Lecrae, a Grammy-winning artist known for his powerful blend of raw honesty and spiritual depth, recently visited the VIBE offices for their ‘Then And Now’ series. He opened up about the personal stories and creative journeys behind some of his most impactful and popular songs, offering fans a deeper look into his discography.
The Most Personal Tracks
When asked about the songs that cut closest to his heart, Lecrae identified three deeply personal tracks. “Cry for You” and “I’ll Find You,” both from his album ‘All Things Work Together,’ articulate immense personal pain. The third, “If I Die Tonight” from his ‘Church Clothes’ mixtape, is a poignant reflection on what he’d want to say to his family and fans if his life were to end.
These vulnerable records underscore why Lecrae’s voice remains so essential, resonating deeply within both the hip-hop and faith-centered music communities. He explained that articulating pain through music requires more than just telling; it demands showing the depth of the experience, which often means reliving difficult moments.
Collaborations and Unexpected Hits
Lecrae also shared the stories behind some of his notable collaborations. Working with Tori Kelly on “I’ll Find You” was a blessing, as they shared a common faith and passion for music, aiming to create something that spoke to a global audience. He described Kelly as a ‘little sis’ and expressed immense gratitude for the song’s success.
The hit song “Coming in Hot” with Andy Mineo was an unexpected success. Originally created for a joint tour, the track unexpectedly took over social media, with celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Will Smith using it. Lecrae recalled driving two hours to San Diego to record it with Mineo, never anticipating its massive popularity.
Stories Behind the Chart-Toppers
The story behind “Blessings” featuring Ty Dolla $ign is also fascinating. Initially intended for Jeremih, the track ended up with Ty Dolla $ign after a scheduling conflict. Despite the change, the song became a Top 10 hit, marking a significant moment in Lecrae’s partnership with Columbia Records.
The Grammy-winning song “Your Power” with Tasha Cobbs Leonard was born from a collaboration with Zaytoven. Lecrae recognized Cobbs’s ability to connect with both gospel and rap audiences, intentionally crafting a song that would resonate across both spaces. He felt the song deserved its own moment, so he held it back from his ‘Church Clothes’ mixtape.
New Music and Continued Ministry
Lecrae’s recent track “Still Here” serves as a powerful articulation of resilience, both personally and spiritually. It’s a warm-up for new music, reminding listeners that he and God are still present, even through hardship. He also shared his passion for ministering within the prison system, a calling deeply rooted in his family’s history with incarceration.
His song “Lift Me Up,” featuring BEAM and Alexxander, was first released to inmates before its public debut. This track, considered an early stage of his ‘reconstruction’ process, explores themes of trust and seeking divine help during difficult times. The song’s journey involved Kanye West before finding its perfect home with Lecrae and BEAM.
Finally, “Tell the World” with Mali Music came from a shared sense of being ‘hybrid artists’ who defy easy categorization. The song was created to showcase their faith while defying genre boundaries, unexpectedly becoming the biggest hit from that album.
Watch Lecrae: Then And Now
Dive deeper into Lecrae’s journey and the stories behind his music by watching the full ‘Lecrae: Then And Now’ feature below. It’s a compelling look at an artist who continues to inspire through his vulnerability and faith.
Which Lecrae song resonates most with you? Share your favorite tracks and the stories behind them in the comments below!