LecraeChurch Clothes Vol. 2
Reach Records (2013)
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog
Lecrae spits the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth on Church Clothes Vol. 2. Hosted by Don Cannon, the follow-up to last year’s Church Clothes finds Lecrae and a crew of featured artists unveiling the disastrous ironies of fortune and fame.
Consider it an album-long exposition of Matthew 16:26 (“What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”). From its title to its rhymes, “Devil in Disguise” outlines the temptations, particularly addiction, that lead to destruction. “Sell Out” is a humorous look at a fictitious record company called Lie-A-Lot Records where lying is encouraged to make money. No dice for Lecrae, who on the melodic “Lost My Way” reminds listeners what happens when one forsakes the pathway of truth.
“I’m Turnt” is a play on words; here, Lecrae is turnt not to “poppin’ or rollin’” but to God and a better life. “Finer Things” is not about fancy cars and clothes, but the things that really matter, such as family and faith. On “Was It Worth It,” a modern-day version of Harry Chapin’s “Cats in the Cradle,” Lecrae has the tough conversation with those who put their pursuit of money and fame before raising a family. It’s a message that will resonate with all listeners, and Crystal Nicole’s fetching vocal is the sugar that makes the medicine go down.
On the other hand, “Round of Applause” celebrates those who beat the odds by going to college, finding a job, and starting a family instead of landing in jail or living on the streets. “If I Die Tonight” is a death bed reflection on a life of good decisions that will lead to eternal bliss.
The album contains the rapid-fire rhymes, swaggering beats, and swatches of melody that helped Lecrae earn a Grammy and become the leading voice in holy hip hop. But Lecrae insists thatChurch Clothes Vol. 2 is not solely for Christians. It’s for all hip hop fans–just as there is no such thing as Christian rappers, says Lecrae, just “rappers who believe.”
Four of Five Stars
Pick: “Lost My Way,” “If I Die Tonight.”
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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