On a recent episode of We Need to Talk, Nyla Simone sat down with Grammy-winning rapper Lecrae for a candid discussion about his musical evolution, career-defining moments, and the philosophies shaping his art and faith.
For Lecrae, artistry isn’t about mimicking trends, it’s about being, in his words, a “culture maker.” He explained that his sound changes as the world and the people in it evolve. One pivotal moment in his journey came with his first mixtape, Church Clothes, which featured mainstream producers and artists, propelling him beyond the traditional Christian rap audience. But the real breakthrough, Lecrae recalls, happened after his appearance in the BET Cypher, when legendary rappers began tweeting about him, a moment that confirmed his reach was stretching far beyond the church walls.
While he’s often labeled a “Christian rapper,” Lecrae takes it in stride. As he put it, the way an audience first encounters an artist tends to define their perception. These days, he’s less concerned with titles and more focused on the simple question: Are people listening?
Lecrae admitted he was both surprised and energized when Kendrick Lamar name-dropped him in the midst of a high-profile rap feud. He saw it as a rare spotlight on a subculture of the music industry that often flies under the mainstream radar.
Reflecting on his career arc, Lecrae acknowledged that in his early years, he had ambitions for mainstream success, but eventually realized he wasn’t willing to compromise his principles to get there. He noted the irony that an artist talking about Jesus might be less embraced than one glorifying drugs or violence. Today, he’s more at ease with his identity and content being his authentic self.
Lecrae’s upcoming album, Reconstruction, out August 22, is one of his most personal projects to date. The title reflects his belief that broken people can be rebuilt, much like dismantled wood can be repurposed into something new. It’s also a reflection of his own faith journey and a message of hope for those navigating hardship.
The project also pushes back against what he sees as an unforgiving “cancel culture,” suggesting that society has long taken pleasure in tearing people down, but that we can choose another way.
Among the standout tracks is “Headphones,” featuring T.I. and Killer Mike, a heartfelt tribute to loved ones lost. Lecrae revealed the song holds particular weight for him following the recent fentanyl-related death of a cousin.
When it comes to features, Lecrae searches for common ground with collaborators, real human experiences like grief, depression, or resilience. He recounted how an earlier attempt to work with Killer Mike faltered due to clashing viewpoints, but mutual respect and growth eventually led to the new joint effort on Reconstruction.
Prayer and spirituality, Lecrae shared, are deeply intertwined with his creative process. Viewing God as a father, he approaches Him with honest, informal requests for guidance and inspiration. For Lecrae, the ultimate measure of success isn’t streaming numbers or accolades, it’s witnessing the music awaken and inspire people.
As for misconceptions, Lecrae acknowledged being perceived as either too virtuous or too flawed. The truth, he says, is simpler: he’s just a human navigating life’s complexities.
