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Undid revision 514715754 by 98.118.254.217 (talk) Lecrae sometimes does call himself a Christian rapper, and the article must reflect sources anyway
Thanks to all who corrected me on my misuse of the edit page, I hope this is a more suitable change to the page. I wasn't sure if the title I picked was suitable so please, make any changes or rewrite what you see wrong here
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''Gravity'' was released on September 4, 2012 to critical acclaim.<ref name="houston press">{{cite web|first=Brando|title=A Houston Rap Album Worth Buying: LeCrae's ''Gravity''|url=http://blogs.houstonpress.com/rocks/2012/09/a_houston_rap_album_worth_buyi.php|work=[[Houston Press]]|publisher=[[Village Voice Media]]|accessdate=September 6, 2012|format=Web|date=September 6, 2012}}</ref> Upon its release, ''Gravity'' debuted at No. 3 on the [[Billboard 200]], with 72,000 units sold.<ref name=billboard#3>{{cite web|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|title=Matchbox Twenty Gets First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart|url=http://www.billboard.com/news/matchbox-twenty-gets-first-no-1-album-on-1007946352.story#/news/matchbox-twenty-gets-first-no-1-album-on-1007946352.story|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Nielsen Business Media]]|accessdate=September 12, 2012|format=Web|date=September 12, 2012}}</ref> The album also debuted at No. 1 on the Christian, Gospel, Independent, and Rap Album charts, No. 3 on the Digital Albums chart, and 24 on the [[Canadian Albums Chart]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Gravity - Lecrae|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/lecrae/695868#/album/lecrae/gravity/1678986|work=[[Billboard (magazine){{!}}Billboard]]|publisher=[[Nielsen Business Media]]|accessdate=September 13, 2012|format=Web}}</ref> After the iTunes deluxe version of the album hit No. 1 on that vendors charts, and the regular version at number No. 2, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' wrote an article about Lecrae and his success with the album.<ref>{{cite web|last=Newcomb|first=Tim|title=Meet Lecrae, the Christian Rapper Tearing Up the Charts|url=http://entertainment.time.com/2012/09/06/everything-you-need-to-know-about-lecrae-the-christian-rapper-who-is-1-on-itunes/|work=[[Time (magazine){{!}}Time]]|publisher=[[Time, Inc.]]|accessdate=September 12, 2012|format=Web|date=September 6, 2012}}</ref>
''Gravity'' was released on September 4, 2012 to critical acclaim.<ref name="houston press">{{cite web|first=Brando|title=A Houston Rap Album Worth Buying: LeCrae's ''Gravity''|url=http://blogs.houstonpress.com/rocks/2012/09/a_houston_rap_album_worth_buyi.php|work=[[Houston Press]]|publisher=[[Village Voice Media]]|accessdate=September 6, 2012|format=Web|date=September 6, 2012}}</ref> Upon its release, ''Gravity'' debuted at No. 3 on the [[Billboard 200]], with 72,000 units sold.<ref name=billboard#3>{{cite web|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|title=Matchbox Twenty Gets First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart|url=http://www.billboard.com/news/matchbox-twenty-gets-first-no-1-album-on-1007946352.story#/news/matchbox-twenty-gets-first-no-1-album-on-1007946352.story|work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=[[Nielsen Business Media]]|accessdate=September 12, 2012|format=Web|date=September 12, 2012}}</ref> The album also debuted at No. 1 on the Christian, Gospel, Independent, and Rap Album charts, No. 3 on the Digital Albums chart, and 24 on the [[Canadian Albums Chart]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Gravity - Lecrae|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/lecrae/695868#/album/lecrae/gravity/1678986|work=[[Billboard (magazine){{!}}Billboard]]|publisher=[[Nielsen Business Media]]|accessdate=September 13, 2012|format=Web}}</ref> After the iTunes deluxe version of the album hit No. 1 on that vendors charts, and the regular version at number No. 2, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' wrote an article about Lecrae and his success with the album.<ref>{{cite web|last=Newcomb|first=Tim|title=Meet Lecrae, the Christian Rapper Tearing Up the Charts|url=http://entertainment.time.com/2012/09/06/everything-you-need-to-know-about-lecrae-the-christian-rapper-who-is-1-on-itunes/|work=[[Time (magazine){{!}}Time]]|publisher=[[Time, Inc.]]|accessdate=September 12, 2012|format=Web|date=September 6, 2012}}</ref>




