LECRAE - Church Clothes Review

Church Clothes is a strong release in that it helps deliver a message without beating the listener over the head with religious propaganda. Tracks such as “Church Clothes and “Cold World” get the message across and provide a good introduction to those that don’t know Lecrae. Production wise, Church Clothes absolutely bangs, as 9th Wonder lends his production hand on “Rise” and “Long Time Coming.” Interestingly, 9th takes second billing to some of the more unknown producers as tracks such as BIg Juice & Street Symphony (“No Regrets”) and Tha Kracken! (“Rejects”) steal the show.

Production aside, it doesn’t hurt that Lecrae is a talented wordsmith, either, as he shines lyrically throughout the release. It’s impressive how he’s able to deliver a message without being preachy. Lecrae is an artist on the rise and Church Clothes is a prime example of the reach of hip-hop music and culture. ...full text If you haven’t heard the name Lecrae in the last year, you have probably been sleeping under a rock. In 2010 he released his fourth studio album Rehab. Not long after in January of the following year he released a follow-up titled Rehab: The Overdose. Then, in September he re-released both albums as a joint album (Rehab Deluxe). Oh, did I mention that he was a part of one of the BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher? So, yeah, if you haven’t heard the name of this Reach Records artist, you should probably wake up & take notice.
All in all, you can’t help but say that this album achieved its goal. Lecrae took a huge risk in marketing himself to the mainstream media, and he did so without compromising his message. If this were an album that you had to pay for, it probably would be a bit disappointing; but, for it to be free, it’s a very quality release, especially given the notable names that lent a hand in making this happen. If this is the Lecrae that we can expect on future releases, then I would say the future is very bright for him. Either way, he has made a lot of new fans who will likely go back & check out his prior albums as well as his future ones....full text When it comes to modern Christian Rap, Lecrae is to this generation what DC Talk was to our parents generation. When folks hear this type of terminology, they instantly think of gospel music or as it is being dubbed nowadays, “gospel rap”. However, this is something that Lecrae wants to get across to the listener, “Folks wanna call this gospel rap. Nah homeboy, this is sacrifice.” As he raps over a solid beat in the song, “Sacrifice”, that ultimately just leaves the listener breathless.
This record is some of Lecrae’s best stuff to date. This album is certainly one to check out. It made worth wild for songs like “Church Clothes”, “Sacrifice” & “Rejects”. In the old tradition, you can’t have the good without the bad. You will also have your duds on this album as well. “APB”, “Special” & “Rise” just to name a few. Clothes is an astonishing entry from Lecrae. This album is highly recommended. His passion is at an all-time high, his deliverance at times is almost unreal because of how good it is and he is accompanied by some of the best beats in his career. Church Clothes is where it is at....full text