Review: Lecrae – Anomaly

The sanctified division of hip hop was established nearly two decades ago with The Cross Movement, the biblically conscious rap group out of Philadelphia who raised the bar of Christian rap to a highly respected level. Where they set the tone for scripturally sound rhymes that exhorted the spiritual tenets of Christianity yet kept it real in the sense of holding down the standards of true hip hop, crossover Christian rap sensation Lecrae has upheld what the group established back in the nineties. Among winning Dove and Stellar awards, Lecrea won a Grammy in 2013, the first Christian hip hop artist to receive the honor. Calling for the responsibility of men regarding fatherhood and leading lives of value, Lecrae has achieved an extreme amount of creditability as a rapper who is identified first as a Christian.

While at least two of his past albums have been called “the most important albums in Christian hip hop history”, Lecrae’s seventh album, Anomaly, is a blend of the sacred and the secular which continues to set him apart. More than one song here or there with a Christian reference like Kanye’s “Jesus Walks”, Lecrae demonstrates an ability to represent the space that most Christians (and everyone else) exist in without being preachy and religiously judgmental. Wrapped in Southern hip hop crunkness, Anomaly is a mix of simple beats but also has a production quality that is intricate and layered on many of the songs. His fast-paced delivery is polished and shows off a dexterity that makes you wonder when he’ll collaborate with Kendrick Lamar or Nipsey Hussle.

As for the album’s title, Lecrae as an artist deviates from the norm regarding hip hop and being a product of a culture that is known for a lot of things that don’t reflect actually being a Christian. While songs like the title track or the single “Nuthin” show Lecrae’s awareness of what’s going on in the world we’re all a part of, other songs like “All I Need Is You” and “Messengers” exude the inspirational messages that are characteristic of Gospel music and the faith that sustains those who believe. You may not get theology in this latest album, but if you follow Lecrae, then you know he legitimately walks the walk while he talks the talk. And what he’s saying is on point across the board.

 
Written by Mai Perkins

Originally from Los Angeles, Mai Perkins is currently living a decade long bona fide love affair with NYC and the music that keeps its spirit moving. Many of her adventures around the globe are documented on her blog: Mai On The Move! www.MaiOnTheMove.com

 
Author’s rating for Anomaly

Pop Magazine’s official rating for Anomaly

Rating key
MASTERPIECE a must-have
SUPERB for heavy rotation
EXCELLENT a great achievement
VERY GOOD a respectable result
GOOD worth checking out
FAIR an average outcome
WEAK not convincing stuff
BAD an underwhelming effort
VERY BAD quite a waste
FAIL a total failure