He was awarded the Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year for "Never Look Away" and Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year at the GMA Dove Awards of 2007. KJ-52 also has four Dove awards to add to his 'collection.'
KJ-52's song "You're Gonna Make it" was played at the end of Cold Case Season 5 Episode 8 "It Takes a village." He rapped in the Newsboys version of Jesus Freak alongside, and had a part in TobyMac's remix of One World.
He has been rapping since 1993 (age 18), and his current label is BEC.
They Like Me
KJ-52 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(That's true)
Let's talk about the elephant in the room though man
(Let's do it!)
They like me forget about the color I might be
It's likely they just like me
We different but the same we covered by the blood of the King
I don't do black music I don't do white music
I do fight music unified in Christ music
Let's get right to it hear the music write to it
From the context of a black kid fighting through it
Some folks said it was worldly it was too good
Some folks was scared of it it was too hood
So I took it to the places who would embrace it
And sometimes believe it or not it was white faces
Am I a sellout assimilating what's in my head
No I am Cyclops homie cause all I see is red
People covered in the blood are my fam
And we don't just relate we all related through the Lamb
My family tree is a lower case t (a Cross)
And we are all the same cause you need him like me
We different but the same and it's likely
They just like me that's probably why they like me
They like me forget about the color I might be
It's likely they just like me
We different but the same we covered by the blood of the King
They like me they like me they like me
They say we shouldn't get along cause our different skin tones
But I promise you they oh so wrong oh so wrong
They like me
I got blue eyes light skin and some black curls
Grew up the white kid in a black world
When ya live and ya different well the facts hurt
Moved to the burbs and I don't fit in that's worse
I'm just a nerd getting chased home on my bike
After school fight lay in my bed cry at night
Hate the fact that my status read poor and white
And all the rappers I idolize tell me that I'm never right
Now my skin is light and I ain't fitting in
I'm on the outside of hip hop screaming let me in
I'm hooked up with sin hate the very skin I'm in
Cause every time I rhyme they like "look it's Eminem"
Looking back again I's in the worst place
All I had was beastie boys and third bass
I'm the dude who always come down in 3rd place
Until I heard the story of Your Life and Your Grace
They like me, forget about the color I might be
It's likely they just like me
We different but the same we covered by the blood of the King
They like me, they like me, they like me
They say we shouldn't get along cause our different skin tones
But I promise you they oh so wrong oh so wrong
They like me
So on the weekend started seeking looking for the meaning
Heard a pastor preaching couldn't believe just what I'm seeing
Walked into a church of white blacks and Puerto Ricans
Without a single reason they loved on this little heathen
And with never speaking they just showed me simply
That Jesus is the only one to make me sin free
And beauty is the only thing that's ever skin deep
I was lonely but a new family is what you give me
So really if we claim now to love the Son
Why we got to segregate Sunday 10-1?
So much to overcome now from what's been done
But if starts with me (then what?) then I'll be the one (Okay)
Now ya better run I'm stepping on ya toes
Got ya out ya comfort zone now ya out the boat
If we're a family then let's grow now and make a home
Let them know you're my brother no matter what the tone
They like me, forget about the color I might be
It's likely they just like me
We different but the same we covered by the blood of the King
They like me, they like me, they like me
They say we shouldn't get along cause our different skin tones
But I promise you they oh so wrong oh so wrong
They like me
KJ-52's "They Like Me" explores themes of racial identity and acceptance. The song emphasizes the idea that people should be judged based on their character, rather than their race or physical appearance. KJ-52 acknowledges that he may not fit neatly into one particular racial category, but affirms that all people are "covered by the blood of the King," meaning that they are equal in the eyes of God.
The song opens with KJ-52 addressing a potential elephant in the room, likely referring to the fact that he is a white rapper in a predominantly black music industry. He then goes on to explain that he doesn't see himself as making music for one specific race or culture; instead, he sees his music as being "unified in Christ." He acknowledges pushback from both those who thought that his music was too worldly and those who believed it was too focused on the black experience. However, KJ-52 also notes that he found acceptance in unexpected places, including among white audiences.
The second verse is narrated from the perspective of a white person who grew up in a predominantly black area, but never felt accepted in either the black or white communities. This individual turns to hip-hop music, only to be told by his idols that he doesn't belong. He eventually finds solace in a multi-racial church, which shows him the love of Christ and teaches him that "beauty is the only thing that's ever skin deep."
Overall, "They Like Me" is a powerful affirmation of the idea that our racial identities should not define us. Instead, KJ-52 urges us to focus on the ways in which we are all connected, through our shared faith and our humanity.
Line by Line Meaning
Aiyo KJ people are waiting for us to do something
Acknowledging that people are paying attention to him and his actions.
Let's talk about the elephant in the room though man
Let's address the issue that everyone is aware of, but no one wants to discuss.
They like me forget about the color I might be
People appreciate and enjoy his music regardless of his race.
It's likely they just like me
His race is not a factor in why people enjoy his music; they simply like him for his talent.
We different but the same we covered by the blood of the King
Even though people may be different, they are united by their faith in Christ.
I don't do black music I don't do white music
His music is not restricted to a specific race or culture.
I do fight music unified in Christ music
His music has a message of unity and faith in Christ.
Let's get right to it hear the music write to it
Let's focus on the music and the message it carries.
From the context of a black kid fighting through it
He understands the struggles faced by black youth.
Some folks said it was worldly it was too good
Some people criticized his music for not conforming to their expectations.
Some folks was scared of it it was too hood
Some people feared his music because of its association with urban culture.
So I took it to the places who would embrace it
He shared his music with people who would appreciate and understand it.
And sometimes believe it or not it was white faces
Even though he faced criticism, he found acceptance from people of different races.
