Written by: Devin Burrow
Although it has been a few years since Lecrae withdrew from his persona as a Christian Rapper, Lecrae still clings to the same worldview as an artist who is Christian. His newest work portrays some of Lecrae’s most smooth and mainstream songs, but with a flare that is sure to influence even the most skeptical of Christian hip hop. They will tap their feet to the beat of this thrilling and different endeavor from Lecrae. Lecrae’s Columbia Records debut, “All Things Work Together” dropped on September 22, featuring Ty Dolla Sign and Tori Kelly.
The songs range anywhere from the soft melody of I’ll Find You to the aggressive downbeats of Come and Get Me. The album is a style for those who appreciate hip hop outside of the mainstream Christian avenue, but with the worldview of a Christian artist. Christian Hip Hop Enthusiasts, however, can see the value in his music and how it can actually be a useful tool in reaching non-believers.
Tanner White, freshman, said, “It [Lecrae’s music] has been better since he signed to the new record label. It helps spread the message of Jesus to more people who may not know it.”
Lecrae’s new album is representative of how Christians are adjusting more to the world and how to be relevant in it. Lecrae’s outlook doesn’t form around a Christian hip hop idea, but one of hip hop with a Christian rapper, which takes evangelism out of the music. And this may be an obstacle too high for some to get on board with because of the style of music.
“It’s not going to get me into his kind of hip hop,” said freshman and Digital Media major Nathan Kernell. “But it’s enjoyable and I can see why people like it.”
Smooth lyrics coupled with fast beats makes Lecrae’s album easy to keep listeners eager for the next song to start. Broken is a fan favorite. The song has a simple melody with strong beats that compliment lyrics such as, “We some broken people, came from broken homes, broken hearts inside of a broken soul, alcoholics, the addicts, English, African, Arabs. Ain’t no riches to fix it you still broke when you have it.”
The lyrics are reminiscent of current political debates with everything from feelings about President Trump’s administration to controversial racial comments encircling today’s social world. Lecrae’s music isn’t a hard hitting punch towards Trump’s administration, but a rightful call to lead our nation back to God.
He believes in a “constructive anger” rather than a “destructive anger.”Disgruntled Lecrae is rapping and vocalizing in his songs to lead people to analyze the problems of today’s world. The words gives an idea of what Lecrae thinks the president should do to increase standing with the public and to mend our nation as a whole.
Lecrae’s music involves a lot of different struggles and worldly events and mixes in effective music to bring avid hip hop listeners to see and even understand the perspective of a Christian who wants to explore a different interpretation of hip hop.
Devin Burrow is a Sophomore Communications major with a minor in Worship Arts at Bryan College. His interests include hiking, music and football.