==Musical style==
==Musical style==
Moore's musical genre is predominantly [[Southern hip hop]], and has been described as falling under the styles of [[crunk]], [[gangsta rap]], and [[hardcore hip hop]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Hayes|first=Steve|title=Lecrae – Rebel|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Lecrae/Rebel/49626/|publisher=[[Cross Rhythms]]|accessdate=April 16, 2011|date=November 20, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cordor|first=Cyril|title=Lecrae|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/lecrae-p741605/|work=[[AllMusic]]|publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]]|accessdate=April 16, 2011}}</ref><ref name=allmusic>{{cite web|last=Tognazzini|first=Anthony|title=Rebel|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/rebel-mw0000796195|work=[[AllMusic]]|publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]]|accessdate=27 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cummings|first=Tony|title=Lecrae – Real Talk|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Lecrae/Real_Talk/14885/|publisher=[[Cross Rhythms]]|accessdate=April 16, 2011|date=October 23, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hayes|first=Steve|title=Lecrae - Rebel|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Lecrae/Rebel/49626/|work=[[Cross Rhythms]]|accessdate=August 7, 2012|format=Web|date=November 20, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Events 10/09: Lecrae|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=jJ7pCDbqNzoC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|work=Cincinnati Magazine|publisher=[[Emmis Communications]]|accessdate=August 7, 2012|location=[[Cincinnati]]|page=234|format=Print|month=October|year=2009issn=0746-8210}}</ref> On his third release, ''Rebel'', Lecrae slowed down his style on many songs.<ref>{{cite web|last=Moore|first=C.E.|title=Lecrae's "Rebel": A Review|url=http://www.thechristianmanifesto.com/main/index.php/2008/09/30/lecraes-rebel-a-review/|work=The Christian Manifesto|accessdate=August 7, 2012|format=Web|date=September 30, 2008}}</ref> ''Rehab'' was noted for its stylistic diversity, particularly on the song "Children of the Light", which featured Dillavou and [[Sonny Sandoval]] and incorporated [[rock music|rock]], [[reggae]], and [[reggaeton]] influences.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jeffries|first=David|title=Rehab|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/rehab-mw0002037603|work=[[AllMusic]]|publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]]|accessdate=August 7, 2012|format=Web}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Weaver|first=Michael|title=Lecrae, "Rehab" Review|url=http://jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/Rehab.asp|work=[[Jesus Freak Hideout]]|accessdate=August 7, 2012|format=Web|date=October 15, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Moore|first=C.E.|title=Rehab|url=http://www.thechristianmanifesto.com/main/index.php/2010/09/24/music-review-lecrae-rehab/|work=The Christian Manifesto|accessdate=August 7, 2012|format=Web|date=September 24, 2010}}</ref> With the release ''Gravity'', ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' stated that Lecrae incorporated reggae and [[soul music|soul]] influences into his "signature brash sound."<ref name=billboard>{{cite web|last=McDermott|first=Tyler K.|title=Lecrae Talks Upcoming 'Gravity' Album, Big K.R.I.T. Collabo, & Chart Success|url=http://www.billboard.com/column/the-juice/lecrae-talks-upcoming-gravity-album-big-1007657352.story#/column/the-juice/lecrae-talks-upcoming-gravity-album-big-1007657352.story|work=[[Billboard (magazine){{!}}Billboard]]|publisher=[[Nielsen Business Media]]|accessdate=July 26, 2012|format=Web|date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>
Moore's musical genre is predominantly [[Southern hip hop]], and has been described as falling under the styles of [[crunk]], [[gangsta rap]], and [[hardcore hip hop]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Hayes|first=Steve|title=Lecrae – Rebel|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Lecrae/Rebel/49626/|publisher=[[Cross Rhythms]]|accessdate=April 16, 2011|date=November 20, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cordor|first=Cyril|title=Lecrae|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/lecrae-p741605/|work=[[AllMusic]]|publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]]|accessdate=April 16, 2011}}</ref><ref name=allmusic>{{cite web|last=Tognazzini|first=Anthony|title=Rebel|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/rebel-mw0000796195|work=[[AllMusic]]|publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]]|accessdate=27 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cummings|first=Tony|title=Lecrae – Real Talk|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Lecrae/Real_Talk/14885/|publisher=[[Cross Rhythms]]|accessdate=April 16, 2011|date=October 23, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hayes|first=Steve|title=Lecrae - Rebel|url=http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Lecrae/Rebel/49626/|work=[[Cross Rhythms]]|accessdate=August 7, 2012|format=Web|date=November 20, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Events 10/09: Lecrae|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=jJ7pCDbqNzoC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false|work=Cincinnati Magazine|publisher=[[Emmis Communications]]|accessdate=August 7, 2012|location=[[Cincinnati]]|page=234|format=Print|month=October|year=2009issn=0746-8210}}</ref> On his third release, ''Rebel'', Lecrae slowed down his style on many songs.<ref>{{cite web|last=Moore|first=C.E.|title=Lecrae's "Rebel": A Review|url=http://www.thechristianmanifesto.com/main/index.php/2008/09/30/lecraes-rebel-a-review/|work=The Christian Manifesto|accessdate=August 7, 2012|format=Web|date=September 30, 2008}}</ref> ''Rehab'' was noted for its stylistic diversity, particularly on the song "Children of the Light", which featured Dillavou and [[Sonny Sandoval]] and incorporated [[rock music|rock]], [[reggae]], and [[reggaeton]] influences.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jeffries|first=David|title=Rehab|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/rehab-mw0002037603|work=[[AllMusic]]|publisher=[[Rovi Corporation]]|accessdate=August 7, 2012|format=Web}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Weaver|first=Michael|title=Lecrae, "Rehab" Review|url=http://jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/Rehab.asp|work=[[Jesus Freak Hideout]]|accessdate=August 7, 2012|format=Web|date=October 15, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Moore|first=C.E.|title=Rehab|url=http://www.thechristianmanifesto.com/main/index.php/2010/09/24/music-review-lecrae-rehab/|work=The Christian Manifesto|accessdate=August 7, 2012|format=Web|date=September 24, 2010}}</ref> With the release ''Gravity'', ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' stated that Lecrae incorporated reggae and [[soul music|soul]] influences into his "signature brash sound."<ref name=billboard>{{cite web|last=McDermott|first=Tyler K.|title=Lecrae Talks Upcoming 'Gravity' Album, Big K.R.I.T. Collabo, & Chart Success|url=http://www.billboard.com/column/the-juice/lecrae-talks-upcoming-gravity-album-big-1007657352.story#/column/the-juice/lecrae-talks-upcoming-gravity-album-big-1007657352.story|work=[[Billboard (magazine){{!}}Billboard]]|publisher=[[Nielsen Business Media]]|accessdate=July 26, 2012|format=Web|date=July 25, 2012}}</ref>

