Dr. Piper: Lecrae & #Facts about “White Evangelicalism”

 

 

I was puzzlingly enthused, encouraged and perplexed by Dr. John Piper’s response to Lecrae’s recent interview on Truth’s Table. Immediately, I realized that Dr. Piper’s response could be so more than that. It could actually be a seed that could sprout into dialogue and action that are both sorely needed, centering on the major question he asks in his blog post: “What are the implications when young black men and women state they are loosening ties with white evangelicalism?” I can’t speak for everyone, but I’ll share my insights in hopes of continuing this incredibly important issue.

Why was I so enthusiastic about the post? My journey into ‘white evangelicalism’  had largely been a one-way street. Like many young black men and women who have found Jesus and been nurtured in the context of this particular movement, I have imbibed deeply of its fountains. White evangelicalism’s heroes became my own and the institutions they have built, have become those in which we have served. I have been serving with one of the largest of such organizations for 17 years- practically my entire adult life. Young black folks have embraced the teachings, proclaimed them passionately and studied the debates astutely. We have embraced the declarations of the Reformation, the Confessions, and Creeds. We have defended them against any adversary even when they were at odds with our own traditional black churches. Though many in our own communities have criticized and questioned our loyalty when we have raised financial support to join the missionary and church planting movements launched by white evangelical entities completely foreign (and often historically hostile) to our people, we pressed on- determined to serve Jesus and believe in the best of our white brothers and sisters. Our faith in them was often was in the face of evidence to the contrary as we were consistently stereotyped, and misjudged and held to different standards than others. Young, black Christians who hold to the same creedal confessions of evangelicalism rarely experience someone of Dr. Piper’s platform, influence or credibility in white evangelicalism engaging us on our terms. In that context, his listening was very meaningful. Using his platform to comment on what he heard was even more significant. Why? Because we’re used to the exact opposite. Normally, our voices and words have been ignored in dealing with issues of race, justice, and unity in the church. Truth’s Table wasn’t celebrated but attacked when the groundbreaking podcast first aired. The hosts, Ekemini Uwan, Dr. Christina Edmonson, and Michelle Higgins were called out, not called upon to share their insights. Similarly, Jemar Tisby, who co-hosts the Pass The Mic podcast has been castigated for speaking on racial issues. Even someone like Dr. Eric Mason, with all the bona fides of Dallas Theological Seminary, Acts 29, books and countless other ‘white evangelical’ credentials still finds himself wondering aloud why people question his loyalty to the Gospel when talks about race. I’m grateful that Dr. Piper broke from this trend and actually listened because white evangelicalism seldom has listened to us.

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Why was I encouraged? When the rare moment occurs that those of us “young black women and men” experience engagement from ‘white evangelicalism’ it is often the type that is dismissive. If we had a dollar for every time someone chastised us to just “focus on the gospel” when we bring up the significance of doing anti-racism work, none of us would have to raise support anymore. Dr. Piper not only listened in on the conversation, but he chose to emphasize that which he was thankful and hopeful for instead of being critical. That was very encouraging especially because he didn’t necessarily agree with all that he heard or read … or even understand it. But he offered Lecrae enough respect to listen and celebrate what he did grasp. That gave me hope. He set a tone that makes it more likely that others will follow suit because he is a respected elder in the tribe.

Why was I perplexed? I am grateful that Dr. Piper spent his personal capital to essentially support Lecrae on his blog but found it puzzling he pushed back on the term “white evangelicalism”  commenting it “puts too many whites in bed together” and therein lies my perplexion. Young black women and men didn’t put white evangelicals in bed together … they put themselves there! Ironically, Lecrae addresses this in “FACTS”, the second track on his new album, All Things Come Together:

They say, “‘Crae, you so divisive, shouldn’t be a black church”

I say “Do the math, segregation started that first!”

