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.”
Break it down
Lecrae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Call it the first letter
You can call it whatever
Long as you hear the truth and leave surer than ever
Cory's a new believer actin like he's in gang
He run around sayin his Church is the greatest thang (1:10:-4:21)
He won't check a sermon unless its his Bishops name
It seems he forgot to keep Jesus the main thang (1:10-12)
He aint take ya case up
Offering you his grace huh (1:13)
But Cory stay divided all the time
Not Christ but a man that he standin behind (3:4)
I got this little letter I'm tryna break down (break it down)
So you can hear the Truth in the Sound (In the Sound)
Division (1:10-4:21), A whole lotta Sin (5:1-6:20), I can't forget the problems of people living within (7:1-15:58)
I got this little letter Im tryna break down (break it down)
But let me tell you Cory background
He started off crazy parties
Full shawties religious ceremonies where people was gettin naughty (Study the History of Corinth at this time)
But all that changed
The truth of God reigned
The Gospel spread within Him
Like viruses in the veins (Even in such a sinful environment, people came to Christ in Corinth 1 Cor 1:4)
But mayne even tho his hearts rearranged
He found himself caught up in some of his old ways
He layin up with women his sinning was gettin strange (6:12-20)
He thought the more he sinned the more Jesus pleased to save
He thought cause he accepted His brother touchin his mother that he was spiritual cause he let em get with each other (5:1-13)
Cory had beef with another within the faith instead workin thru it they opened a court case (6:1-11)
A slap to the face of the God who gives grace/
Cory' 's outta place tryna carry his own weight
Now Cori got married but every where he turns he sees lust burn and women waitin to serve him
Yeah an coris learnin'
Satan wishes to turn him away from His wife to satisfy all his yearnings (7:1-40)
Divorce aint legitamate
If both are regenerate
What God put together let nobody put a split in it (7:10-16)
But see that aint the end of it
He sought his own benefit
He would do things that his friends saw as forbiden
And tho it wad no sin in it
His homies they was ignorant and they were made weak cause His liberty was their hinderance (8:1-11)
Unlike an apostle no concern for the Gospel
No denying his rights nah homie wasn't that thoughtful...thoughtful...(9:1-23)
Maybe I should take a second to explain main that Cori aint a person but a group of people (The Corinthians).
Many just like Christians today.
Caught up in their own worldly culture no respect for divine authority, the Lords Supper, and still exhalting Gifts which are all given by the Holy Spirit to begin with more than love for on another. (11:2-14:40)
Everything we have was given by God who commands us live outwardly toward others. I pray none of us wrestle with the Ressurection of Jesus(15:1-58) holla at me if you do. Above all things love GOD and LOVE ONE ANOTHER!
In Lecrae's song Break It Down, the first verse tells the story of Cory, a new believer who is acting like he's in a gang, saying that his church is the greatest. Cory seems to be forgetting that Jesus is supposed to be the main focus instead of Bishop, the person he is standing behind. The second verse provides more information about Cory's background - he used to attend crazy parties and engage in religious ceremonies where people would get naughty. After turning to the truth of God, he found himself caught up in some of his old ways, including laying up with women. Despite his sinful behavior, he thought the more he sinned, the more Jesus would be pleased to save him. He also had a beef with another person in the faith, and instead of working it out, they opened a court case, essentially slapping the face of God who gives grace.
The song provides insight into the struggles of those who have accepted Christ but still struggle with their old ways. The chorus talks about a little letter that he's trying to break down so people can hear the truth in the sound, referring to the epistles of the New Testament that provide guidance for believers. The song provides a warning against being caught up in worldly culture and forgetting about divine authority and love for one another. The song encourages believers to focus on the resurrection of Jesus and above all things, love God and love one another.
Line by Line Meaning
Let me tell bout my home boy Cory this is the first verse of the very first story
The singer introduces the story of a character named Cory, who is a new believer in a church but seems to prioritize the bishop over Jesus.
Call it the first letter
The story of Cory is like the first letter of a larger message or lesson.
You can call it whatever
The title of the letter or message does not matter as long as listeners hear and understand the truth.
Long as you hear the truth and leave surer than ever
The purpose of sharing Cory's story is to help listeners understand the truth and feel more confident about their faith.