==="Christian Rapper," and other misconceptions===

Oftentimes, Moore's music has been defined as [[Christian hip hop music|Christian Rap]] or hip hop because of his previous works as a more theological rapper<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1PGdr2F4ss</ref>, his unashamedness about talking about God and his faith<ref>http://keriwilliams.wordpress.com/2012/02/05/lecrae-unashamed-of-the-gospel/</ref>, and others which have caused many critics to place his music in a separate genre. Lecrae himself claimed that "I personally, I'm not a fan of the labels<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRIrOYHOul4</ref>," going on to say that "If I’m a Christian rapper, then Lupe [Fiasco] is a Muslim rapper<ref>http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.20238/title.lecrae-addresses-misconceptions-and-christian-rapper-label</ref>." Along with that, when asked if Lecrae would agree that his ideology of presenting God in his music has changed over the years, Lecrae responded "Yeah, I would... we came up [[The Cross Movement|Cross Movement (a Christian hip hop group)]] and Cross Movement had a lot philosophies and ideologies, and we didn't even think of their philosophies and ideologies - we didn't have any of our own, so we just adopted theirs. We hadn't grown into our own skin... But as we grew into our own skin, we began to realize, man we're not y'all... and it's not cuz' we disagree as much as we realize, we're not wired the same<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1PGdr2F4ss</ref>." He goes on to describe how The Cross Movement was more of a theological rap group whereas Reach Records, the label Lecrae is signed to now, became more focused on being relevant and "reaching" out into the culture to be a part of culture that people could relate to in order for Reach to be able to share their faith with a larger, secular audience<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1PGdr2F4ss</ref>. This trend has caused many popular magazines such as XXL<ref>http://www.xxlmag.com/features/2012/05/lecrae-on-church-clothes-mixtape-why-hes-hip-hop-no-malice-kendrick-lamar-jeremy-lin/</ref>, HipHopDX<ref>http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.20238/title.lecrae-addresses-misconceptions-and-christian-rapper-label</ref>, and others<ref>http://blog.chron.com/jesusmusik/2012/05/lecrae-responds-to-the-%E2%80%9Cchristian-rapper%E2%80%9D-vs-%E2%80%9Crapper-who-is-a-christian%E2%80%9D-debate-kind-of/</ref> to separate his faith from his music. He argues further, saying "Christian music is the only music that is categorized off of content<ref>http://www.xxlmag.com/features/2012/05/lecrae-on-church-clothes-mixtape-why-hes-hip-hop-no-malice-kendrick-lamar-jeremy-lin/</ref>."


==Popular cultural references==
==Popular cultural references==

Revision as of 03:01, 27 September 2012

Lecrae
Background information
Birth nameLecrae Moore
Also known asCrae, Creezie, Creazy, Crayola, "Crazy 'Crae"
Born (1979-10-09) October 9, 1979 (age 44)
Houston, Texas, United States
GenresChristian hip hop
Occupation(s)Rapper
Record producer
Actor
President and co-owner of Reach Records
Co-founder of Reach Records
President and co-founder of ReachLife Ministries
Years active2004–present
LabelsReach
Cross Movement
Websitewww.reachrecords.com

Lecrae Moore, known by his stage name Lecrae, is an American Christian hip hop artist, ministry leader, entrepreneur, record producer, and actor. He is the president, co-owner and co-founder of the independent record label Reach Records, and is also the co-founder and president of the non-profit organization ReachLife Ministries. To date, he has released five studio albums and one mixtape as a solo artist, and has released three studio albums and two remix albums as the leader of the rap group 116 Clique. He produced much of his earlier material along with other early Reach Records releases. His filmography includes a documentary, a short film by 116 Clique, and a full-length television film. Moore has been nominated for "Artist of the Year" at the GMA Dove Awards, and his work has received a Grammy Award nomination, seven Dove Award nominations, two of which he won, and three Stellar Award nominations, one of which he won. He also won 2010 Best Hip-Hop Music Video from the GMC Music Video Awards.