Doctrinally speaking, the Barna Group has both clarified and described the murkiness in how the term “Evangelicalism” is used. Broadly speaking, this Wikipedia definition is helpful: Evangelicalism “is a worldwide, trans-denominational movement within Protestant Christianity which maintains the belief that the essence of the gospel consists of the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ‘s atonement.”^[1]

What about the white evangelicalism? White evangelicalism is real and is rooted in the historical heresy of white supremacy. One can not discuss the American church without discussing slavery, segregation, and racism. It was St. George’s Methodist Church in Philadelphia that sinfully insisted on segregating its congregation. Richard Allen, refusing to endure the false doctrine of white supremacy, left the segregated ‘fellowship’ and started the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1789. It was the Southern Baptist Convention which separated from the Triennial Convention in 1844 rather than turn away from its members’ idol of slavery. The National Baptist Convention started in 1866 by Black Baptists, who rejected this false teaching and practice, is the reaction to this idolatrous racism. And of course, it was the white Christian leaders who strongly criticized Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for demanding that the doctrine of Imago Dei be lived out in this nations laws, practices and churches. It was to them that he wrote the Letter from a Birmingham Jail. Time does not permit us to detail how “white flight”, targeted marketing, and the rejection of those who speak about racism have all contributed to the creation of ‘white evangelicalism’. The racial divide in the church is not only a historical vestige of slavery, but a result of continued practices that marginalize people of color in the Christian community. White evangelicalism has been cultivated and crafted to be just that. It’s not a historical accident. Those people of color who are passionate about racial justice who stay among this tribe do so in spite of it. They stay affiliated supremely aware they must carefully eat the meat of epistemological fidelity and spit out the bones of ethical infidelity and racism, and this is a particularly bony fish. The movement that often syncretizes American exceptionalism and uncritical patriotism with what it means to be Christian is White Evangelicalism. The movement that openly speculated that the first black president was the anti-Christ is White Evangelicalism. The movement that overwhelmingly was silent when a presidential candidate they endorsed race-baited and pandered to white supremacists is White Evangelicalism. The movement that ignores issues of justice and the crisis that black people are suffering at higher rates than whites in just about every measurable way is White Evangelicalism. It’s a movement that too often neglects to identify the socio-economic realities that our Scriptures clearly link with injustice and therefore is one that many of us have decided to discontinue identification with.

Those people of color who are passionate about racial justice who stay among this tribe do so in spite of it. But because it is hyper-individualism, white evangelicalism is predictably unaware of itself or of its importance.

What’s a recognized global leader in ‘white evangelicalism’ to do? I celebrate Dr. Piper’s post. He thought the sentiments of what Lecrae shared on Truth’s Table was worth celebrating and pondering. But more needs to be done. White Christians like Dr. Piper must press into this issue of “white evangelicalism”. If dynamic young African American Christian leaders are saying that the air is so toxic in this movement that they need to leave, perhaps an exploration and some type of assessment of their complaints are warranted? I implore anyone confused about the term ‘white evangelicalism’ and the reasons why many of us are disillusioned by it to look into history, learn and tell that story. Then change the story. Don’t just dismiss it, but explore it. It has already been reported that part of the reason for Lecrae’s decline in sales is because he is tackling issues of race and justice. (Album Sales is only one measure of success and this album has critical acclaim and unprecedented reach, it’s still a tangible indicator of Lecrae’s point). If you’re a white evangelical, buy the album, encourage others to do the same.

Still confused about the term ‘white evangelicalism’ and the reasons why many are disillusioned by it? Learn the history, tell that story, then change the story. Don’t dismiss it, explore it. (Recommended: books like Divided By Faith and Doctrine and Race) I say this as one who respects and appreciates Dr. Piper and not as a cynical critic. Lecrae and so many of others who also have given up attempting to scale the wall of white evangelicalism acceptance deserve more than thankfulness that they are still in the faith. They deserve advocacy from those on the other side of that wall. They are the Hellenistic Jewish widows with a complaint about the distribution of dignity and justice in Acts 6. Will white evangelical leaders, like the disciples did, call together those under their influence and see what must be done? If things don’t change, then more will continue to look for other places to be seen and heard because their calling is bigger than the confines of ‘white evangelicalism’. But wouldn’t it be awesome if white evangelicals actually tore down the walls of their own structures?

 

Humble Beast, The Non-Profit. I Like the Sound of That.

I just watched the video announcement of Humble Beast’s move to a non-profit organization and found it moving, brilliant, counter-cultural and necessary. Historically, the most highly regarded art in Western Civilization was commissioned by patrons who invested in artists. Works like Michaelangelo’s David and the Sistine Chapel were sponsored by the Church and were the highest forms of art in their culture. While the politics surrounding these commissions was often problematic, the broader point was that the Church at one point realized that artistic expression was a major priority in the cultivation of culture.

