Over the years, we have heard critique after critique of Lecrae Moore. Maybe some of it was valid and maybe some of it has not been. But, I am not here to really argue that. At the same time, I am not a Lecrae “stan,” so in no way am I saying that he is above criticism. I am just wondering about what I have not heard from any of his critics (maybe I have not looked hard enough).
There is a claim that Lecrae is chasing after so many other things than GOD. There are claims that he is now doing music for the wrong reasons and that he has fallen prey to the love of money and fame. This line of thinking would indicate that all of his JESUS music beforehand was the holiest music of all time.
However, when Lecrae speaks of his earlier music, he describes himself as “a Pharisee of Pharisees.” In his book, “Unashamed,” he says that much of his music came from a self-righteous place of motivation, including his youth group hit “Go Hard.” Are we hearing everything that Lecrae is saying? If one wants to critique his “transition” or whatever you want to call it, you must critique his self-righteous motivation for making JESUS music. Maybe you should feel more upset about that than the more recent issues with his musical career.
How about his lyrics in the song “Can’t Stop Me Now”—where he states that he started doubting GOD and acting out. He speaks of those close to him calling him out on his arrogance and also the importance of receiving prayers from others. He’s confessing sin. Are we not hearing him?
He obviously continues to have very solid people around him and he recognizes the important role of fellowship that they play in his life. He recognizes his need for prayers to help keep him from getting ensnared. The crazy thing is that it was Christians that helped drive him to a point where other Christians had to pray for him and check him with his arrogance. Again, are we not listening to what Lecrae is saying?
Within the past year or two, I made a decision to pay more attention to what people were actually saying themselves than what others were saying they said. This led me to actually reading Martin Luther King Jr.’s own words instead of others’ words about him. I’ve taken the same approach with Lecrae. Some thoughts and actions may have raised eyebrows, but I am striving to hear everything he is saying.
DJ Wade-O tweeted: “Outside of my family and friends, can’t think of anyone I’ve prayed for more than Lecrae the past few years.” Lecrae has said that the prayers of others have really helped him, so if the critiques of Lecrae are out of a place of concern, let’s take a cue from Wade-O and go before the throne on behalf of Lecrae Moore: a brother-in-CHRIST, husband, father, son, Christian rapper, rapper that’s Christian.
Grace and peace.