Moore debuted with Real Talk in 2004 through Reach Records, and the album was re-issued the following year by Cross Movement Records. After the Music Stops followed in 2006 and his third solo album, Rebel, was released in 2008 and reached No. 1 on the Gospel chart, the first Christian hip-hop album to do so. Rehab, his fourth solo album, was released in 2010 and reached No. 1 on the Gospel, Christian, and Independent charts and garnered a nomination at the 53rd Grammy Awards. Rehab: The Overdose, was released on January 11, 2011, and peaked at No. 1 on the Christian and Gospel charts. In September, 2011, Moore played the character King in the short film Man Up by 116 Clique. Moore began garnering mainstream attention when he performed at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher and was featured on the Statik Selektah song "Live and Let Live" from his Population Control album. On February 18, 2012, Moore made his acting debut as the character Jerome in the GMC television film A Cross To Bear. On May 10, 2012, Moore released his first mixtape, Church Clothes, which was hosted by DJ Don Cannon.[1] Considered his breakthrough into mainstream hip-hop, the mixtape was downloaded over 100,000 times in less than 48 hours. On May 2012, Moore began recording his sixth studio album, Gravity. Released on September 4, 2012, it and Church Clothes have been called the most important albums in Christian hip hop history. The album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and No. 1 on the Top Rap, Christian, Gospel, and Independent Albums chart.

Life and career

Early life

Born and raised by his single mother in Southern Houston, Texas, Moore moved often early in life, living in San Diego, Denver, and Dallas. He remembers going to church with his Christian grandmother, but said that it was "older people" and "wasn't for me."[2] Lecrae never met his father, who ended up becoming a drug addict. Experiencing abuse and neglect during his childhood, Moore used his ability to rap as a source of significance.[2] According to Moore, his grandmother would not allow him watch rap videos on television, but he would sneak in late at night. It was in these videos that Moore found individuals to look up to. Moore states that "there were no Barack Obamas, Martin Luther Kings or Malcom Xs, they had all passed away so I had Tupac."[2] After being showed a gun by his uncle, Moore began looking up to gangsters and turned to a life of crime.[2] Moore remembers taking a bb gun and standing in the street pointing it to a car, frightening the female driver, simply for fun.[2] At the age of 16, he started taking drugs, fighting, was arrested in high school for stealing, and eventually ended up on a gang list.[2] Moore tried "pretty much every drug there was to try" except for heroin and crack cocaine.[3]

According to CNN, he became a drug dealer and used the Bible that his grandmother gave him as a good luck charm.[4] After being arrested for drug possession, the officer saw the Bible and let Moore go on a promise that he would agree to live by it.[4] He eventually turned from drugs to alcohol consumption and a party lifestyle and became a "misfit of a person."[2] He has described himself during this period as a thrill-seeker, he would pull stunts such as jumping from a third-story building, and gained the nickname "Crazy 'Crae".[3] Encouraged by his concerned mother to read his Bible, Moore said that "I remember ripping the pages out of the bible and throwing it on the floor. I don’t want this bible. I couldn’t wrap my hands around this being true or real."[2] He began to drink and smoke more and look for more women "as the emptiness became more profound."[2] At age 17, his personal, financial, and relationship troubles convinced him that he was at a "dead end."[3][5] Wanting to do the "mature thing," the influence of his grandmother gave him a desire to attend church.[5] A girl Moore attended high school with was there, and she invited him to a Bible study, where he met his future wife.[5] Moore was surprised to find that the members of the Bible study "were just people like me. They read the same books and listened to the same music. Their character was just different. They were loving and that’s really what drew me in."[3] Moore says that it was "right after high school" at age 19 that he finally decided to live for God, though "it wasn't overnight" and he "spent a lot of time making bad decisions."[3]

He attended a conference after being invited by a friend, though Moore admits that his interest was to meet girls and experience the big city. When he arrived at the conference, Moore was awed by the performance of the Christian hip-hop group The Cross Movement. Lecrae says that he saw "guys who had been shot from being in gangs, girls who were extremely promiscuous in the past, I see rappers, dancers and singers; I see people who came from the same background I came from, and they still embodied who they were culturally, but they were all in love with Jesus and I had never seen that before."[2] After hearing James G. White speak on how Christians are bought with a price and the suffering that Jesus underwent in the Crucifixion, Moore says that he remembers articulating "'God get me out of this, don't kill me; do whatever you have to do to get me out of this, just don’t kill me.'"[2][6] Later, Moore was driving on a highway when he turned too quickly and his car went into a roll. He had no seatbelt and the roof and windshield of the car caved in, his glasses were molded into the frame of the car, but he survived completely uninjured.[2] This incident finally convinced him to commit his life to Christ. At the age of 19, Moore became a Christian and went back to his college, the University of North Texas, with a printed version of his testimony to pass out on campus.[6] He started volunteering and performing at a juvenile detention center, and the reception he received convinced him that offering "hope and encouragement" through music was what he wanted to do.[2]

2004-05: Early career

Five years after his conversion, Moore teamed up with Ben Washer to found Reach Records, and at the age of 25 he released his first album, Real Talk.[6] The following year it was re-released by Cross Movement Records, and it reached No. 29 on the Billboard 'Gospel Albums' chart, and was on the chart for 12 weeks.[7] Moore co-founded the non-profit organization ReachLife Ministries in 2005 to help reform urban culture. The stated goals of this organization is to help equip local Christian leaders with tools, media, curriculum, and conferences that are based on the teachings of the Bible and relevant to hip-hop culture.[8] Also in 2005, the debut album of 116 Clique, The Compilation Album, was released.[9]

