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.”
Don't Waste Your Life
Lecrae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A couple of them thinking they'll be livin' in the sky
But while I'm here livin' man I gotta ask why, what am here fo' I gotta figure out
Waste my life no I gotta make it count
If Christ is real then what am I gonna do about
Everything in Luke 12: 15 down to 21
You've really gotta go and check it out
Paul said if Christ ain't resurrected we've wasted our lives
Everyday I'm living tryin' to show the world why
Christ is more than everything you'll ever try
Better than pretty women and sinning and living
To get a minute of any women and men that you admire
It ain't no lie
We're created for Him
Outta the dust he made us for Him
Elects us and he saves us for Him
Jesus comes and he raises for Him
Magnify the Father why bother with something lesser
He made us so we could bless Him
To the world we confess Him, resurrects Him
So I know I got life
Matter fact better man I know I got Christ
If you don't see His ways in my days and nights
You can hit my brakes you can stop my life
Then I lost my rights
I lost my life
Forget the money cars and toss that ice
The cost is Christ
And they could never offer me anything on the planet that would cost that price.
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my, don't wanna waste my
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my, don't wanna waste my
Don't wanna waste my life
Armed and dangerous
So the devil just can't hang with us
Christian youth them will stand with us
Living and driven, given a vision, fulfillin' the commission he handed us
London to Los Angeles, the rap evangelist
My daddy wouldn't abandon us
I gotta backpack full of tracts and I keep it on the Johnny Mac
So are you ready to jam with us
So let's go, give me the word an let's go
Persecution let's go
Tribulation let's go
Across the nation let's go
Procrastination let's go
Hung on the cross in the cold
Died for the young and the old
Can't say you never know
Heaven knows how many souls are going to hell or to heaven so we gotta go in to get them
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my, don't wanna waste my
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my, don't wanna waste my
Don't wanna waste my life
Suffer, yeah, do it for Christ
You're trying to figure what to do with your life
If you make a lot of money hope you're doing it right
Because the money is God's you better steward it right
And stay focused, you ain't got no ride
Your life ain't wrapped up in what you drive
The clothes you wear, the job you work
The colour your skin, naw you're a Christian first
People get to living for a job
Make a little money start living for a car
Get 'em a wife a house kids and a dog
Then they retire they're living high on the hog
But guess what they didn't ever really live at all
To live is Christ and that's Paul I recall
To die is gain so for Christ we give it all
He's the treasure you'll never find in a mall
Your money your singleness marriage talent your time
They were loaned to you to show the world that Christ is Divine
That's why it's Christ in my rhymes
That's why it's Christ all the time
See my whole world is built around Him He's the life in my lines
I refused to waste my life
He's too true to chase that ice
Here's my gifts and time 'cause I'm constantly trying to be used to praise the Christ
If he's truly raised to life
Then this news should change your life
And by his grace you can put your faith in place that rules your days and nights
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my, don't wanna waste my
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
Don't wanna waste my, don't wanna waste my
Don't wanna waste my life
The song "Don't Waste Your Life" by Lecrae is a powerful call to action for Christians to live their lives with purpose and intention. The lyrics speak to the need to prioritize Christ and His message in everything we do, and to avoid getting distracted by worldly pursuits that ultimately lead to emptiness and regret. Throughout the song, Lecrae draws on biblical references to underscore his message, invoking the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:19 ("If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied") and urging listeners to embrace the call to share the gospel with others.
The song's catchy beat and staccato rhymes make it an uplifting and motivating anthem for Christians of all ages, but it has a particular resonance with young people who are searching for purpose and meaning in their lives. The chorus repeats the refrain "Don't wanna waste my life", driving home the message that every moment we have is precious, and that we must use our time on this earth wisely to further God's kingdom.
In addition to its powerful message, "Don't Waste Your Life" is notable for its innovative blend of hip-hop and gospel music. Lecrae's unique style has won him fans from across the musical spectrum, and he has been recognized as a leading voice in the Christian rap movement. The song has been covered by numerous artists and has become a staple of Christian music playlists around the world.
Line by Line Meaning
I know a lot of people out there scared they're gon' die
There are many individuals who are afraid of dying.
A couple of them thinking they'll be livin' in the sky
Some believe they will live in heaven after they pass away.
But while I'm here livin' man I gotta ask why, what am here fo' I gotta figure out
As long as I am alive, I must reflect on my purpose and figure it out.
Waste my life no I gotta make it count
I cannot waste my life; I have to make a positive impact in this world.
If Christ is real then what am I gonna do about
If I truly believe in Christ's existence, I must determine how to honor Him.
Everything in Luke 12: 15 down to 21
Luke, Chapter 12, Verses 15 through 21.
You've really gotta go and check it out
I encourage you to read and reflect on the aforementioned scripture on your own.
Paul said if Christ ain't resurrected we've wasted our lives
Paul stated that without Christ's resurrection, our lives are meaningless.