Cory's a new believer actin like he's in gang
Cory is a new Christian who acts very enthusiastic and devoted to his church like a member of a gang.
He run around sayin his Church is the greatest thang
Cory boasts about how great his church is without considering the importance of Jesus.
He won't check a sermon unless its his Bishops name
Cory only listens to sermons from his bishop and ignores other teachings about Jesus.
It seems he forgot to keep Jesus the main thang
Cory lost sight of Jesus as the main focus of his faith and instead prioritized his bishop and church.
Cause Bishop aint raise up after three days up/He aint take ya case up/Offering you his grace huh
The bishop cannot raise from the dead like Jesus and offer grace to believers the way Jesus did.
But Cory stay divided all the time/Not Christ but a man that he standin behind
Cory is always divided and distracted from his faith because he follows his bishop more than Jesus himself.
I got this little letter I'm tryna break down (break it down)/So you can hear the Truth in the Sound (In the Sound)/Division (1:10-4:21), A whole lotta Sin (5:1-6:20), I can't forget the problems of people living within (7:1-15:58)
The singer wants to break down Cory's story and highlight the themes of division and sin, as well as the problems of everyday people.
But let me tell you Cory background/He started off crazy parties/Full shawties religious ceremonies where people was gettin naughty (Study the History of Corinth at this time)
The artist explains that Cory's background involves participating in wild parties and religious ceremonies that lacked respect for God's authority and holiness.
But all that changed/The truth of God reigned/The Gospel spread within Him/Like viruses in the veins (Even in such a sinful environment, people came to Christ in Corinth 1 Cor 1:4)
Cory experienced a transformation and embraced the gospel of Jesus, even in a sinful environment where many people came to Christ.
He layin up with women his sinning was gettin strange (6:12-20)/He thought the more he sinned the more Jesus pleased to save/He thought cause he accepted His brother touchin his mother that he was spiritual cause he let em get with each other (5:1-13)/Cory had beef with another within the faith instead workin thru it they opened a court case (6:1-11)/A slap to the face of the God who gives grace/Cory' 's outta place tryna carry his own weight
Despite his transformation, Cory struggled with sexual sin and had conflicts with others in the church, resorting to sinful behavior instead of working through things in a respectful way. His actions dishonored God and showed that he was not ready to carry the weight of his faith.
Now Cori got married but every where he turns he sees lust burn and women waitin to serve him/Yeah an coris learnin'/Satan wishes to turn him away from His wife to satisfy all his yearnings (7:1-40)/Divorce aint legitamate/If both are regenerate/What God put together let nobody put a split in it (7:10-16)/But see that aint the end of it/He sought his own benefit
Although Cory got married, he struggled with lust and temptation, which threatened to harm his marriage. He also showed a selfish attitude and ignored God's command to keep marriages together.
He would do things that his friends saw as forbiden/And tho it wad no sin in it/His homies they was ignorant and they were made weak cause His liberty was their hinderance (8:1-11)/Unlike an apostle no concern for the Gospel/No denying his rights nah homie wasn't that thoughtful...thoughtful...(9:1-23)
Cory made decisions that his friends thought were wrong, even though they were not sinful. This showed that he was not considerate of their beliefs or the impact of his actions on their faith. Additionally, he did not prioritize spreading the gospel or denying his own rights for the sake of his faith like the apostles did.
Maybe I should take a second to explain main that Cori aint a person but a group of people (The Corinthians)/Many just like Christians today./Caught up in their own worldly culture no respect for divine authority, the Lords Supper, and still exhalting Gifts which are all given by the Holy Spirit to begin with more than love for on another. (11:2-14:40)/Everything we have was given by God who commands us live outwardly toward others./I pray none of us wrestle with the Ressurection of Jesus(15:1-58) holla at me if you do./Above all things love GOD and LOVE ONE ANOTHER!
The artist reveals that Cory represents a group of people who are like many Christians today, caught up in their culture and selfish desires while neglecting the importance of God's authority, fellowship with others, and love for each other. The artist urges listeners to love God and one another above all else.