2006–07: After the Music Stops

After the success of Real Talk, Moore released his second studio album on August 15, 2006. After the Music Stops charted at No. 5 On the Billboard 'Gospel Albums' chart, No. 7 on the Billboard 'Christian Albums' chart and No. 16 on the Billboard 'Heatseeker Album' charts.[10] The album was nominated for a Dove Award, as was the single "Jesus Muzik", and also received a nomination at the 2007 Stellar Awards. In 2007, the second 116 Clique album, 13 Letters, was released.[9] It reached No. 10 on the Gospel Albums chart and No. 29 on the Christian Albums chart.[11] The 116 Clique remix EP Amped was also released that year, and peaked at No. 24 on the Gospel Albums chart.[11]

2008–2009:Rebel

On October 8, 2008, Moore's third album, Rebel, entered the Billboard charts at No. 60 with 9,800 units sold, and topped the Billboard Gospel Album charts for two weeks, the first hip-hop album to do so.[12][13] It also charted at No. 2 on the Christian Albums chart and No. 15 on the Top Independent charts.[14] In 2009, the album received a nomination at the 40th Dove Awards, as did the Flame song "Joyful Noise", which featured Lecrae and John Reilly.[15] 2009 also saw Moore's first film role, when he appeared in the documentary Uprise Presents: Word from the Street by the UK-based TV channel OHTV.[16]

2010-11: Rehab series

On February 5, 2010, Moore released a charity single entitled "Far Away". The song was a tribute to the victims of the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake, and Moore promised that all proceeds from the single's sales would go directly to the Haiti relief effort.[17] A music video was released for the song on February 10, 2010.

In January 2010, Moore confirmed that he was working on a new album that would be due out September 28, 2010. On July 7, in a blog post on the Reach Records website, Moore announced that the title of his new album would be Rehab.[18] On August 5, 2010, a new song from Moore called "Amp It Up" was released on Rapzilla.com.[19] Moore would clarify on his Twitter account that the song was not a single off of Rehab, but rather a theme song that he wrote for Camp Kanakuk, which he now writes theme songs for annually.[20][21] On August 31, 2010, the tracklist for Rehab was revealed, the album became available for preorder, and a promotional video for the album called "Idols" was released.[22][23] The second promotional video, entitled "I Am Dust", was released on September 9, 2010.[24] Rehab debuted at No. 16 on the Billboard 200 chart, making it one of the highest selling Christian Rap/Hip Hop albums of all time.

On September 22, 2010, Rapzilla reported that the Rehab packaging came with an advertisement encouraging buyers to purchase another upcoming album, Rehab: The Overdose, which was released on January 11, 2011. It included 11 new songs, which featured several other Christian artists such as Thi'sl and Swoope.[25] The album was released as planned, peaking at No. 1 on iTunes and No. 1 on the Hip-Hop and Christian Hip-Hop chart, before settling at the No. 4 position through its debut week.

On August 29, 2011, on his Twitter account, Moore officially set September 27, 2011 as the release date for the deluxe edition of Rehab, entitled Rehab: Deluxe Edition, which included five new songs and extensive DVD coverage.[26] This was also the date on which the collaborative group 116 Clique would release their fourth album, entitled Man Up.[27]

On September 7, 2011, Rapzilla announced that Moore would be featured on the BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher on October 11, 2011.[28] Moore gained popularity after his verse on the cypher, trended nationwide on Twitter, and was featured on AllHipHop.[29] Moore than appeared as a feature on Statik Selektah's song "Live and Let Live", from his Population Control album.[30]

2012-present: Mainstream breakthrough

On February 16, 2012, Rapzilla announced that Moore was preparing to release his first mixtape, Church Clothes, which was released on May 10 and was hosted by Don Cannon.[31][32] The mixtape featured the song Darkest Hour, in which Lecrae collaborated with No Malice of Clipse.[33] The mixtape was downloaded more than 100,000 times in less than 48 hours on DatPiff.com, and in less than a month reached 250,000 downloads, a platinum rating on Datpiff.com.[34][35] On June 25, 2012, a remastered version of the mixtape, without DJ Don Cannon, was released as an EP for sale on iTunes.[36] Due to issues with sampling, this version was much shorter with only seven songs.[36] Upon its release, the EP debuted on the Billboard charts at No. 10 on both the Christian Albums and Gospel Albums charts for the week of July 14, 2012.[37][38][39]

On April 27, Moore announced that his next album, Gravity, was to be released in late 2012, and recording sessions began in May.[40] On June 21, 2012 Moore appeared live at the Apple Store in Chicago for Black Music Month.[41]

The release date for Gravity, September 4, 2012, as well as the album artwork was announced on July 19, 2012 via Rapzilla.[42]

On August 30, 2012, the rapper Saigon announced that Lecrae would be one of the featured artists on his upcoming album The Greatest Story Never Told 2: Bread and Circuses, due November 6, 2012.[43]

