One listen to Lecrae, and it is unashamedly evident that he has a worldview not commonly found in popular Hip Hop.  From the south side of Houston to a major platform in the movement of urban reform, a rocky road provides a window into the grace he experienced throughout his life, with every situation molding him into the artist and leader he is today.

 

 Calling Dallas home, Lecrae had been content using his gifts of speaking and rapping while volunteering at a juvenile detention center, but he was encouraged to share his gifts beyond those walls. Pouring out a genuine discussion of life issues and a passionate, unapologetic pursuit of Jesus Christ, Lecrae released his debut album Real Talk and soon gathered a following.  Listeners appreciated his in-your-face delivery of biblical truths and transparent, relatable and encouraging lyrics.

 

 As Lecrae continued to make his mark in the music industry, he realized the stage wasn’t enough. There needed to be a culturally relevant and biblically solid resource center to help train the next generation, so he co-founded Reach Life Ministries in 2005. After extending Reach’s impact, Lecrae then released the groundbreaking album After the Music Stops in 2006. Aimed at building an audience of disciples and led by the classic single‚ “Jesus Musik,” Lecrae’s sophomore album gradually spread across the country with other hits such as “Praying For You” and “Send Me.” It also sat on Soundscan’s Christian Hip Hop/R&B chart for two years after releasing in 2006. His follow up, Rebel, released in 2008, garnered even more success: becoming the first Christian Rap album to ever sit in the No. 1 position on Billboard’s Top Gospel Charts and spending 78 weeks on the Billboard charts.