Contributed by Lauren L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@HeavensMentalityMusic
[VERSE 1]
Let me let me tell you bout my homeboy CORey
This the first verse of the very first story
Call it the first letter, you can call it whateva
Long as you hear the truth and leave surer than eva
CORey's a new believer actin like he's in a gang
Runnin round sayin his church is the greatest thang
Won't check a sermon unless it's his bishop's name
It seems he forgot to keep Jesus the main thang
Cause bishop ain't raise up after three days up
He ain't take your case up offerin you his grace huh
But CORey stay divided all of the time
Not Christ but a man that he's standin behind
[Hook]
I got this little letter, I'm tryna break it down
So you can hear the truth in the sound
Division, a whole lot of sin
I can't forget the problems of people livin within
[Verse 2]
I got this little letter, I'm tryna break it down
But let me tell you CORey backround
He started off crazy, party's full of shawtys
Religious ceremonies where people was gettin naughty
But all that changed, the truth of God reigned
The Gospel spread within him like viruses in his veins
But mayne even though his heart's rearranged
He found himself caught up in some of his old ways
He layin up with women and sinnin was gettin strange
He thought the more he sinned the more Jesus was pleased to save
He thought cause he accepted his brother touchin his mother
That he was spiritual cause he let em get with each other
And CORey had beef with another in the faith
Instead of workin through it they opened a court case
A slap to the face in the God who gives grace
Now CORey's outta place tryna carry his own weight
[Verse 3]
Now CORey got married, but everywhere he turned
He sees lust burn and women waitin to serve him
And CORey's learnin, Satan wishes to turn him
Away from his wife, to satisfy all his yearnings
Divorce ain't legitimate if both are regenerate
What God put together let nobody put a split in it
See that ain't the end of it, he sought his own benefit
He would do the things that his friends saw as forbiddin it
Though it was no sin in it his homies they was ignorant
They were made weak cause his liberty was the hindrance
Unlike an apostle no concern for the gospel
No denying his rights nah homie wasn't that thoughtful
@JayEllsworth
Still a lit song in 2019
@blu-raydave
Amen Brother!
@JaviLpz116
2020
@HeavensMentalityMusic
[VERSE 1]
Let me let me tell you bout my homeboy CORey
This the first verse of the very first story
Call it the first letter, you can call it whateva
Long as you hear the truth and leave surer than eva
CORey's a new believer actin like he's in a gang
Runnin round sayin his church is the greatest thang
Won't check a sermon unless it's his bishop's name
It seems he forgot to keep Jesus the main thang
Cause bishop ain't raise up after three days up
He ain't take your case up offerin you his grace huh
But CORey stay divided all of the time
Not Christ but a man that he's standin behind
[Hook]
I got this little letter, I'm tryna break it down
So you can hear the truth in the sound
Division, a whole lot of sin
I can't forget the problems of people livin within
[Verse 2]
I got this little letter, I'm tryna break it down
But let me tell you CORey backround
He started off crazy, party's full of shawtys
Religious ceremonies where people was gettin naughty
But all that changed, the truth of God reigned
The Gospel spread within him like viruses in his veins
But mayne even though his heart's rearranged
He found himself caught up in some of his old ways
He layin up with women and sinnin was gettin strange
He thought the more he sinned the more Jesus was pleased to save
He thought cause he accepted his brother touchin his mother
That he was spiritual cause he let em get with each other
And CORey had beef with another in the faith
Instead of workin through it they opened a court case
A slap to the face in the God who gives grace
Now CORey's outta place tryna carry his own weight
[Verse 3]
Now CORey got married, but everywhere he turned
He sees lust burn and women waitin to serve him
And CORey's learnin, Satan wishes to turn him
Away from his wife, to satisfy all his yearnings
Divorce ain't legitimate if both are regenerate
What God put together let nobody put a split in it
See that ain't the end of it, he sought his own benefit
He would do the things that his friends saw as forbiddin it
Though it was no sin in it his homies they was ignorant
They were made weak cause his liberty was the hindrance
Unlike an apostle no concern for the gospel
No denying his rights nah homie wasn't that thoughtful
@HeavensMentalityMusic
2021 still grindin
@m.a.s40dayz64
Not everyone is bold to confess Christ
@timedrifter117
Amen!!!
@ericbarclay9015
I'M TRYING TO BREAK IT 4 ALL.5 BROKEN CHAIN👂 DA TRUTH IN THE SOUND GOD IS LOVE LOVE SOME OF US DON'T GET THE GOOD LIFE
@joshwebb4442
you how does this not have views?
@titoalvaro7223
2023🎉