 

People knew that artistic expression was the best way to saturate their culture with Truth, Beauty, and Goodness –  found in the Creator and reflected in creativity. The commodification of art as a product has had the disastrous consequence of replacing patronage with Big Business and transcendent values for sales and profit. The goal of the few corporate monoliths which control most of the music and entertainment industry is to find the next marketable hit instead of finding the next meaningful truth that our cultures need.

Sadly, Christians have too often settled to simply fight for inclusion into this corrupt entertainment industry at the expense of their witness and distinctiveness, instead of seeking to utilize their talents and media for redemptive purposes. Perhaps even more tragic is the resignation of creating a sub-genre ‘Christian art’ (as if creativity doesn’t by nature challenge this characterization). The cottage industry of safe and sterile expression that shuns the provocative seems ironically estranged from Psalms that David wrote (like Psalm 13 or 73 which question God’s goodness and the usefulness of living a righteous life). Such songs are hard to imagine becoming popular in the sanitized ‘Christian music’ culture of today. And that’s why this announcement is so important.

Humble Beast, by giving music away, and now leveraging their creativity for a greater good is reminding us that we were never meant to live as those who would just consume artistic expression but to allow that expression to move us and then become a movement deepening our meditations of the Creator and his creation. Let’s support this move! If you enjoy music that teaches theology, uplifts the spirit, or that is just dope and therefore good for the culture … get the music, spread the word, and explore the resources they make available.

Let’s support this move! If you enjoy music that teaches theology, uplifts the spirit, or that is just dope and therefore good for the culture … buy the music, spread the word, and explore the resources they make available. One of my favorite Humble Beast artists, Propaganda, has a new album, Crooked release on June 30th … for free like all the music on Humble Beast! I also recommend getting The Art of Joy by Jackie HillPerryy, who is worth a listen as a teacher and an artist.

 

 

Instead of one patron who gets to decide what’s important enough to invest in, we get to be a team who supports this work whether the amount is $50,000 or $5 … or anywhere in between. Good music “freely given” so we can freely give … doesn’t get much better than that!

Album Review: The Narrative by Sho Baraka

Is The Narrative socially conscience or Christian? Is it a protest against racism or a celebration of black culture? Is it a sermon or a confession? Or Maybe it is both?

The Narrative is Sho Baraka’s long awaited follow up to the groundbreaking “Talented Tenth” (2013) album which was a turning point for him as an artist and a milestone for fans of hip hop that explore spiritual and social themes. The unique artistic direction that inspired The Talented Tenth contributed to his decision to depart from the wildly successful Reach Records empire (led by multi Grammy™ Award winning artist Lecrae), and cost Sho many of his fans who were uncomfortable with the racial and historical critiques the project addressed. Ironically though, after it’s release, the controversial police shootings of Michael Brown, Alton Sterling and others, along with the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement brought these themes to the forefront of relevance. Now, many who rejected the socially conscious lyrics of The Talented Tenth eagerly yearn for the insights that The Narrative offers. Sho’s social justice advocacy (see The And Campaign) and unashamed declaration of his faith is a path increasing numbers of millennials seek to travel upon. And what better guide than one who led the way years before it became cool to talk about justice?

The Narrative tells the story of the metaphorical character James Portier who symbolically represents the plight of the African Americans in the American experience. It’s a journey that involves spiritual insights, social commentary and personal reflections. To help place the narrative in its historical context, a specific year is included in the song titles which reveals a milestone in Mr. Portier’s life.

The journey starts with the “Foreword, 1619”. The year is significant because in 1619 Africans were first bought and sold by European settlers in North America – so it’s natural starting point for James Portier, and the listener.

Sho manages to tackle serious topics such as systemic economic racism in My Hood, USA, 1937 (the year when the Federal Housing Authority established redlining – a practice that legalized housing discrimination and the lost of untold amounts of black wealth) while still maintaining his characteristic, playful wordplay. At one point chiding copycat emcees:

“How you sound outdated when you copying The Future?”

So while this project is deeply committed to addressing social issues, Sho doesn’t take himself too seriously. The catchy, dance jam 30 & Up, 1986 (30 years ago) features Grammy™ award winning artist Courtney Orlando (formerly known as JR), a live band and reveals that Sho Baraka can still be the life of the party! The video reflects Sho’s fun-loving, romantic and comical streak. 

