Back To Top

Back to Top

Comment

Comment
Share

Church Clothes Vol2 | Rapping from non-Christian perspective?

Deon
May 28, 2014

lecrae3

In response to my last post, many adoring fans came to Lecrae’s defense by stating that Lecrae made it clear that his album Church Clothes Vol2 was not based from Lecrae’s perspective but rather from an Unbelievers perspective.

Therefore the aim of this blog post is to provide evidence that clearly displays that this statement (made by both Lecrae and his fans) — is Inaccurate.

Lecrae Defends “Church Clothes” Lyrics

In an attempt to set the Record straight, the rapper Lecrae Moore issued a statement in which he insisted that the lyrics in his song was meant to highlight the hypocrisy in some christian churches — but not to attack them.

“Many people have seen the hypocrisy and inconsistencies that have helped push them away from the church and God all together”

He continued by stating that the “Church Clothes” title track was written from a non-believer’s perspective who may use the hypocrisy in the church as a reason to live sinfully.

“The goal wasn’t to condone this behavior or view; it was just to show the real attitude that people outside the church have,” said Lecrae.

He continued by displaying his lyrics as an artistic way to highlight the Hypocrisy of Christian churches that preach “Holiness” but yet are overrun with ungodliness.

lecrae-church-clothesChurch Clothes: Volume 2

In his latest mixtape, lecrae continues his artistic movement which is supposedly from a non believers perspective. Here is the Track-listing…

  1. “Co-Sign PT. 2”
  2. “Believe”
  3. “Devil In Disguise” f. Kevin Ross
  4. “The Fever” f. Andy Mineo & Papa San
  5. “I’m Turnt”
  6. “Let It Whip” f. Paul Wall (secular)
  7. “Sell Out”
  8. “Lost My Way” f. King Mez & Daniel Day
  9. “Misconception” PART. 2 f. W.L.A.K.
  10. “Round of Applause” f. B.o.B. (secular)
  11. “Was It Worth It” f. Derek Minor & Crystal Nicole
  12. “Bun B Speaks” (secular)
  13. “Finer Things” f. Tedashii
  14. “Hands Up” f. Propaganda
  15. “My Whole Life Changed”
  16. “If I Die Tonight” f. Novel
  17. “Hang On”

Although Lecrae has made it clear that his entire “Church Clothes” series is not from his own perspective — the lyrics in some of his songs would suggest otherwise.

lecrae1Here is an Excerpt from his song “Church Clothes” which was on his Volume1 mixtape…

Some of these folks won’t tell the truth
Too busy try’na get them racks man
Church try’na rob my paychecks
Choir members probably having gay sex

Pastor manipulatin‘ hurtin’ women
I wonder which he’s gon’ slay next
Bookstore pimpin’ them hope books
Like God don’t know how broke looks
And telling me that I’m gon’ reap a mil’
If I sow into these low crooks
Plus I know ol’ girl a freak
And how she singin’ a solo

I walked in the church wit a snapback
And they tellin’ me that that’s a “no-no”?
That’s backwards, and I lack words
For these actors called pastors
ALL these folks is hypocrites
And that’s why I ain’t at church

Now although many people may consider these lyrics degrading to Christianity as a whole — Lecrae has made it clear that this is not his personal thinking, but rather this is him simply speaking from the perspective of someone who is not saved.

Now lets examine the very next excerpt that follows this verse that is allegedly an “Artistic approach” of displaying the thoughts of a non-christian against the church.

Truthfully I’m just doin’ me
And I don’t wanna face no scrutiny
As long as the church keep wildin’ out
I can justify all my foolish deeds
Smoking weed, pourin’ up
Keep that lean up in my cup
Maybe I could change the world
But this porn on my laptop got me stuck
Yeah I know what’s right from wrong
But that there ain’t gon sell a song
I rather sell my soul then save it
If that’s what make my money long

Hold on — something is not adding up. After reading the second half of this verse, I can’t help but wonder the following…

  1. Why would a non-christian face Scrutiny from Christians?
  2. Why would a non-christian need to Justify their actions?
  3. Why would a non-christian be concerned with “Selling a Song”?

Although Lecrae claims that this song was written from a non-christian perspective, his verse contradicts his own statement.

lecrae2

Why Scrutinize a Non-Christian?

