I Am Second alum and chart-topping hip hop artist, Lecrae is releasing his 9th studio album, Restoration, on August 21. Known for his knack at combining smooth beats with insightful and self-revealing lyrics, Lecrae’s first album since 2014 is well worth the wait. Here are the lines you’ll want to let roll around your head (and bounce through your feet):
“I walk with a limp ‘cause I’ve been wrestlin’ with the Holy Ghost / Deep end of the pit, but still somehow I keep on floating on / Thought I lost my grip, but God reminded me He’s holding on”
From his mournful track, “Deep End,” Lecrae dives deep into the reality of grief, injustice, and the presence of God when the world falls apart. Here he makes specific mention of his own struggles to cope with the racial injustices he sees in the world, but even if you’ve got different issues you’re dealing with you’ll find his candor enlightening. There’s something about mourning with those who mourn that lifts the spirit and pulls us all up above the waterline.
“If I had one call, would you answer it? / Or would you fake back all of Your promises? / ‘Cause I don’t know who to turn to or who to trust”
Keeping to the grief and water analogy started with “Deep End,” Lecrae joins with John Legend in “Drown” by calling to God when hardships make them wonder out loud if God will answer their calls. The song is reminiscent of the many biblical Psalms that also share this sense of doubt amidst struggle like Psalm 13 that says “Lord, how long must I wait? Will you forget me forever? How long will you turn your face away from me? ...Lord my God, look at me and answer me.” Again another honest look into the emotions that difficulty can bring and the impact they can have on our faith.
“I was like a zombie, ‘til I was awakened / Chasin’ all the barbies, tryna get the bacon / Pull up in a new toy, feelin’ like a rude boy / Always acting brazy but my heart felt like a chew toy”
For the second time, Lecrae partners with Taylor Hill (Dove Award Nominated Artist who also was featured on “Cry For You”) to produce the smooth sounds of “Zombie.” Here Lecrae and Taylor describe the inner deadness that comes with using the stuff of this world to fill our souls. At the same time confessional and instructional, the song makes a clear warning against letting the money, temptations, and pleasures of this life distract you from the voice of God and the call of Jesus.
“You can pick a side if you wanna / You already know who I roll with / You don’t want no problems with me / Get these shackles off my feet.”
The world has shackled the feet of Lecrae in his lead single “Set Me Free,” but watch out if you’re against him because God is gonna set him free. A hopeful and inspiring personal journey of a song that brings the listener through the trappings of the music industry, society at large, and the schemes of evil from which God sets him free. As much as you’ll appreciate the mournful tracks of “Deep End” and “Drown” for their ability to empathize with hardship, you’ll love the hope that this song fills you with.
If you’re not familiar with Lecrae’s life story and you’ve somehow missed his hugely inspiring White Chair Film, check it out HERE.
Blogs written by the I Am Second editorial team.
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