Sho creates a narrative that seeks to make room for a faith and culture integration that embraces complexity. In Maybe Both, 1865, Sho seeks to add nuance to the overly simplistic view of American history that sees the founders solely as inspirational revolutionaries while ignoring their slaveholding legacy and role in enshrining discrimination in our system of governance (such as the 3/5th Compromise in The Constitution). He also questions the popular dichotomy of viewing Jesus Christ as either an exclusively otherworldly Savior or merely a radical social activist.  Maybe America is a great nation of opportunity, yet also greatly flawed due to its historic failure to live up to its own vision. Additionally, maybe Jesus is a spiritual Savior and the iconic model for righteous resistance against injustice. Sho challenges us “Maybe it is both”.

The spiritual undertones of the album pushes back against the anti-supernatural bias in a post-Christian and secular age. That bias reveals itself in how people discredit Christianity because of the atrocities that (so-called) followers have done in its name. Sho reminds the listener that though those with an atheistic worldview have also been responsible for evils and racism in the world yet their worldview is not rejected because of it. He asks:

“Is God to blame for our intentions?/Like scientists didn’t bless the world with eugenics.”

Conversely, Sho highlights the contributions of activists inspired by the Bible’s appeal for social justice. Names like Phyllis Wheatley, Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Mahalia Jackson, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and others are woven into The Narrative to give honor to these faith-inspired activists and challenge us to walk in their footsteps. In the tradition of C.S. Lewis, Sho employs a defense of the Christian faith by arguing, among other things, that the very concept of truth and morality insists on a transcendent Truth Giver. At the same time Sho warns the faithful of the perils of ignoring God’s mandate to do justice: it leads to hypocrisy, suffering and a lack of effective Gospel witness in the world.

The Narrative doesn’t just take aim at major historical and theological themes, either. In what has become his signature, Sho is brutally honest in sharing his own struggles to live out his convictions and vision. He unflinchingly reveals his personal battles with the allure of fame, the frustration with his financial struggles, and – perhaps most vulnerably in Words, 2006 – the challenges of caring for his autistic son. Sho turns a sound booth into a confessional and bears his soul. Vulnerability like this is a rarity. Hardly a track goes by without some reflection of a personal shortcoming. This helps prevent The Narrative from being preachy but more of a memoir not only of James Portier, but also of Sho Baraka. And it’s difficult not to be impacted and inspired by such self-disclosure.

My favorite tracks:

The Road to Humble, 1979 not only is melodic and poetic, but is a insightful journey into Sho’s development from birth (1979) to the present as an artist on Humble Beast. It is one part testimony of a sinner who was saved, one part reflection of his growth as an artist, and one part declaration of his new direction as an artist, Christian and a man.

Piano Break, 33 A.D. concludes the album with a live piano and a urgent testimony that takes us to church. It responds to Jay-Z’s No Church In the Wild, confesses personal struggles, and critiques moral relativism. The thesis of the track “He’s been good to me” appeals to the hope of Jesus Christ as the solution to resolve all of the brokenness in the world and within Sho as well.(33 A.D. is when Jesus is believed to have resurrected)

The Narrative is a musical journal entry, not only of the fictional James Portier who embodies the black experience, but also of Sho, a very well read, creative and daring artist who refuses to allow the current music industry narratives – Christian or secular – define him or what his art should be. This is a narrative that relates and connects with not only Mr. Portier or Sho but with all of us who seek to break free from the expectations and limitations people attempt to put on us. It’s genre-bending content and musicality makes it an important contribution to music and to those who seek to live with a divine sense of purpose in these complex times. That’s a story worth telling and sharing.

Review: 5 stars out of 5.

 

Tracklist:

1. Forward, 1619 (feat. Adan Bean & C. Lacy)
2. Soul, 1971 (feat. Jamie Portier)
3. Kanye, 2009 (feat. Jackie Hill Perry)
4. Love, 1959
5. Here, 2016 (feat. Lecrae)
6. 30 & Up, 1986 (feat. Courtney Orlando)
7. Profhet, 1968 (feat. Jamie Portier)
8. Maybe Both, 1865 (feat. Jamie Portier)
9. Excellent, 2017
10. Road to Humble, 1979
11. My Hood, U.S.A., 1937 (feat. Vanessa Hill)
12. Words, 2006
13. Fathers, 2004
14. Piano Break, 33 A.D.

It’s Complicated ~ Album Review: Rapper Gets Defensive About Faith

How does a hip hop artist confront the major objections that secular, Western culture levels against Christianity? Well, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. answers that question with the statement “It’s complicated” with his latest studio album. He once mused on on a previous album: “This isn’t the music you drink to/This is the music you think to”. That statement rings true in this project dealing with doubts and disputes about the Christian faith.