Gravity was released on September 4, 2012 to critical acclaim.[44] Upon its release, Gravity debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, with 72,000 units sold.[45] The album also debuted at No. 1 on the Christian, Gospel, Independent, and Rap Album charts, No. 3 on the Digital Albums chart, and 24 on the Canadian Albums Chart.[46] After the iTunes deluxe version of the album hit No. 1 on that vendors charts, and the regular version at number No. 2, Time wrote an article about Lecrae and his success with the album.[47]


Musical style

Moore's musical genre is predominantly Southern hip hop, and has been described as falling under the styles of crunk, gangsta rap, and hardcore hip hop.[48][49][50][51][52][53] On his third release, Rebel, Lecrae slowed down his style on many songs.[54] Rehab was noted for its stylistic diversity, particularly on the song "Children of the Light", which featured Dillavou and Sonny Sandoval and incorporated rock, reggae, and reggaeton influences.[55][56][57] With the release Gravity, Billboard stated that Lecrae incorporated reggae and soul influences into his "signature brash sound."[58]

"Christian Rapper," and other misconceptions

Oftentimes, Moore's music has been defined as Christian Rap or hip hop because of his previous works as a more theological rapper[59], his unashamedness about talking about God and his faith[60], and others which have caused many critics to place his music in a separate genre. Lecrae himself claimed that "I personally, I'm not a fan of the labels[61]," going on to say that "If I’m a Christian rapper, then Lupe [Fiasco] is a Muslim rapper[62]." Along with that, when asked if Lecrae would agree that his ideology of presenting God in his music has changed over the years, Lecrae responded "Yeah, I would... we came up Cross Movement (a Christian hip hop group) and Cross Movement had a lot philosophies and ideologies, and we didn't even think of their philosophies and ideologies - we didn't have any of our own, so we just adopted theirs. We hadn't grown into our own skin... But as we grew into our own skin, we began to realize, man we're not y'all... and it's not cuz' we disagree as much as we realize, we're not wired the same[63]." He goes on to describe how The Cross Movement was more of a theological rap group whereas Reach Records, the label Lecrae is signed to now, became more focused on being relevant and "reaching" out into the culture to be a part of culture that people could relate to in order for Reach to be able to share their faith with a larger, secular audience[64]. This trend has caused many popular magazines such as XXL[65], HipHopDX[66], and others[67] to separate his faith from his music. He argues further, saying "Christian music is the only music that is categorized off of content[68]."

Popular cultural references

Houston Rockets guard Jeremy Lin recommended Lecrae and Hillsong in an interview when asked about his pre-game music.[69] Bubba Watson and Tim Tebow have also endorsed Lecrae.[70][71]

Personal life

Moore currently resides in Atlanta since 2009. He is married with three children.[5] He and his wife Darragh are small group leaders at Blueprint Church in Atlanta. In an interview with Hip Hop DX, Lecrae has stated that Clipse member No Malice sought him out as a spiritual advisor.[72]

Discography

Main articles: Lecrae discography and 116 Clique § Discography

Albums

Mixtapes

Production discography

2004

Self-release - Real Talk

2005

Json - The Seasoning

2006

Self-release - After the Music Stops

  • With So Hot Productions, Mac the Doulous, DJ Official, and Tony Stone

Trip Lee - If They Only Knew

  • With DJ Official, Tony Stone, Mac the Doulous, So Hot Productions

Tedashii - Kingdom People

  • Executive producer with Ben Washer
  • 02. "Houston We Have a Problem"
  • 04. "Off Da Hook"
  • 09. "Lifestyle"
  • 15. "No More"
  • 19. "In Ya Hood (Cypha Remix)"

2007

Sho Baraka - Turn My Life Up

  • With Bobby Taylor, DJ Official, BenJah, and So Hot Productions

2008

Self-release - Rebel

  • 09. "Change"

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
2009 Uprise Presents: Word from the Street Himself[73] TV documentary special
2011 Man Up King[74] Short film by 116 Clique[75]
2012 A Cross to Bear Jerome[76] Television film

Awards and achievements

  • Nominated for Rap/Hip-Hop CD of the Year, *Won Rap/Hip-Hop CD of the Year for the 27th Annual Stellar Awards.[77]
  • Nominated for "Artist of the Year", *Won "Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year" & "Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year" for the 2012 43rd Annual GMA Dove Awards[78]
  • Nominated for Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year and Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year for the 2011 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards
  • Nominated for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album for the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards for "Rehab" in 2010
  • Won Best Hip-Hop Music Video for GMC Music Video Awards[79]
  • Nominated for BEST RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM for 2009 GMA Dove Awards
  • Nominated for BEST RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM for 2007 GMA Dove Awards[80]
  • Nominated for BEST RAP/HIP HOP RECORDED SONG for 2007 GMA Dove Awards[80]
  • Nominated for Rap/Hip-Hop Gospel CD of the Year, *Won Rap/Hip-Hop Gospel CD of the Year for the Stellar Awards[77]
  • Won Best Male Artist for 2006 by Rapzilla[81]
  • Won Best Album for 2006 by Rapzilla[81]
  • Won Best Song for 2006 by Rapzilla[81]
  • Won Best Music Video for 2006 by Rapzilla[81]
  • Won Best Album Cover for 2006 by Rapzilla[81]

