Grade: 80/100
How is it someone with seven albums over almost ten years can remain in the shadows of music popularity? The answer, sadly, is because that artist is labeled as a “Christian music artist.”
While keeping his integrity, Lecrae has managed to breakthrough to the mainstream market that never accepted his message. His newest record, “Anomaly” follows up on the recent success and proves he is a voice to be heard.
As is the custom on Lecrae’s albums, “Anomaly” begins with a well-orchestrated symphony of strings, piano and thought provoking lyricism.
Understanding that his thoughts may be shunned by the secular world, Lecrae firmly states he’d “rather be an outsider.”
Everything about this album makes the Atlanta native an outsider to the rest of the hip-hop community for all of the right reasons. The production quality and beats are on par, if not better, than a lot of mainstream artists.
Songs such as “Dirty Water” and “Messengers” provoke listeners to think about who they are in the world and what values they hold.
In a society where women are objectified and degraded, Lecrae offers another option with his song “Runners.”
There are minimal features on “Anomaly” which is a bittersweet feeling. Lecrae’s verses when working with others on his label and outside artists, are some of the best in his portfolio. He only shares space on four of the 15 songs, but by changing his rhyme scheme from time to time, the Reach Records founder shows the skills he’s picked up during his tenure in hip-hop.
Lecrae summarizes all of this album in one line: “The system didn’t plan for this.” No one can plan for an album like “Anomaly,” and that is what makes it so beautiful to listen to. It’s refreshing to hear such conscious and relevant rap. After seven albums, the world is finally hearing the message Lecrae has delivered for years.
Drawing comparisons between his faith and the world around him, Lecrae paints a picture of how he views his life on Earth. Whether you believe in God or not, talent must be recognized when it appears.