Quick Thoughts on Anomaly

After releasing the Grammy winning powerhouse, Gravity, Lecrae's new album was released Sept. 9th. While Gravity had 'mass' appeal (and even featured Big Krit), this album is more personal and reflective. There's only four guest artists while on Gravity there was over twice the amount. It's like we had the Church Clothes 2 mixtape for collaborations and this album Crae kept for himself. It's somewhat ironic now that he's one of the largest (if not largest) non-secular rappers, that this album is named Anomaly. It reminds me that even the most famous people are still people, and they are in need of a savior just like me.

Just as we all have different facets to ourselves, Anomaly is cross genre displaying different types of music. Not many artists could have a song like rap critiquing, big beat Nuthin' and more contemporary Christian sounding Messengers (feat. for King & Country) on the same album. He also has some hip hop influenced tracks like Made in America and Dirty Water. It confronts issues like sex trafficking, immigration, and the effects of slavery. Those surprised me, in a good way. He then lightens the mood with Say I Won't (feat. Andy Mineo) which is almost a continuation of Paisano's Wylin' from Andy's Neverland mixtape. It speaks to the rebel in me, that goes against society's sin loving culture. I think Crae is most in his element with songs like Timepiece and Give In where he is talking to Christians that might have one foot in Christ and one in the world over a great beat. He talks about relationships in All I Need is You and Runners, encouraging fidelity and showing love to his wife while making us laugh too. Broken (feat. Kari Jobe) has some great wordplay and admits to imperfections and a need to be fixed by our Creator. Fear and Good, Bad, and Ugly are very personal and reflective, revealing his fears and past abuse. These songs remind that Lecrae didn't become the man is now overnight, but only through an encounter with God and an intentional ongoing pursuit of Him.

Overall I really appreciated the album. My top tracks are Broken, Give In, and Messengers. I'm looking forward to seeing him in concert in November. 

#Rhetoric2014

I'm a little late but Rhetoric (the largest annual spoken word event in the world) was held on August 8th. It is hosted by Passion 4 Christ Movement (P4CM). It was amazing, God truly used them! The event takes place in California but I was so appreciative of the free live stream since I'm in FL. I wish now I would have went when I lived in Phoenix.

Here's some of the poems, they are still being added on youtube.

The Fall - Preston Perry & Jackie Hill Perry

This was probably my favorite poem. It's by the Perry's (along with baby Perry). It tells the fall of man from Adam and Eve's perspectives. I saw Jackie recite a poem at the Pinky Promise conference earlier this year also.

My First AA Meeting - Matthew Strange

Even during the intermission they had Christian music videos by P4CM members and guest artists like this one with here Chris Webb ministering to a friend. There was also a group called Rock Boy Fresh that performed, they were really good.