Neither does hip hop n… Read Full Bio ↴“History does not happen in a straight line…”
Neither does hip hop nor its prolific breakout rhymist/activist/author/voice of conscience Lecrae.
Never afraid to move the needle, few would argue that his much anticipated Columbia Records debut album (due out this summer) comes at a pivotal moment for the artist, as hip hop’s torrent now moves to him.
Surging or insurgent - depending on your point of view - he’s blessed with a visionary verbal arsenal and an abiding faith that’s piloted a unique career trajectory defying the typical hip hop storyline. ‘The system may not have planned for this,’ wrote Vibe about Lecrae, ‘but it’s definitely coming around.’ “More caught than taught,” is how the artist describes his incredible journey that includes two Grammys, a history-making #1 album with his masterful 2014 offering, Anomaly (topped multiple categories, including the Billboard 200 and is RIAA Gold certified), and a compelling live resume, most recently notching a headlining 2016 ‘Destination’ tour which Lecrae says was about “real unity, not pretend unity.” He continues to thoughtfully engage the culture, reeling off a NY Times Bestseller (last year’s riveting memoir ‘Unashamed’) and a breakthrough spoken word performance at the BET Hip Hop Awards last fall that had the twittersphere heralding his arrival as truth-telling firebrand. BET hailed it as an “epic poem,” of “necessary affirmations.”
Lecrae relishes his purpose-driven career arc as inspired ‘catalyzer’ - going “from artist to architect” on the new album, widening the close-knit comfort zone of Reach Records (the label he co-founded) by partnering with Columbia Records and expanding his creative outreach. “I sought influences and collaborators I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to work with,” he says. The patient growth process was born out of a “gumbo” of more than 50 songs, “some to just get off my chest,” he says - “I don’t know if they were all meant to be heard but I know they were meant to be written.”
One song that has already seen the light of day is the powerfully uplifting “Blessings,” (featuring Ty Dolla $ign) which iHeartRadio chose for their ‘On The Verge’ platform which connects breaking artists with new listeners. Lecrae cites a refreshed perspective throughout the making of the new album after surviving one of the most tumultuous years he’s experienced since his turbulent teens. Among the hardships was the passing of his longtime friend and collaborator DJ Official, some “painful personal” ramifications after the publication of the unvarnished‘Unashamed,’ trusting friendships that went south, andchronic social media sparring from those attacking Lecrae for his candid and heartfelt perspective in response to theheartbreaking social justice issues making headlines in 2016. “Some people felt that maybe I shouldn’t be articulating the pain when it comes to the structural and systemic issues that have created barriers and disparity in regard to race,” he says. “But I came out of it feeling more confident in making this album then at any other time in my life.”
With trusted friend and Grammy winning producer S1 serving as a key production contributor, Lecrae says it was healing for him to weave some of the more nuanced, complex themes of the new album and come out the other side. “It’s about giving hope to people that they can overcome the fear and the insecurity when things do fall apart,” he says. “The before and after of it all. It may get ugly in your life, but there’s a point of rediscovery where the fear can actually drive the faith and restore you. Sometimes you have to acknowledge where you are at before it can get better.”
Such authenticity has been the hallmark of his 7 studio albums and multiple mixtapes, now nearing the 2 million mark in sales, with the acclaimed artist winning a Billboard Music Award, multiple BET, Soul Train, and Dove awards and even an Honorary Doctorate of music to go along with his 2 Grammy wins. Past signature songs like the ultra-relatable “Church Clothes,” and the prophetic, multi-perspective of “Welcome To America” revealed a Lecrae exploring the plight of the disconnected in all of us. Critics have praised the sociological component of his work and his heightened sensitivity toward the disenfranchised.
On the upcoming album, Lecrae hints he’s still mindful of the outsider role that’s enabled him to work the edges of hip hop stardom, but also conscious of the world coming into his space, now. “I don’t fit in to any one category,” he says. “The BET performance showed I can compete on the highest level and excel at it. I’ve already proven I’m part of the hip hop narrative. On this album I’m taking liberties.”
