Lecrae released his seventh album on Sept. 9, 2014.
As a trailblazer for the Christian rap genre, Lecrae has been successfully producing music and signing artists through his label, Reach Records, for the past 11 years. Most recently, he has released his own newest album, Anomaly, hitting iTunes and music store racks on Sept. 9, 2014.
Lecrae has a personal discography of 11 albums and has mentored, featured, and collaborated with many other Christian rappers. Arguably the most talented Christian rapper in the game, Lecrae has created and revolutionized a new genre of music. He has served as an inspiration to many current Christian rappers, and his newest album certainly does not disappoint.
Anomaly includes creative lyrics, placing you metaphorically between the pages of Lecrae’s diary, giving the listener personal insight into Lecrae’s life. This album includes deep topics ranging from wishes in life, wanting more time to live, sexual purity, and the image of America through the eyes of others.
This album is peppered with tracks that show off Lecrae’s versatile style and his ability to unflinchingly flirt with dangerous, controversial themes in Christian and secular societies. “Say I Won’t” featuring Andy Mineo is a duet that forces the listener to face the fear of being different and confident enough to reach the potential that God intends. In another hit song, “All I Need Is You,” Lecrae talks about his need for God over a need to produce music, stressing that He remains by his side. “Messengers” featuring For King and Country brings an energetic sound that leaves you tapping your fingers and nodding your head. Together, both artists encourage listeners to “answer the phone” when God calls, to represent God’s kingdom, and use the “time that is running out” to serve God.
A theme that occurs throughout this album is that the current population is not intellectually, mentally, or spiritually talking about whom they could grow to become. This is especially exemplified in the track “Nuthin.” Lecrae is admittedly sick of seeing people “selling poison to people” and having generally derogatory content in secular rap. In doing this, Lecrae is illustrating a bold Christian opinion towards the secular music industry. Although I do not think this delivery will change many minds, I respect his courage to call out artistic decisions that can be problematic.
Throughout this album, I appreciate Lecrae’s style, innovative beats, and constant references to the God and spiritual lessons. His last project, Church Clothes Volume 2, had many guest rappers and was consistently strong, but Anomaly proves to be a much better album with a new sound, honest opinions that are boldly presented, and guest artists that inject serious soul into this album. Overall, this is an interesting album that is worth buying and listening to many times. I would rate this album a 4.5 out of 5, and will eagerly look forward to Lecrae’s next album.