Well that implies that our life's built around Jesus being alive
Paul's statement suggests that our entire existence is centered on the fact that Jesus is alive.
Everyday I'm living tryin' to show the world why
Each day, I strive to display to the world the significance of Jesus's life.
Christ is more than everything you'll ever try
Jesus is more valuable than any material possessions or experiences one may pursue.
Better than pretty women and sinning and living
Jesus is a superior pursuit than engaging in sinful relationships or behaviors.
To get a minute of any women and men that you admire
Pursuit of temporary pleasure or acceptance from others is insignificant compared to the importance of following Jesus.
It ain't no lie
This is the truth.
We're created for Him
Humans were created specifically for Jesus.
Outta the dust he made us for Him
God created humans out of dust, and it was for the purpose of serving Jesus.
Elects us and he saves us for Him
God chose us and saved us so we can fulfill our purpose in serving Jesus.
Jesus comes and he raises for Him
Jesus's resurrection was so that He could continue to fulfill His purpose in relation to our service to Him.
Magnify the Father why bother with something lesser
It is more important to honor God than to be preoccupied with things of lesser importance.
He made us so we could bless Him
We were created to bless and serve Jesus.
To the world we confess Him, resurrects Him
We proclaim Jesus's life and resurrection to the world.
So I know I got life
I am confident that my life has a purpose.
Matter fact better man I know I got Christ
In fact, I know the true purpose of my life is found in Christ.
If you don't see His ways in my days and nights
If others do not observe my actions reflecting Jesus's teachings throughout my daily life,
You can hit my brakes you can stop my life
I give them permission to hold me accountable and redirect me on my path.
Then I lost my rights
If I am not living up to my purpose of honoring Jesus, I have lost my claim to what is rightfully mine.
I lost my life
By not fulfilling my purpose of honoring Jesus, my life is essentially lost.
Forget the money cars and toss that ice
I choose to disregard material possessions and their supposed value.
The cost is Christ
The most valuable thing to me is honoring Jesus.
And they could never offer me anything on the planet that would cost that price.
There is nothing more valuable than the relationship I have with Jesus.
Don't wanna waste my life, life, life
I am determined to not waste my existence.
Don't wanna waste my, don't wanna waste my
I refuse to waste my time on Earth.
Armed and dangerous
As a Christian, I am equipped with spiritual resources.
So the devil just can't hang with us
The devil cannot harm or conquer us because of God's protection and our faith.
Christian youth them will stand with us
Other youth who identify as Christians will support us.
Living and driven, given a vision, fulfillin' the commission he handed us
We are called by God to live and work with purpose, fulfilling the commission he has given us.
London to Los Angeles, the rap evangelist
The gospel message I share through my music reaches beyond borders.
My daddy wouldn't abandon us
God, our Father, will not abandon us.
I gotta backpack full of tracts and I keep it on the Johnny Mac
I carry literature with me to share the gospel message, always being prepared.
So are you ready to jam with us
Are you willing to join us on this mission?
So let's go, give me the word an let's go
Let's begin this journey to honor Jesus together.
Persecution let's go
Even in the face of persecution, we will continue to honor Jesus.
Tribulation let's go
In the face of difficulty, we will persevere and honor Jesus.
Across the nation let's go
We will spread the gospel message and mission across the country.
Procrastination let's go
We will not procrastinate or delay in carrying out our mission to honor Jesus.
Hung on the cross in the cold
Jesus suffered on the cross for us, even in extreme circumstances.
Died for the young and the old
Jesus died for all people, regardless of age.
Can't say you never know
We have been informed of Jesus's sacrifice and the gospel message.
Heaven knows how many souls are going to hell or to heaven so we gotta go in to get them
The number of people who will end up in heaven or hell is unknown, making it all the more important to spread the gospel message and save souls.
Suffer, yeah, do it for Christ
We must be willing to suffer for the sake of honoring Jesus.
You're trying to figure what to do with your life
If you are uncertain about your life's purpose,
If you make a lot of money hope you're doing it right
make sure to use your resources in a way that honors God.
Because the money is God's you better steward it right
Remember that all resources come from God, and we must use them in a way that honors Him.
And stay focused, you ain't got no ride
Stay focused on your purpose, even if you do not have all the resources you feel you need.
Your life ain't wrapped up in what you drive
The car you drive or material possessions are not what define your existence.
The clothes you wear, the job you work
How you dress or the job you have do not determine the purpose of your life.
The colour your skin, naw you're a Christian first
Regardless of race, being a Christian and honoring Jesus is of utmost importance.
People get to living for a job
Some people live for their jobs and let it consume them.
Make a little money start living for a car
Once they make a little money, they start living for material possessions like cars.
Get 'em a wife a house kids and a dog
They establish a family and obtain more material possessions.