Blessings
Lecrae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I won't ever think I'm better than the next man
I've been down before the come up, I ain't stressin'
Baby I'm too busy countin' all these blessings
Yah, yah, yah
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Line 'em up, line 'em up, line 'em up
No matter the trouble surroundin' us
They don't see that it's a lot of us
Everybody move anonymous
Won't take that credit, I know where we get it
Them blessings be comin' from God above
I was doin' all kinda bad
Where the choir at? Tell 'em I need a verse
Hit the pew and tell God He's first
Hit the studio to body a verse
I remember pushin' mama's little white Hyundai with no gas money
I just bought a car, cash money
I ain't even tryna brag on it
I just tell it how it really is
I ain't trippin', they ain't feelin' this
I ain't sayin' I deserve nothin'
I'm just tryna talk about the benefits
I've been punchin' in the clock
Tryna keep the kitchen stocked
Man it's a blessin' 'cause we ain't ever had a lot
But all we need is all we got
If I ever took a loss, I learned a lesson
I won't ever think I'm better than the next man
I've been down before the come up, I ain't stressin'
Baby I'm too busy countin' all these blessings, blessings
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Blessings
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Blessings
I put my mama in the crib, said, "Stop stressin'"
I put my girl in a brand new diamond necklace
She said she need more of my love and affection
'Cause lately I've been workin' harder than ever
She said, "Baby, you a boss, baby, clear your schedule
Dolla you a boss, let's do somethin' special
Take me on a PJ, we should go to Mexico
I've been down for you boy, since when the money was low"
Anything for my bae 'cause she a blessing
If you woke up this morning it's a blessing
If I ever took a loss, I learned a lesson
I won't ever think I'm better than the next man
I've been down before the come up, I ain't stressin'
Baby I'm too busy countin' all these blessings, blessings
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Blessings
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Blessings
I took so many losses
Coulda lost it
Left 'em leakin' like a faucet
Almost cost me
Everything that I got, all of my fam
Part of the plan
I was eatin' fried bologna out of the pan
Y'all don't understand
I was tryna get it
I'm in that studio tryna keep it pushin'
Patty pies, boy I kept 'em cookin'
All I needed was the Mary Mary
But the God in me was havin' commentary, woo!
I got angels all around like Anita Baker
Blessings fallin' in line, guess I need a taper
And every loss is a lesson
Tell my haters I confess
Treat 'em like the green bubbles on the iPhone
I probably never read the message
If I ever took a loss, I learned a lesson
I won't ever think I'm better than the next man
I've been down before the come up, I ain't stressin'
Baby I'm too busy countin' all these blessings, blessings
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Blessings
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Blessings
The lyrics to Lecrae's song "Blessings" reflect on the idea that every loss we experience in life is a lesson in disguise. The song also suggests that one should never think they're superior to others, despite their successes. Lecrae acknowledges his past mistakes and how he has learned from them. He emphasizes that blessings come in different forms and from various sources, including from those around us and from God above. The lyrics also illustrate the rapper's gratitude for his current position, giving credit to his faith and hard work.
Line by Line Meaning
If I ever took a loss, I learned a lesson
If I have ever faced failure, it helped me grow and learn from that experience.
I won't ever think I'm better than the next man
I won't ever feel superior or treat others with disrespect.
I've been down before the come up, I ain't stressin'
I've faced difficult situations before achieving success, but I am not worried or anxious about it.
Baby I'm too busy countin' all these blessings
I am too busy appreciating and acknowledging all the good things in my life to dwell on the past.
Count it up, count it up, count it up
Celebrating and recognizing all the blessings in my life.
Line 'em up, line 'em up, line 'em up
Aligning all the blessings in a row, as if preparing for them.
Swear the sun shinin' on me in my huddle
I notice that everything seems to be going well and that life is treating me favorably.
No matter the trouble surroundin' us
Despite any difficulties or obstacles present at the moment.
They don't see that it's a lot of us
Others fail to recognize that we are a community and that we look out for one another.
Everybody move anonymous
Everyone remains unknown or unrecognized, but we all contribute to each other's success.
Won't take that credit, I know where we get it
I am aware that we are receiving blessings from a higher power, and I will not take all the credit.
Them blessings be comin' from God above
I understand that the blessings we receive come from a higher power, or God.
I was doin' all kinda bad
Before achieving success, I was struggling in various aspects of my life.
Where the choir at? Tell 'em I need a verse
I am grateful for the support of my community and want to celebrate that through music.
Hit the pew and tell God He's first
I turn to God to give thanks and praise for all the blessings I have received.
Hit the studio to body a verse
I use music to express my gratitude and appreciation for all the blessings in my life.
I remember pushin' mama's little white Hyundai with no gas money
I recall times when I had to struggle and work hard to achieve success, like pushing a car with no gas money.
I just bought a car, cash money
Now that I am successful, I can afford to make large purchases without relying on credit or loans.
I ain't even tryna brag on it
I don't want to boast or show off my success.
I just tell it how it really is
I am simply expressing the reality of my past struggles and current blessings.
I ain't trippin', they ain't feelin' this
I am not bothered if others do not understand or relate to my experience.