See also

References

  1. ^ "EXCLUSIVE: Lecrae Announces Church Clothes Mixtape Hosted By Don Cannon". illHype. Retrieved May 3, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Moore, Lecrae. "Lecrae". I Am Second. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d e Wete, Brian (June 8, 2012). "Interview: Lecrae Talks About Going From "Crazy Crae" To Christian Rapper" (Web). Complex. Complex Media. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
  4. ^ a b "For the rapper, a new life, a new message", CNN, November 10, 2010. Retrieved December 31, 2010.
  5. ^ a b c d Family Christian Stores (July 10, 2012). "Pulling No Punches - an interview with Lecrae". Family Christian. Retrieved July 14, 2012. Cite error: The named reference "familychristian" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  6. ^ a b c "Reach Records". Reach Records. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
  7. ^ http://www.billboard.com/#/album/lecrae/real-talk/733416
  8. ^ "About". Reach Life. Retrieved July 6, 2012. {{cite web}}: Text "Reach Life" ignored (help)
  9. ^ a b Thomas, Vincent. "116 Clique" (Web). AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  10. ^ After The Music Stops Billboard
  11. ^ a b "116 Clique" (Web). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  12. ^ Lecrae Rebel still #1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Album Chart by Rapzilla. Rapzilla. October 16, 2008.
  13. ^ Chart Topper: Lecrae makes number one on Top Gospel Albums chart. Cross Rhythms.
  14. ^ Rebel Billboard
  15. ^ "GMA 40th Dove Award Nominees". Rapzilla.com. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  16. ^ UpriseMusicTV (October 11, 2009). "Uprise Presents: Word from the Street" (Video/Web). UpriseMusic. YouTube. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  17. ^ Rapzilla (February 09, 2010). "Lecrae "Far Away" hits #42 on iTunes Hip Hop singles chart" (Web). Rapzilla. Retrieved August 29, 2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ Reach Records >> Blog[dead link]
  19. ^ "Lecrae "Amp It Up" ft. Tedashii". Rapzilla. August 3, 2010. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  20. ^ "Twitter / Lecrae: @Rapzilla FYI Amp it up is". Twitter. August 3, 2010. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  21. ^ "Barn 13 Blog". Barn13.com. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  22. ^ "Lecrae "Idols" – 'REHAB' promo video". Rapzilla.com. August 31, 2010. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  23. ^ "Lecrae 'REHAB' Tracklisting Revealed". Rapzilla. August 31, 2010. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  24. ^ "Lecrae "I Am Dust" – 'REHAB' promo video". Rapzilla. September 9, 2010. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  25. ^ Lecrae's Next Album 'Rehab: The Overdose' 1.11.11 Rapzilla
  26. ^ "Lecrae 'Rehab' Deluxe 2CD/DVD Album Cover & Tracklisting". Rapzilla. September 27, 2011. Retrieved May 16, 2012.
  27. ^ Review – 116 Man Up Film & DVD Rapzilla
  28. ^ "Lecrae Confirmed For 2011 B.E.T. Hip Hop Awards Cypher". Rapzilla. September 7, 2011. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  29. ^ Seandra Sims (October 12, 2011). "Lecrae: The "God Son" of the Cypher". AllHipHop.com. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  30. ^ Statik Selektah & Lecrae Single Rapzilla
  31. ^ "Lecrae readies new mixtape with Don Cannon". Rapzilla. February 16, 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2012.
  32. ^ "Lecrae, Church Clothes". DatPiff. May 10, 2012. Retrieved May 13, 2012.
  33. ^ Diep, Eric. "Lecrae f/ No Malice "Darkest Hour"". Complex Music. Retrieved June 11, 2012. Lecrae, a rapper from Atlanta with Christian-rooted raps, dropped his first mixtape hosted by Don Cannon called Church Clothes yesterday. With production from Boi-1da and 9th Wonder, he is ready to open hip-hop heads with music that delivers a message. One of the major collaborations is with No Malice, who is known for his coke raps as half of the Clipse. He's been busy with his book, but on "Darkest Hour," he's offering his first verse under the moniker he came up with after his religious transformation.
  34. ^ "[VIDEO] Lecrae's Mixtape 'Church Clothes' Is Not Just Attracting Christian Fans". 102 FM JAMZ. CBS Local. May 13, 2012. Retrieved June 29, 2012.
  35. ^ "Lecrae status update". June 4, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  36. ^ a b "Lecrae 'Church Clothes' EP (Remastered with No DJ) Released on iTunes". Rapzilla. June 26, 2012. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  37. ^ "Lecrae 'Church Clothes' EP No. 5 on iTunes Hip Hop/Rap". Rapzilla. June 26, 2012. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  38. ^ "Christian Albums" (Web). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. 2012. Retrieved July 10, 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  39. ^ "Gospel Albums" (Web). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. 2012. Retrieved July 10, 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  40. ^ "Lecrae's 6th Studio Album 'GRAVITY' Releases Fall 2012". April 26, 2012. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  41. ^ "Lecrae & Trip Lee Live at Apple Store's for Black Music Month". Rapzilla.com. June 19, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2012.