Then they retire they're living high on the hog
Once they retire and have all they desire, they feel they are living their best life.
But guess what they didn't ever really live at all
However, in reality, they never truly lived at all because they never fulfilled their spiritual purpose in life.
To live is Christ and that's Paul I recall
To truly live, we must honor Jesus, and this is what Paul believed.
To die is gain so for Christ we give it all
Paul believed that even if he were to die, he would gain eternal life through Christ, making it all the more important to fulfill his spiritual purpose in life.
He's the treasure you'll never find in a mall
The true treasure in life, Jesus, cannot be found in material possessions or consumerism.
Your money your singleness marriage talent your time
Every resource, capability, and amount of time we have on Earth has been given to us with the purpose of serving Jesus.
They were loaned to you to show the world that Christ is Divine
All of our resources have been loaned to us so that we can honor Jesus and show the world His divinity.
That's why it's Christ in my rhymes
When I create my music, I strive to include the message and mission of Jesus.
That's why it's Christ all the time
All parts of my life revolve around Jesus and my purpose of honoring Him.
See my whole world is built around Him He's the life in my lines
All aspects of my personal world revolve around Jesus, and His mission and message are reflected in the lyrics I create.
I refused to waste my life
I am determined to not waste my existence.
He's too true to chase that ice
The value of Jesus is too great to be distracted by material possessions.
Here's my gifts and time 'cause I'm constantly trying to be used to praise the Christ
I give all of my resources and time to honoring and praising Jesus.
If he's truly raised to life
If Jesus truly resurrected and still lives today,
Then this news should change your life
The gospel message should have a significant impact on your purpose and direction in life.
And by his grace you can put your faith in place that rules your days and nights
Through Jesus's grace, our faith can be put in place to rule over the entirety of our lives.
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Cameron Durand Dukes, Dion Burroughs, Dwayne Triumph, Le Crae Devaughn Moore
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheGraceAdventure
Here are the links of the Transformation Crusade raps I just uploaded from their original album……
https://youtu.be/N2ENkjPVUBc here is a link to "Jesus Christ is King",
... and here is another link to "Amazing Grace rap" by them... https://youtu.be/BMPXOc-vuUI
and here is another link to "The Motel Hell" https://youtu.be/WrSK7x_JRyo
and here is a link to "Get Sold Out" https://youtu.be/VAa_GZ2j6mw
and here is a link to "Gang Warfare" "To Be Down" https://youtu.be/IL6EnSPR_GM
and here is a link to "It Costs to Be Cool" https://youtu.be/ityFBYpMVco
and here is a link to the rap where they say, "We're loaded with the Bible not packed with the gun" https://youtu.be/ZO6Fm5YFO7o
and HERE IS THE BEST ONE...... THE RAP "GOD IS MY STRENGTH " AND "CHILLIN WITH CHRIST" https://youtu.be/VNjhPev_N9M
here is a link to Hold On to your Virginity from their live Concert in 1989....ok??? https://youtu.be/vQv2pya_RRU
@TheGraceAdventure
Here are the links of the Transformation Crusade raps I just uploaded from their original album……
https://youtu.be/N2ENkjPVUBc here is a link to "Jesus Christ is King",
... and here is another link to "Amazing Grace rap" by them... https://youtu.be/BMPXOc-vuUI
and here is another link to "The Motel Hell" https://youtu.be/WrSK7x_JRyo
and here is a link to "Get Sold Out" https://youtu.be/VAa_GZ2j6mw
and here is a link to "Gang Warfare" "To Be Down" https://youtu.be/IL6EnSPR_GM
and here is a link to "It Costs to Be Cool" https://youtu.be/ityFBYpMVco
and here is a link to the rap where they say, "We're loaded with the Bible not packed with the gun" https://youtu.be/ZO6Fm5YFO7o
and HERE IS THE BEST ONE...... THE RAP "GOD IS MY STRENGTH " AND "CHILLIN WITH CHRIST" https://youtu.be/VNjhPev_N9M
here is a link to Hold On to your Virginity from their live Concert in 1989....ok??? https://youtu.be/vQv2pya_RRU
@reachrecords
Never miss a beat! Subscribe to Lecrae's channel for the latest tracks! 💯
http://bit.ly/LecraeVEVO
@luisjansen9045
Reach Records Do I Have , the Copyright to Download this song ?
@siphiweraviromoyo3239
when was the last time @Lecrae listened to his music...well his older music?
@larkinsjames83
That's right ;-)
@jeanmww8741
@Raviro Moyo hjuojk9k9k9lp
@kingcoreyd40lfbuses19
Sup
@offthekirb
This song has been ringing in my head ever since I first became a Christian 6 years ago! Press on brethren!
@patienceenahoro8253
Welcome to the family, I hope the six years have been amazing?
@rukiakuchiki6187
Amen!!!
@Lovelikegarfield
Patience Enahoro