How ambitious is this album? Well, it addresses the problem of God and suffering, religious pluralism, judgment in the church, the accusation that Jesus was plagiarized from Egypt, Heaven and Hell. Heavy stuff, but necessary given the ubiquitous and relentless attacks against the Christian faith that have caused many to be confused and reject their faith.

Tackling all these topics is complicated by itself. But engaging youthful fans of hip hop presents an even greater challenge. This era of hip hop is not one in which ideology is explicitly taught like in the 80’s and 90’s. Trap music and bragging about “broads in Atlanta” captivates and sells millions.

To help get his point across, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. invites one of the world’s foremost defenders of the Christian faith, Dr. Ravi Zacharias, along for the journey. Dr. Zacharias, author of over 60 books, shows up in interludes offering thoughtful insights about the topics addressed throughout the project. His contributions are intellectual, and yet, because of his Indian-born, British accent, strangely musical as well. The two released a video of their interaction on Youtube.

Any hip hop album tackling such weighty subject matter in the current musical climate faces an uphill climb in finding significant reception, but this project is important precisely for that reason.

At times, the weight of the content bogs down the musicality of the album, but there are epic moments where this project ascends to heavenly heights of inspiring, thought provoking defenses of faith along with compellingly good hip-hop all at once.

Here’re a few of can’t miss tracks:

• Why So Serious? Featuring Reach Records artist, KB, this is one of the tracks that you will enjoy to listen to and think to. The title is borrowed from the famous line in the film The Dark Knight, when The Joker sarcastically posed the question “Why so serious?” before going on a murderous rampage. The Joker ultimately appealed to a rejection of absolute truth and morality as a justification of the mayhem he created. The analogy drawn in this track is compelling and troubling. Though many today dismiss the emphasis people of faith place on absolute truth and morality, Da’ T.R.U.T.H. agues that the tragic mass shootings so prevalent today offer clear examples about why it’s essential for us to clarify and discuss the reality of good and evil. The song reflects on the mass shooter, James Holmes, who dyed his hair to emulate the Joker, injured 59 people and killed 12 others in a Colorado showing of The Dark Knight Rises. From a Christian worldview, the evil and brokenness in our world can’t be separated from the rejection of a pursuit of goodness, truth and ultimately of God. Why so serious? Because if it is true that the Earth is a battleground between Good and Evil than being on the sidelines is impossible and being on the right side is really serious.

 

• Heaven: Heaven is a stirring anthem boosted by the strong, soulful vocals of Christon Gray. This track beautifully blends uplifting lyrics and powerful production. It seeks to dispel the age-old misrepresentation of Heaven as a boring, bland and drab existence. Da’ T.R.U.T.H. celebrates Heaven as the ultimate Utopia where we reunite with loved ones and no longer experience sickness and death. He challenges us to anticipate vibrant city life, where culture and art find their ultimate expression of beauty and purpose. Who wouldn’t want to go to a place where there is peaceful race relations, eradication of poverty, and enjoying the presence of God face-to-face?  “Everything upgraded … the end of all of our desires”. Heaven’s inspiring vision of the after life provides hope that good triumphs over evil and that God gets the last word. That’s a win for all of us.

• Religion: Da T.R.U.T.H. tackles another tough topic in the song simply called “Religion.” In the United States, we live in an increasingly pluralistic society where we have interactions with adherents from various religious backgrounds. Many have argued that religions are essentially the same, but Dr. Ravi Zacharias responds with a provocative statement: “All religions are superficially similar but fundamentally different.”

But how does a person of faith respond when the reports of religion in the media seem to be so negative? We see the frequent turbulence of the Jewish vs. Muslim conflict in the Middle East. We are frustrated by the frequent attacks executed by extremist, Islamic terrorist groups and the abuse of innocent Muslims from people of other religious groups. Scandals involving sexual abuse or financial corruption are just as commonplace in the church.  As a result of hearing of all these tragedies many just reject religious claims altogether. Da’ T.R.U.T.H. notes: “They say Abrahamic religions are the cause of hate and divisions”.  Without ignoring the problematic and often ugly history of the Church, Zacharias makes a thought provoking observation: “Christianity is not the same as who Christ is.” Instead of evaluating the truth of Christianity based on the actions of people that Jesus himself would condemn, Zacharias and Da’ T.R.U.T.H. urge us to examine what the claims of the faith actually are based on the person who founded the movement: namely Jesus Christ himself. In our time, this is an important song to discuss. Much of what Zacharias stated can be summed up like this:

