Lecrae is a modern-day renaissance man with multiple talents, such as record and music producer, rapper, songwriter, actor, best-selling author, and co-founding partner of Reach Records for the past two decades. He is considered a Christian Hip-Hop (CHH) pioneer and an innovator who blends mainstream hip-hop with CHH, bridging cultural gaps.
Regardless of the reactions, opinions, and negative feedback, Lecrae has welcomed several mainstream artists (Rotimi, YK Osiris, John Legend, Waka Flocka Flame, Ty Dolla $ign, E-40, Big K.R.I.T., and others) to collaborate on tracks in the name of relationship and to show the love of Jesus to the masses.
The 44-year-old acclaimed entrepreneur has a laundry list of accolades related to his art. Lecrae has won two Grammy Awards and multiple BET, Billboard, Soul Train, and Dove awards. Throughout his prominent career, he's somehow found time to take on the role of a philanthropistassisting Love Beyond Walls in distributing food and hand-washing stations during the prime of the COVID-19 pandemic. He actively serves on the Christian private school Peace Preparatory Academy board. During the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop tribute at the Grammy's, Lecrae's name was shown in the background while performers such as Will Smith, Queen Latifah, and Public Enemy took the stage.
Throughout the past 20 years, Lecrae has released ten solo studio albums, four mixtapes (the Church Clothes series), a collaboration album with 1K Phew, and a handful of impactful singles. Also, he's been an intricate part of seven summer label playlists (2018-present), three studio albums, a remix project, an EP, and several singles under the 116 Collective through Reach. It's nearly impossible to select only a handful of meaningful and iconic songs from his extensive discography.
However, the below-mentioned songs stand tall amongst everything else tagged as some of Lecrae's classics amongst fans and the industry alike.
"Jesus Muzik" featuring Trip Lee(After the Music Stops - 2006)
One of the most recognizable songs from Lecrae features another founding member of Reach Records, Trip Lee. "Jesus Muzik" was released as the second single from Lecrae's second album, After the Music Stops. The track discusses mainstream hip-hop and its lyrical dangers to the heart of a Christian. "Jesus Muzik" was nominated for two GMA Dove Awards and has gathered over three million streams on Spotify and six million views on YouTube. Nearly 20 years later, this song remains a part of Lecrae's live show set due to its importance within the overall catalog.
"Don't Waste Your Life" featuring Dwayne Tryumf and Cam(Rebel - 2008)
Any fan of CHH is familiar with Lecrae's iconic song from his third and most prevalent album, Rebel. The track is a distinct call to live a life of purpose directly to glorify God. Also, it contrasts things of the world versus stuff of God's kingdom, weighing in on their opposing values. Featured artist Dwayne Tryumf experienced limited success in the CHH space but will always be known for contributing to the song. Not only did YouTube record over 17 million views for this single, but Lecrae named his headlining tour in 2009 after this single.
"Background" featuring Andy Mineo(Rehab - 2010)
Hip-hopper Andy Mineo (fka C-Lite) collaborated with Lecrae to introduce Reach Records before signing with the label the following year. The collaborative effort resulted from a newfound friendship with producer Alex Medina, who helped produce the single. Mineo didn't add his iconic lyricism to the song but exhibited his hidden vocal talents of harmonizing on the hook. As part of Lecrae's fourth album, Rehab, the track delves into redemption, resilience, and personal transformation themes. He invites God to take over as a leader in daily life while following his Word and instruction. It resonates as one of Lecrae's most famous songs, with over 18 million views on YouTube and 11 million streams on Spotify.
"Church Clothes"(Church Clothes - 2012)
Over a decade ago, the Church Clothes mixtape series fueled revolutionary acceleration in CHH. Lecrae found an outlet to merge music for the church with soundtracks for the streets. He took the approach of Jesus related to the ordinary person and added his artistic touch. Lecrae established a bridge between mainstream hip-hop and the CHH industry. He collaborated with artists like Ty Dollar $ign, John Legend, and other famous mainstream artists. "Church Clothes" was an anthem for such a movement. It provided a voice to those individuals who felt judged, out-of-place, or uncomfortable in a church setting. Regardless of the hypocritical feedback received from Pharisee-like listeners, the mixtape series began a welcomed revolution that is still prevalent in CHH.
"Welcome to America"(Anomaly - 2014)
The next recognizable track from Lecrae spawned off the "radical" version of Lecrae fresh after two installments of the Church Clothes series of mixtapes. His art of storytelling was accented throughout as he provided various viewpoints from different Americans and their experiences in this country. Lecrae invites listeners to embrace a multi-lens perspective of what America is to multiple individuals. It's not a "cookie-cutter" experience by any means. The track highlights diversity within any city, hinting that such should be celebrated, not condemned.
"I'll Find You" featuring Tori Kelly(All Things Work Together - 2017)
On Lecrae's eighth studio project, he highlights one of the most relatable songs for his fanbase. "I'll Find You," featuring the esteemed vocalist Tori Kelly, was inspired by Lecrae's interactions with people who have cancer or other incurable diseases. He reminds audiences life is a precious gift individuals often take for granted until it's threatened. Pain is a haunting reminder to appreciate each waking moment of life as we never can gauge when our last breath will occur. The song is an inspirational anthem covered in hope, encouragement, and determination when faced with adversity.
"Coming In Hot" with Andy Mineo(Tour Single - 2018)
One of the singles from the Summer Eighteen playlist, "Coming In Hot," also served as a kickoff track to the Better Late Than Never tour. The song highlights both Lecrae and Mineo's successes experienced, and the journey endured to arrive at pivotal goals. The song has received astounding success, especially on social media via TikTok and the reel-based short video format. The track has been used by popular entertainers such as Will Smith and Kim Kardashian. Such traffic has resulted in over 114 million streams on Spotify. The song isn't just a near-perfect blend of elegant lyricism over a snappy beat. Both artists embark on a deep emotional dive into self-confidence, resilience, and living life with zeal. Even racial injustice and political division are discussed subtly. The track stands out as the most recognizable track for either artist.
"Spread the Opps"(Church Clothes 4 - 2022)
Lastly, "Spread the Opps" was the lead single of Lecrae's most recent album and the last installment of the Church Clothes series. Since childhood, Lecrae has discussed constant spiritual and worldly opposition, sometimes even physical. As of late, he's decided to stop running and face opposing warfare and views from all around. Lecrae knows God's got him regardless of the valleys and obstacles he faces. Ray "Neutron" Spears, the music video director, says the song feels like equal parts an imprecatory psalm, personal excavation, and charitable warning. Lecrae displays his inner turmoil and specific inflection points of his life-long journey. "Spread the Opps" is a final declaration of Lecrae's faith leading the way instead of self-doubt, defeat, and despair.
Honorable Mentions: "I'm Turnt" (CC2 - 2013), "Blessings" featuring Ty Dolla $ign (ATWT - 2017), "Nuthin" (Anomaly - 2014), "Mayday" featuring Ashthon Jones and Big K.R.I.T. (Gravity - 2012), and "Misconceptions 1-4" (CC mixtapes).
Two decades of impeccable art have been released by Lecrae, a pioneer for CHH in his own right. He's broken barriers, welcomed talent from all walks of life, and impacted the industry far behind limited discussion. Hopefully, the songs mentioned earlier can introduce you to Lecrae's historic catalog or affirm some favorites of your own.
Joshua Galla is an audiophile hyped about all forms of art in music, but his passion rests behind CHH and soulful vibes. He's a devout husband, father, and child of God. Concerts are his happy place.
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