I ain't sayin' I deserve nothin'
I am not claiming that I am entitled to success or blessings.
I'm just tryna talk about the benefits
I am simply discussing the positive aspects of my life and experience.
I've been punchin' in the clock
I have been working hard and consistently to achieve success.
Tryna keep the kitchen stocked
I have been working hard to take care of my family and provide for their basic needs.
Man it's a blessin' 'cause we ain't ever had a lot
Even though we have faced struggles and obstacles, I am grateful for what we have and consider it a blessing.
But all we need is all we got
I am content with what we have and do not need more to be happy and successful.
I put my mama in the crib, said, 'Stop stressin''
Now that I am successful, I have been able to take care of my mother and alleviate some of her worries and stress.
I put my girl in a brand new diamond necklace
I have been able to provide luxuries and gifts for my partner because of my success.
She said she need more of my love and affection
Despite my success, my partner desires love and affection more than anything else.
'Cause lately I've been workin' harder than ever
Even though I am successful, I continue to put in a lot of hard work and dedication to maintain that success.
She said, 'Baby, you a boss, baby, clear your schedule
My partner recognizes that I am a successful leader and encourages me to take time for myself and relax.
Dolla you a boss, let's do somethin' special
I am successful and admired by my partner, and we want to celebrate and enjoy that together.
Take me on a PJ, we should go to Mexico
My partner and I want to go on a luxurious vacation together to celebrate our success and love for each other.
I've been down for you boy, since when the money was low
My partner has been supportive and loyal even when we were struggling financially and before my success.
Anything for my bae 'cause she a blessing
I am grateful for my partner and will do anything for her because she has brought so much joy and happiness into my life.
If you woke up this morning it's a blessing
I recognize that waking up and being alive is a blessing in itself, regardless of external factors.
I took so many losses
I faced many obstacles and setbacks on my journey to success.
Coulda lost it
I could have easily given up or failed, but I kept pushing forward.
Left 'em leakin' like a faucet
I overcame obstacles and achieved success so confidently that others who doubted me are speechless or surprised.
Almost cost me
It was very close to losing everything I had worked for.
Everything that I got, all of my fam
I am sharing my success and blessings with my family.
Part of the plan
My success and blessings are part of a larger, divine plan.
I was eatin' fried bologna out of the pan
I recall a time when I struggled to make ends meet and could only afford inexpensive meals like fried bologna.
Y'all don't understand
Others may not understand or relate to my struggles and experiences.
I was tryna get it
I was working hard and determined to achieve success.
I'm in that studio tryna keep it pushin'
I am still working hard and dedicated, even now that I have achieved success.
Patty pies, boy I kept 'em cookin'
I worked hard and hustled by selling popular baked goods, like Patty pies.
All I needed was the Mary Mary
I found inspiration and motivation from the music of gospel duo Mary Mary.
But the God in me was havin' commentary, woo!
I am spiritual and rely on my faith and relationship with God for guidance and inspiration.
I got angels all around like Anita Baker
I feel protected and watched over by divine beings, like angels.
Blessings fallin' in line, guess I need a taper
I am receiving so many blessings that I need to slow down and process them all, like getting a haircut taper to take my time and enjoy the experience.
And every loss is a lesson
I use each setback or failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Tell my haters I confess
I am not afraid to admit that I faced struggles or that I have enemies who doubted me, but I overcame it all.
Treat 'em like the green bubbles on the iPhone
I am purposely ignoring or leaving my haters on read, like green text messages on an iPhone.
I probably never read the message
I do not waste my time or energy on negativity or messages from my haters.
Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Allen Swoope, Maurice Simmonds, Tyrone Williams Griffin, Asheton Hogan, Lacrae Moore
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@roadrunnamarkb2450
A gospel rapper (Lecrae) ft a rapper (Ty Dolla $ign)=(Clean Rapping). This proves that u don't have to have cursing in your rap songs to prove points.
@SSGKoop
Mark Barrington ty dolla sign is a singer that raps not a rapper
@everettsimmons6334
Mark Barrington Exactly what I say
@saraheeeeeee4552
7GTV Judge judge judge holier than thou. You're so predictable. Go clutch those pearls.
@TheLakenya
Mark Barrington I wish I could like this Twice👌🏽
@slimpickens9135
Mark Barrington true, lil Wayne didn't curse until after his first album and he still made sense
@TheCocomama254
"If I Ever Took A Loss, I Learned A Lesson , I will never think im better then the next Man"
@jaziahb
🔥💯
@jaychatman894
Mannie 💪💯
@Kartierkata
soundcloud.com\dre_kata