Two other tracks that seamlessly stitch together weighty subject matter with amazing musicality is the Color Purple and The Vow. These tracks explore very personal aspects of Da’T.R.U.T.H.’s faith – which is why they work so well. Color Purple exposes the tensions within camps of the Christian faith that look upon each other with suspicion. Similar to the acrimonious political divides of the “Left vs Right” the conflicts between “Charismatic vs. Conservative” can be wrought with distrust, and disdain. The vision of not being a “red state” or “blue state” but the “Color Purple” is especially meaningful given the current political climate and election year. As the Christian worldview is increasingly marginalized in our secularized society, what unites us is becoming increasingly more important than what divides us. Having said that, it would have been nice to hear more about what ideological shifts Da’ T.R.U.T.H. made, if any, to reconcile the sometimes extremely different systems of theology the various camps have. Regardless, though, this track is very authentic, thought provoking and transparent.

The Vow, the last track on the album, is melodic, with a techno feel that is dominant in pop music in 2016. Having dealt with the major intellectual challenges and reservations against the Christian faith, The Vow deals with the heart and the biblical concept of covenantal love expressed in marriage. While initially feeling out of place, The Vow appropriately casts a vision in which the covenant of marriage is held in the high esteem of a Christian worldview. That concept is radically different than the disposable marriages we see so frequently today. Once again, ideas have consequences and the idea that the vow “til death do us part” should actually mean more than ceremony and tradition is powerful.

It’s Complicated reflects Da’ T.R.U.T.H.’s obvious burden to help young Christians fortify their faith as they go to college classrooms and consume popular culture which seems to undermine that faith at every turn. Because of that reality, this is an important project.

It’s Complicated sometimes gets a little too complicated for the average listener. For example, though many millennials have been influenced by Richard Dawkins (author of The God Delusion), far fewer actually know who the atheist apologist is, so when he’s referenced on the the album I’m not sure who will catch it. But this project does what very few have attempted: present a defense of the Christian faith featuring a seasoned hip-hop artist and a world class apologist (Dr. Ravi Zacharias) in the medium of hip-hop.

And it isn’t complicated to say it deserves a listen for that alone.

 

Is Lecrae Still Unashamed? Book Review

Yesterday, I picked up Lecrae’s new book Unashamed planning to read a chapter or two. A few hours later, I finished reading it in one sitting. I was unexpectedly riveted. As a fan of Lecrae’s work, and one quite familiar with his story, I didn’t think that his memoir could reveal much that I hadn’t already known. But imagine if the person you knew best was injected with truth serum and had to honestly answer any question you posed … you’d still have a very revealing conversation wouldn’t you? That’s what it felt like as I read Unashamed: a raw, real look into the soul of one of the unlikeliest hip-hop stars of our time.

Lecrae’s ascension to mainstream stardom as a hip hop artist in this cultural moment is shocking. This is an era when hip hop is dominated by sexually explicit videos, gaudy materialistic lyrics, and the ever present braggadocios artists claiming to occupy an imaginary hip-hop throne. And yet, Lecrae actually makes videos about his love for his wife, raps about sacrificing fashion to take his kids to Chuck. E. Cheese, and proclaims his need for God to save him! The contrast is so staggering it’s hard to really wrap our minds around.

       

He is an anomaly just like the title of his chart-topping, studio album. No one has ever charted #1 on Billboard and on the Gospel charts at the same time. No one has ever been nominated for a Grammy in hip-hop and gospel categories for the same album. His rise from the obscure ranks of a sub-genre of hip hop that gets almost NO radio play, promotion, or mainstream support is nothing short of miraculous. And yet, his memoir is not a self-congratulatory reflection on all of his achievements. Unashamed is an unflinchingly honest look at the man, his music and his march to freedom by integrating his faith with his identity. Along the way, he addresses the unique trials, tribulations and triumphs that have accompanied his journey.

In Unashamed, Lecrae explores themes addressed in his previous albums but in greater detail and context. He exposes how his lingering father-wound caused a search for approval and acceptance (theme of his song, “I Just Wanna Be Like You” in Rehab). He reveals how the molestation he encountered as a child influenced his relationships with women (theme of “Good, Bad and Ugly” in Anomaly). He shares about the night he became a Christian in college (theme of “Believe” in Church Clothes 2) and how his self-righteousness and people-pleasing informed some of his early musical content (theme of “Praying for You” in After the Music Stops).

