“I can't believe we made it through. My momma said she ain't surprised, told me that she always knew.” These are just some of the lyrics said by Houston rapper Lecrae, on his new album titled “All Things Work Together." The album was released on Sept. 22, and so far, it has seen much success. Since the album’s release, “ATWT,” (All Things Work Together) debuted at number four on the iTunes charts and it is receiving great reviews from critics and fans.
Lecrae tackles many topics on his new album, speaking about the different labels and social stigmas that have been placed on him, and also providing the audience with a very honest and real self-reflection. On his song titled “Cry for You,” Lecrae delivers a heart-wrenching cry for help, talking about the pain that he feels and the pressures in his life, along with his suicidal contemplations.
He goes on to say that suicide is not an option, and he thinks about all of the pain that he would cause his family if he did commit suicide, which quickly makes him forget about this possibility. Overall, the song is about Lecrae calling for God’s help with all of the pain and suffering going on in his life, and it is a very real song that allows the audience to enter and search through Lecrae’s thoughts and emotions.
It shows the audience that celebrities feel pressure and sadness too. Everyone is dealing with their own issues, and Lecrae does a masterful job of displaying that to the audience.
Lecrae has often been labeled as a Christian rapper by his peers. Even though he has never been shy when addressing his faith in Christ, he does like to point out that he is not a Christian rapper, but just a Hip Hop artist like every other MC. The Houston native has won 2 Grammys, released an album that went number 1 on the Billboard 200, worked with many different artists, and he is ready to prove to all of his critics that he is one of the best rappers in the game today.
Along with his raw emotions displayed, listening to the lyrics that he uses on songs like “Facts,” is reason enough to listen to the album. Addressing issues such as segregation, common cultural misconceptions, and negative connotations associated with his name, Lecrae gives the audience his truth and how he sees the world and the problems within it.
Of course, every good album needs some songs that deliver positive vibes for the listener, and Lecrae accomplishes this with his song “Blessings,” and his song “I’ll Find You,” which is arguably the best song on the album. “Blessings,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, is a song simply talking about all of the things that Lecrae is happy to have in his life.
His love for his family, his successful career, and the lifestyle that he is allowed to live is nothing short of a blessing, and Lecrae makes it clear that it is by the grace of God that he has all of these things. “I’ll Find You,” which features singer-songwriter Tori Kelly, is a song about finding hope in the midst of the darkness. Tori Kelly’s vocals for the song compliment Lecrae’s rhyming style perfectly, delivering huge mainstream success.
Even though you may be struggling, there are people around you that will help you in your time of need. You do not have to go through these trials and tribulations alone. That is the message conveyed in this very positive and uplifting song, and I understand why this song was one of the single’s released off the new album.
Overall, if you are a Hip Hop fan, looking for a song with a strong emotional appeal, or in need of some positivity in your life, this album is definitely for you. “ATWT” is filled with a plethora of songs, created with quality production, in order to satisfy every fans’ desires. Lecrae’s tour begins on Oct. 4 in Memphis, Tennessee.