Am I a sellout assimilating what's in my head
He questions whether he is compromising his identity to fit into the expectations of others.
No I am Cyclops homie cause all I see is red
He is focused on his faith and the message of Christ, regardless of his race.
People covered in the blood are my fam
He sees other Christians, regardless of race, as his brothers and sisters.
And we don't just relate we all related through the Lamb
Their faith in Christ unites them.
My family tree is a lower case t (a Cross)
His family is united through their faith in Christ's death on the cross.
And we are all the same cause you need him like me
They are all united in their need for Christ.
They say we shouldn't get along cause our different skin tones
People believe that different races cannot coexist peacefully.
But I promise you they oh so wrong oh so wrong
He asserts that people who believe in segregation are misguided.
I got blue eyes light skin and some black curls
He describes his physical appearance as mixed-race.
Grew up the white kid in a black world
He was raised in a predominantly black community.
When ya live and ya different well the facts hurt
Being different can be painful.
Moved to the burbs and I don't fit in that's worse
Moving to a predominantly white community did not result in his acceptance.
I'm just a nerd getting chased home on my bike
He was bullied for being different.
After school fight lay in my bed cry at night
Being bullied was physically and emotionally painful for him.
Hate the fact that my status read poor and white
He was marginalized for his race and socio-economic status.
And all the rappers I idolize tell me that I'm never right
He questioned his worthiness as a hip-hop artist due to his race.
Now my skin is light and I ain't fitting in
Even within the white community, he still feels like an outsider.
I'm on the outside of hip hop screaming let me in
He wants to be accepted in the hip-hop community despite his race.
I'm hooked up with sin hate the very skin I'm in
He has internalized the negativity and marginalization directed towards him.
Cause every time I rhyme they like "look it's Eminem"
His talent as a rapper is often compared to Eminem because they share the same race.
Looking back again I's in the worst place
Reflecting on his past, he realizes how difficult it was for him.
All I had was beastie boys and third bass
He found solace in music by white artists that embraced hip-hop culture.
I'm the dude who always come down in 3rd place
He feels like he is always falling short of expectations.
Until I heard the story of Your Life and Your Grace
His faith in Christ gave him the strength to overcome his struggles.
So on the weekend started seeking looking for the meaning
He began searching for answers in his faith.
Heard a pastor preaching couldn't believe just what I'm seeing
He found inspiration in a pastor's message.
Walked into a church of white blacks and Puerto Ricans
He found a diverse community of people united by their faith.
Without a single reason they loved on this little heathen
He was accepted and loved in spite of his past experiences.
And with never speaking they just showed me simply
Their actions spoke louder than words.
That Jesus is the only one to make me sin free
Christ's sacrifice cleansed him of his past sins.
And beauty is the only thing that's ever skin deep
Physical differences are not important; what is important is inner beauty.
I was lonely but a new family is what you give me
He found a sense of belonging and family in his faith.
So really if we claim now to love the Son
If we truly follow Christ,
Why we got to segregate Sunday 10-1?
Why do we continue to segregate ourselves during worship?
So much to overcome now from what's been done
We have a long way to go towards true acceptance and equality.
But if starts with me (then what?) then I'll be the one (Okay)
He is willing to take the first step towards change and acceptance.
Now ya better run I'm stepping on ya toes
He is challenging those who still cling to outdated beliefs about race.
Got ya out ya comfort zone now ya out the boat
He is pushing people out of their comfort zones and urging them to embrace change.
If we're a family then let's grow now and make a home
If we are truly united as brothers and sisters in Christ, let's work towards creating a home for everyone.
Let them know you're my brother no matter what the tone
We should acknowledge and celebrate our differences while still recognizing our shared faith in Christ.
Lyrics © CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Elvin Shahbazian, Jonah Sorrentino, Le Crae Devaughn Moore
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Snow
I do fight music, unified in Christ music....gives me chills, great song
Tallfry
Its a straight up ripoff of the opening of "My words are weapons" by eminem and d-12. Now i understand kj got alot of beatdowns for sounding like em, but that's because em inspired him. Personally i wouldve tried to do one song addressing the issue and move past. He kinda got stuck on it and used ems lyrics etc but distorted and bent how he wanted. That's just weak sauce lack of creativity right there..... We know who kj obsesses over, HE'S A STAN LOOOOL but i also appreciate him for doing it for god and not the money. Clearly because he gives not a single crap who he's ripping off...
Jennifer Kelly-Arnold
I like this song a lot! This is how I feel. Ive been a singer for my whole life. For a few years, I have had passion to rap. Im working hard on my lyric skills but I get laughed at too much cuz Im a white girl from the suburbs. All Im saying is LET ME IN! haha. Lecrea has been such an inspiration to me. Now I am glad to have found you too. May God bless you in all you do fam!
Todd Gordon
Even after all lecraes albums this song may still be my all time favorite. Just the voice behind the song and the meaning behind the lyrics, it's just so crazy good. Such a blessing. Never really got into KJ, but he knocked this out the park! "I don't do black music, I don't do white music, I do fight music unify the Christ music!"
Misty Haggard
This song never gets old!! LOVE IT!!
7Annamallover7
This song is soooo honest and I love it bcuz it puts words to feelings people go through when they can't fit in one way or another. It's excellent!
Shauna Kastler
<3 I love that you are being yourselves. <3 Thanks for this. This is a reality that I've (and so many people) should realize! God Bless you both!
aves
I got back from Believe about 3 days ago. I saw KJ in person. He was absolutely amazing. ❤
Christopher Moses
What a song this is!! Absolute 🔥🔥
the illusional mario Bros.
Still one of my favorite rap songs of all time. Gets straight to my heart as a white girl from a "rough hood".