The first problem is that Lecrae (speaking from a non-christian view) states that he doesn’t want to face scrutiny from Christians. But since when has the Bible directed Christians to go out into the world and scrutinize non-Christians? There are far too many non-Christians in the world for Christians to even fathom doing such a thing. The only “Scrutiny” (or rebuke) that takes is amongst those who claim the name of Christ.

(1 Corinthians 5:9)  In the letter that I wrote you I told you not to associate with immoral people.

(1 Corinthians 5:10)  Now I did not mean pagans who are immoral or greedy or are thieves, or who worship idols. To avoid them you would have to get out of the world completely.

(1 Corinthians 5:11)  What I meant was that you should not associate with a person who calls himself a believer but is immoral or greedy or worships idols or is a slanderer or a drunkard or a thief. Don’t even sit down to eat with such a person.

(1 Corinthians 5:12)  After all, it is none of my business to judge outsiders. God will judge them. But should you not judge the members of your own fellowship? As the scripture says, “Remove the evil person from your group.”

Why would Non-Christians Justify their Actions to Christians?

Now this verse truly had me puzzled. I find it hard to believe that a non-believer would have to Justify their foolish actions using the hypocrisy of the church as their main argument. Why would they need to Justify their actions to the church when they would care less about what the church thinks?

Lecrae on 106&Park

Who is selling the Song?

Finally, the smoking gun.

Why would a non-believer be focused on selling a song? Is he an artist as well? It would also seem that this “non-Christian” artist is facing a moral struggle regarding the content of his Lyrics.

“Yeah I know whats Right and Wrong
But that there ain’t gon sell a song”

Lecrae claims that he is speaking from a non-christian’s perspective, not his own — yet with each line, this “non-christian” person that he is speaking for is beginning to look more and more like himself.

Here is another snippet from his mixtape titled “Co-sign pt.2” featuring the secular artist Kendrick Lamar

Leaking out that syntax
Never left but I been back
Cross on my big-knack
And I don’t rap Gospel, I live that
But I’m nothin’ but a gimmick?
You Seen me in a club?
hmm-Funny, you was in it?
Skip a co-sign shout out to the homey Kendrick
And all I hear is crickets
When I run into the critics

Wait just one second – It would seem that Lecrae has forgotten that his “Church Clothes” mixtapes (both Volumes 1&2) are supposed to be from the perspective of a non-Christian.

Why would a non-christian say that they are Living the Gospel?

It seems apparent that many of Lecrae’s songs contradict the statement made by him regarding these mixtapes being from a non-Christian angle.
(Unless that non-Christian angle is his own.)

The Best of Both Worlds

In an attempt to gather fans from both sides of the fence, Lecrae has altered his music to appease both audiences (Christians & Non-Christians).

Although his songs contain references to Clubs, Weed, Alcohol, Twerking to appeal to the secular audience — Lecrae has also cleverly “Laced” his music with strings and snippets of Christian concepts as an attempt to keep his Christian audience “Tagging along” as well.

Lecrae claims that he is trying to bridge the Gap between the 2 world’s — between Secular and the Christian music.But Is Lecrae desperately trying to bridge a gap that God purposely created?

(2 Corinthians 6:14)  “Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness?

(2 Corinthians 6:15)  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever?

(2 Corinthians 6:16)  And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

(2 Corinthians 6:17)  Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, And touch no unclean thing; And I will receive you,

(2 Corinthians 6:18)  And will be to you a Father, And ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

To The Reader:

What are your Thoughts?

Some of these folks won’t tell the truth
Too busy try’na get them racks man
Church try’na rob my paychecks
Choir members probably having gay sex

Pastor manipulatin‘ hurtin’ women
I wonder which he’s gon’ slay next
Bookstore pimpin’ them hope books
Like God don’t know how broke looks
And telling me that I’m gon’ reap a mil’
If I sow into these low crooks
Plus I know ol’ girl a freak
And how she singin’ a solo

I walked in the church wit a snapback
And they tellin’ me that that’s a “no-no”?
That’s backwards, and I lack words
For these actors called pastors
ALL these folks is hypocrites
And that’s why I ain’t at church

– See more at: https://deonvsearth.com/i-rather-sell-my-soul-then-save-it-he-says-lecrae-leaves-the-church/#sthash.f2IXv6D9.dpuf

Deon

34 Responses to Church Clothes Vol2 | Rapping from non-Christian perspective?

  1. Pingback: “I’d rather sell my soul than save it” says Lecrae | ShockingDeon VS Earth