Can you sum up a life in one 20-minute phone conversation? Of course not, and it feels overwhelming to even try.

When the musician on the other end of the line is Lecrae, a Grammy-winning hip-hop artist, that task seems especially daunting. At age 34, he's already started a record label, founded a nonprofit organization, released several solo albums, topped some Billboard charts and tried his hand at acting.

Lecrae's personal successes, however, are just as important, and even more dramatic than his professional victories. 

Born Lecrae Moore in Houston, he grew up in tough circumstances and spent most of his teen years indulging in rap stereotypes -- gangs, drugs, crime -- before turning to Christianity as a reverent solution. Now his days are focused on music and ministry -- not always in that order -- as he moves through the sacred and secular entertainment industries. 

Consider: Lecrae is one of a very few artists who could fit into the lineup of Rock the Bells 2013, a mainstream hip-hop festival, then move on to the 2014 Winter Jam tour, a highly religious experience. He'll perform in Birmingham tonight, as Winter Jam makes a 6 p.m. stop at the BJCC Arena. 

"It all feels like home to me," Lecrae says during an interview. "At Rock the Bells, I'm comfortable because it's hip-hop. At Winter Jam, I'm comfortable because I love Jesus and they love Jesus. I've learned to exist in both worlds."

But the path remains challenging for Lecrae, despite the talent and confidence that have earned him respect from both camps. In the rap and hip-hop communities, for example, he's performing alongside hardcore artists who convey ideas and feelings that run directly counter to his spiritual philosophy. 

Put aside the gold chains, the diamond-encrusted teeth, the champagne bottles and the booty-shaking women, Lecrae says, and you'll find plenty of gangstas oozing insecurity.

"Contrary to popular belief, every rapper is preaching a message," Lecrae says. "They just might not be messages of hope. They're saying: I've got a felony on my record, I can't get a job, I didn't finish school, and I'm going to find a way to make that seem OK."

On albums such as "Rebel," "Rehab" and "Gravity," Lecrae offers hip-hop anthems that celebrate faith, tout monogamy and look to the Bible for inspiration. However holy his intentions, though, rap remains an outsider form in Christian music circles. Traditionalists may have gotten used to rock and metal bands that seek to glorify God, but a hip-hop artist is a much harder sell.  

In fact, Lecrae says he's the first hip-hop act to travel on the Winter Jam tour. With each 25-minute set, he assumes an important responsibility, proving to his listeners that hip-hop needn't be off-putting.