Reach Records co-owner/artist Lecrae spoke with publication giant Billboard.com to talk about his new album "Gravity" to be released on September 4th, his collaboration with rapper Big K.R.I.T., and more. Check it out:
As long as the charts are a reflection of people really tracking my music and being inspired by it, I want to continue to stay there.
What sets "Gravity" apart from your past releases?
Obviously, there's more risk involved in terms of just making more mature music that's not as straight [and] explicit. it's dealing with bigger issues. People may have to think a little bit more. The production is a lot bigger and more advanced than it's been. Lyrically, as an artist, I think I've written some of the best lyrics I've ever written.
What sparked the ingenuity with this album?
Life, travel, relationships. In a couple years, I've experienced so much, toured the world, met some interesting people, and have gotten to hang out with people who are icons in multiple avenues and lanes. There's an anthropologist hidden in me somewhere that wants to learn more about people and culture and inspire them.
You do a lot of collaborations, most notable is the one with Big K.R.I.T. How was it working with him?
K.R.I.T., man. Before we started making music, he reached out to say he respects what I do and appreciates me. That said a lot. Outside of that, his honesty and transparency marks him. He's not afraid to say he doesn't have it all together, that he may be confused about some things, that he may be conflicted. I think that's the average, normal person, and that's what people enjoy about him.
What are your thoughts on those who will wonder about your collaborations that are with artists outside Christian music?
The beauty of it is, is it's not a sermon, it's not 'Hey, K.R.I.T., come up to the pulpit and say something.' It's a confession. I would hope that every Christian would want to have relationships with people who would want to be open and transparent and that you'd want to help them. It just so happens ours is a song.
Given the recent controversy surrounding Meek Mill and Philadelphia pastor, Jomo K. Johnson, what is your view on mainstream rappers using words that have a spiritual representation in your faith, such as"amen" and "hallelujah" ?
It's going to sound funny, but it doesn't bother me if a person doesn't understand the root or the base meaning of something, or if they don't value that thing to speak about it. It's almost like being mad at a blind person for bumping into you. You don't get mad at the blind person for bumping into you, you show them where the seat is, so I'm more interesting in helping people understand what those terms mean verses getting mad at its misuse. It doesn't bother me. It just shows me that I need to be here doing what I'm doing.
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