  42. ^ "Lecrae 'Gravity' Album Cover Revealed!". Rapzilla. July 19, 2012. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  43. ^ Watkins, "Grouchy" Greg (August 30, 2012). "AHH Stray News: Saigon's New Album, Frank Ocean Debuts On SNL, Kendrick Lamar Sets Oct. Release Date For LP" (Web). AllHipHop. AHH Holdings. Retrieved September 1, 2012.
  44. ^ "A Houston Rap Album Worth Buying: LeCrae's Gravity" (Web). Houston Press. Village Voice Media. September 6, 2012. Retrieved September 6, 2012. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  45. ^ Caulfield, Keith (September 12, 2012). "Matchbox Twenty Gets First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart" (Web). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved September 12, 2012.
  46. ^ "Gravity - Lecrae" (Web). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved September 13, 2012.
  47. ^ Newcomb, Tim (September 6, 2012). "Meet Lecrae, the Christian Rapper Tearing Up the Charts" (Web). Time. Time, Inc. Retrieved September 12, 2012.
  48. ^ Hayes, Steve (November 20, 2008). "Lecrae – Rebel". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved April 16, 2011.
  49. ^ Cordor, Cyril. "Lecrae". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved April 16, 2011.
  50. ^ Tognazzini, Anthony. "Rebel". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved June 27, 2012.
  51. ^ Cummings, Tony (October 23, 2007). "Lecrae – Real Talk". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved April 16, 2011.
  52. ^ Hayes, Steve (November 20, 2008). "Lecrae - Rebel" (Web). Cross Rhythms. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  53. ^ "Events 10/09: Lecrae" (Print). Cincinnati Magazine. Cincinnati: Emmis Communications: 234. 2009issn=0746-8210. Retrieved August 7, 2012. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |year= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  54. ^ Moore, C.E. (September 30, 2008). "Lecrae's "Rebel": A Review" (Web). The Christian Manifesto. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  55. ^ Jeffries, David. "Rehab" (Web). AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  56. ^ Weaver, Michael (October 15, 2010). "Lecrae, "Rehab" Review" (Web). Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  57. ^ Moore, C.E. (September 24, 2010). "Rehab" (Web). The Christian Manifesto. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  58. ^ McDermott, Tyler K. (July 25, 2012). "Lecrae Talks Upcoming 'Gravity' Album, Big K.R.I.T. Collabo, & Chart Success" (Web). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved July 26, 2012.
  59. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1PGdr2F4ss
  60. ^ http://keriwilliams.wordpress.com/2012/02/05/lecrae-unashamed-of-the-gospel/
  61. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRIrOYHOul4
  62. ^ http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.20238/title.lecrae-addresses-misconceptions-and-christian-rapper-label
  63. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1PGdr2F4ss
  64. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1PGdr2F4ss
  65. ^ http://www.xxlmag.com/features/2012/05/lecrae-on-church-clothes-mixtape-why-hes-hip-hop-no-malice-kendrick-lamar-jeremy-lin/
  66. ^ http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.20238/title.lecrae-addresses-misconceptions-and-christian-rapper-label
  67. ^ http://blog.chron.com/jesusmusik/2012/05/lecrae-responds-to-the-%E2%80%9Cchristian-rapper%E2%80%9D-vs-%E2%80%9Crapper-who-is-a-christian%E2%80%9D-debate-kind-of/
  68. ^ http://www.xxlmag.com/features/2012/05/lecrae-on-church-clothes-mixtape-why-hes-hip-hop-no-malice-kendrick-lamar-jeremy-lin/
  69. ^ "Knicks Guard Jeremy Lin Recommends Lecrae". Rapzilla. February 15, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  70. ^ Thomasos, Christine (April 12, 2012). "Bubba Watson gives God the glory" (Web). The Christian Post. The Christian Post Company. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  71. ^ Horton, Chad (April 19, 2012). "6 Reasons Why Lecrae Should've Won Dove Awards Artist of the Year" (Web). Rapzilla. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  72. ^ Arnold, Paul W (May 11, 2012). "Lecrae Clarifies His "Gimme A Second" Line About Jay-Z & Lil Wayne, Details Spiritual Advisor Role To No Malice" (Web). Hip Hop DX. Cheryl Media Group. Retrieved September 15, 2012.
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  75. ^ "'Man Up' - What Will You Do With This Life?" (Web). Rapzilla. June 30, 2011. Retrieved August 5, 2012.
  76. ^ "Lecrae makes his acting debut in "A Cross To Bear"". DaSouth.com. February 8, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  77. ^ a b "Lecrae wins Stellar Award for Rap/Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year" (Web). DaSouth. January 15, 2012. Retrieved August 29, 2012. Cite error: The named reference "stellar" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  78. ^ "Lecrae is nominated "Artist of the Year" for 2012 Dove Awards". Rapzilla. February 22, 2012. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  79. ^ "Top 10 of 2010". Gospelmusicchannel.com. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  80. ^ a b "GMA 38th Dove Award Nominees". Rapzilla.com. Retrieved February 29, 2012.
  81. ^ a b c d e "Rapzilla's Best of 2006". Rapzilla.com. February 6, 2007. Retrieved February 29, 2012.

External links

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