The idea woven in all of the songs, and chapters of the book was the thread of identity. Who was Lecrae going to be and what model was he going to use to shape himself. Would it be his uncles, gangstas, ministry leaders, other artists or something else?

One of the most powerful moments in Unashamed also revealed the source of the insights that formed his album Rehab. Even after his conversion, he found himself struggling with many vices that literally landed him in rehab. He wrote:

Since I thought I was supposed to be instantly sinless and my Christian friends did too, I lived a double life. I acted like a Christian around other Christians, but I let loose whenever I wasn’t.

Not the stuff you plan to hear revealed by someone at the top of his game and the hip-hop charts, is it? His stint in rehab began a journey of him accepting a deeper level of his identity that would eventually help him find his own voice and calling as an artist. His art and expressions would begin to reflect this starting with the Rehab album, which would also usher in harsh criticism and accusations.

Early in his music career Lecrae made famous the word “unashamed” inspired from the Bible verse, Romans 1:16 which reads:

 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes …

He became the iconic leader of the “116 Clique (pronounced one one six)” (from Romans 1:16). Unashamed and “116” became synonymous with boldly telling people about their faith in Jesus. But Lecrae began to develop a deeper understanding of himself, that verse and his calling (theme of his song “Non-Fiction”). He changed his approach to making music in the midst of his success. Ironically, now that he had reached heights that none of those”116″ fans could’ve dreamed of, many of them objected on message boards and social media feeds and accused Lecrae himself of no longer being unashamed. Their critique was that he watered down the Christian content in his music for the mainstream success. And honestly, even I wondered at times what was motivating his creative choices.

Lecrae’s deeper understanding of ‘unashamed’ meant more than just the courage to approach people and tell them about his faith in the risen Christ, although that was part of it. Lecrae now became unashamed of revealing his own scars – believing that the message of Jesus was best proclaimed by displaying his own inadequacies and weaknesses (especially important to him as he admits being prone to seeking people’s approval). For Lecrae the realization of his identity and calling meant being deliberate about reaching out to those outside the faith-oriented fan base he had built. It meant changing his language to relate to the many who are unfamiliar with the Bible and Christianity. It meant seeking out relationships with artists who did not share his faith. And living out that calling also meant enduring the anger and criticism of those who were suspicious about why he was changing. Lecrae writes:

I had to be unashamed in the midst of a fallen world. Now I needed to learn to be unashamed in the midst of a religious one.

Lecrae should have been more open and intentional about his shift instead of just doing it. Fans feel a certain type of stake in an artist that they supported from day one, and Lecrae admits underestimating that. That admission is another example of the refreshing vulnerability we see in Unashamed.

Lastly, the book highlights Lecrae’s perspective on the importance a “biblical worldview”. Lecrae quotes a Barna Group statistic that only 9% of Americans claiming to be Christians actually have a biblical worldview. This worldview is exemplified by the point of view that God is working to rescue and restore the world He created, but which has been corrupted by evil. This viewpoint also asserts that the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ was the signature event in history that inaugurated redemption and models for us how to overcome the evil. Lecrae writes:

Because of Jesus, we don’t need to see culture as something to be avoided. It is something to be engaged … This has changed the way I do music. There is no such thing as Christian rap and secular rap. Only people can become Christians.

Lecrae credits several books with refining his thinking. Nancey Pearcey’s Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity  and Andy Crouch’s Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling are two he refers to as pivotal in developing his own philosophy. Rejecting what he perceives as the false “sacred/secular” split transformed Lecrae’s thinking on what a biblical worldview is. The challenge is that he lives in a world that assumes such a split is real. As a result, the industries that produce the arts and the fans that consume it (both the ones labeled as sacred and secular) don’t know what to do with Lecrae. In a world that is increasingly broken, and yet frustrated by the apparent irrelevance of a Christian approach to our complex times, rediscovering a way to engage the culture seems to be critical for people of the faith. I believe Lecrae’s story and Unashamed  will help change people’s thinking about how to live in such times. Imagine what would happen if the image people had of “church clothes” were virtues such as humility, vulnerability and engagement of the culture. I know I have a lot of work to do to live up such an image. For those looking for an authentic inspiring look at an artist … flaws and all … let the church say “Amen”.

