lecrae said. "Most of my interviews are comprised of do you drink? Do you smoke? Do you cuss? It's going to be a process for me to continue to be in people's faces and educating them on what my distinction is."
Lecrae doesn't smoke and tries to refrain from using profanities. He sometimes drinks alcohol, but not a lot. His arms are covered with tattoos. He normally wears his hats tilted to the side. And he often wears slightly sagging pants. He knew that he was viewed as too gritty in the gospel world, and he had to overcome the perception that his curse-free rhymes are too clean in hip-hop culture.
Lecrae calls himself a "family oriented" man who attends a weekly men's Bible-study meeting. He's married and has three children, and makes sure he's home twice a week while on tour.
Tags : Lecrae lecrae news lecrae anomaly lecrae new album lecrae 2014
Hot Trends
-
Dru Hammer Tells Her Story of Heartache and Faith via Her Debut Memoir "Hammered"
-
Tommy Saint On How His New Album Will Help the Broken Live "The Life"
-
Sandee Jo Crocker Offers a Heart-Rendering Interview About How to Find Help in an Abusive Relationship
-
Joy Williams Reveals the Real Reason Behind Civil War's Breakup
-
Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans Announce Christmas Together Tour
-
UK-Based Christian Artist Yemi Alafifuni Releases "YHWH" EP
-
Brooke Ligertwood Reveals Her Motherly Heart with "I Belong to Jesus (Dylan's Song)"
-
Bethel Music’s John Wilds Releases New EP “I Want Jesus (Live)”
-
Phil Wickham Releases 6 Versions of "What An Awesome God"
-
American Idol's Fantasia Begins 2016 in Church Singing the Lord's Praises
-
Miriam Webster on Working with Hillsong Worship, Darlene Zschech & Her Own Music
-
Ryan Larkins Drops Surprise Project, "The Gospel Takes"
-
Carrie Underwood Worships with "How Great Thou Art" at American Idol
-
Here Are Lyrics to TAYA'S "Come Into The Light"
-
UPPERROOM Testifies to their Journey with "1350 (Live)"
Most Popular
-
Dru Hammer Tells Her Story of Heartache and Faith via Her Debut Memoir "Hammered"
-
Tommy Saint On How His New Album Will Help the Broken Live "The Life"
-
Sandee Jo Crocker Offers a Heart-Rendering Interview About How to Find Help in an Abusive Relationship
-
Joy Williams Reveals the Real Reason Behind Civil War's Breakup
-
Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans Announce Christmas Together Tour
-
UK-Based Christian Artist Yemi Alafifuni Releases "YHWH" EP
-
Brooke Ligertwood Reveals Her Motherly Heart with "I Belong to Jesus (Dylan's Song)"
-
Bethel Music’s John Wilds Releases New EP “I Want Jesus (Live)”
-
Phil Wickham Releases 6 Versions of "What An Awesome God"
-
American Idol's Fantasia Begins 2016 in Church Singing the Lord's Praises
-
Miriam Webster on Working with Hillsong Worship, Darlene Zschech & Her Own Music
-
Ryan Larkins Drops Surprise Project, "The Gospel Takes"
-
Carrie Underwood Worships with "How Great Thou Art" at American Idol
-
Here Are Lyrics to TAYA'S "Come Into The Light"
-
UPPERROOM Testifies to their Journey with "1350 (Live)"