Lecrae: I Do Not Struggle With Compromise
Christian Rapper Lecrae said he is not tempted by the hip-hop industry's self-indulgent lifestyle because he's too busy trying to impact the culture.
In a behind the scenes look at his studio and the photo shoot for the album cover of his last release Anomaly, Lecrae told Billboard:
"As a rapper who is a devout Christian, you would think I would struggle or wrestle with compromise because a lot of hip-hop is full of violence and misogyny and so forth but it's not really a struggle for me because it's not my reality. It's not the life that I'm living."
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The rapper, who resides in Atlanta, said even winning a Grammy for his 2012 album Gravity has not phased him because he is more focused on reaching those who love rap music.
"I think when I see people win an Olympic medal or win a Grammy, they just have this breakdown moment like I fought so hard but for me, I didn't fight very hard to win that award. I fight hard to influence culture, to see people's lives transform," said Lecrae.
Music, Lecrae explained, is a platform. "A musician has a unique opportunity to be a voice for equality, for unity, for love, for justice but if they really want to take it a step further, go and get your hands dirty," he challenged.
The video followed the artist and Pastor Benjamin Willis into one of the roughest Atlanta communities where he fixed bikes and interacted with children. He told the cameraman he was excited to "encourage people to be involved in their cities and their communities."
Anomaly is Lecrae's seventh studio album. He said the album's name reflects his experience as a devout Christian who understands rap culture.
Anomaly is currently number one on the Billboard 200 list. It is the first album to top both the Billboard 200 and the gospel charts in the same week.
Lecrae celebrated the achievement by performing the album's lead single, "Nuthin," alongside The Roots on "The Tonight Show" last week. The single has already been nominated for an award for the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards.