Anomaly Album Review ~ Lecrae 1st #1 Billboard Debut

How would rapper Lecrae follow up the Grammy Award winning, wildly successful Gravity album? Well, by breaking another record and becoming the first Christian rap album to debut #1 on Billboard. Wow! But what about the project itself?

In light of the history he made (first Rap Album to win a Grammy in the Gospel category), I expected a triumphant, “I Made It!” type feel, but his follow project, must like himself is an Anomaly. Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary defines ‘anomaly’ as: something that is unusual or unexpected. Well, that term definitely fits this album which is the most transparent and vulnerable from Lecrae to date. Far from boastful, he is intensely introspective and even intentionally exposed as a person who struggles with the same issues that many of his listeners can relate too, such as insecurities.

Ever since Real Talk, Lecrae’s first track on his albums have been energetic “bangers”. But again, he breaks with that norm with Outsiders on Anomaly. It is a song reflective and even a bit melancholy. It seems that the increased “success” has only magnified the tension that exists between his passionate faith and his platform in the secular music industry. Outsiders sets the tone that this project is a more mature and personal project than what we’ve been used to. Nuthin and the title track Anomaly also takes up the theme of inviting the listener to be more discerning and critical of the low standards and hypocrisy found in much the pop culture feeds us.

Welcome To America and Dirty Water boldly take on the issues of sex trafficking, war, immigration and American complacency. Say I Won’t is the only rap feature with Andy Mineo (who made the phrase popular on his catchy Paisano’s Wilin’ track on NeverLand album).

Give In, Runners and All I Need Is You (click to see video), are the upbeat pop songs on the album. Give In features a big vocal hook, and synth sounds and a driving beat that just feels good. Runners and All I Need Is You are truly anomalies in hip-hop. Runners playfully cautions listeners (and especially men) to resist the urges to be lustful and promiscuous … yes on a hip-hop track. All I Need Is You celebrates Lecrae’s marriage and commitment to his wife. Also, an anomalous track in the genre.

But the intimately vulnerable Good, Bad and Ugly, Fear and Broken are the standout tracks on this project. In Good, Bad and Ugly, Lecrae shares his past which has included abuse and a decision that resulted in a tragic end (no spoiler here). It’s a moving track that  makes me wonder how many people will be touched by his willingness to tell dark aspects of his story that people typically hide. Broken responds to the heaviness of this by declaring “We’re all broken …”. The popular Contemporary Christian vocalist Kari Jobe’s vocals are hypnotizing like a sirens call. They call out “Lord, I’m broken in this mess I made/ I need you to restore me”.

What to say about Fear? Hip hop is a genre when bravado and chest-thumping is the norm. Christians are typically seen as judgmental and “holier-than-thou”, and yet in this track Lecrae presents his frailties on full display. Yeah, that’s an anomaly! He also takes aim at the sources of his fear to overcome them. The second verse is particularly raw when he rhymes “Jesus/Jesus/Jesus/Jesus to all of my haters/To the ones who think I forgot him/and the ones who won’t let me say it/I ain’t scared no more!” In one line, you get the theme of his career trajectory. An anomaly wherever he is. Called to two groups but not fully welcome in either. For all who can relate to that tension, anomaly is music to the ears.

Musically, this project is mature, and an anomaly from the Reach Records bass heavy/anthem laden tracks. Fear has a musical outro, and several songs have pop, rock and CCM influences.That this project deubuted #1 on Billboard is a historic moment that is hard to fully comprehend. Is Lecrae himself an anomaly whose success is an outlier that other Christian oriented artists can’t hope to duplicate? Or is this project proof that such anomalies like Mali Music, Christon Gray, Swoope, Propaganda, and many others can hope for similar unprecedented reception that Reach Records has enjoyed since 2004?
The last track on Anomaly, Messengers, plays like an anthem and an appeal. In this rhythmic S.O.S., Lecrae beckons others to join in this work of redeeming culture and restoring society. Musicians and mechanics alike are summoned to this calling. It took Lecrae seven studio albums, 2 mixed tapes and 10 years to achieve this milestone. Hopefully the long road to entering into the mainstream consciousness will be the anomaly and the exposure that his sales have given the masses will pave the way for other messengers who are talking about more than ‘nuthin’.

I give Anomaly 4 out of 5 stars for intensely authentic and awe-inspiring lyricism and music. Get your copy today!

What do you think of Anomaly?