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.”
Stand Up
Lecrae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I did this track for the church
everbody talking about they livin it dawg
but we need to see it
signed doctor productions
lecrae you heard this
let's get it
my crew flipped up what it did with this
repetentant sinners
blood stained banner
i done rep for my lord whom i represent
from the island of summer
to the gs in the gang with the rocks on they wrists
with they glocks on they hips
but dawg it's the people dying for lack of this information
i pray that everbody
will flock to the rock of ages
especially when they find out we serve a god that's so graciuos
but,
ain't nobody talking to a brother that's incomplascent
ey
we ran until he call us dawg
like adam we fallin dawg
and still he's callin dawg
and sometimes we be stalling dawg
gone ran like an athlete on the trac beat
and the to pack meat on his back like a back seat
you can catch me like a taxi on the back street
but god chooses to save us mayne
pull us out and rep his name
plus through jesus he pleases to use us as his vessles mayne
cats who wanna walk it and talk it
teach it and preach it
they love it they live it
they'll go it wherever they leaded
we kingdom people we willing to repent and guys that will rep the lord
unselfish forward servants who live to expect the lord
we live to bless the lord
coz we confess the lord
(just believe)all we ever needed was just the lord
in the midst of this diasterr
he callin for ambassadors
to hit the street with a clique bent chipped on showing how he did'nt pass the cup
but how he took the wrath for us
and out of love he ask for us
but we ignore and pass him up for the life of the night
that's bad for us
somehow he keeps on grabbin us
attracting us
and before we know it
it masters us
men how dose this happen
we never
but could it be lackin love
we are in the war like maximus
and discipline builds your chacharacter
the tipical way we should live life
so mentor christ on his character
no hocus pocus magic wands
no one cares if you're the pastors son
persevere thruogh the trials of this life
there's no time to be complascent
let hope be your motivation
that's enough to spark a movement even in incarceration
on campus or in the hood
stop
learn the word and spit it bro
ey first thing first dawg jesus lives
heaven dawg you bet is real
reppin him till we dead and still
or at least until the next
reaching for my people in the church
yellin all my kingdom people stand up
men its time we hold it down and live it
come on dawg
coz we christians
men as a
we livin stak on our mission
and if you knew your position you'd be out representing
holding yopur bible and track
yelling revivle is back
on the block in the hood
boom ducks in the wood
beeing troops not even laying back
jesus he died for us dawg
what more we gotta trust god
wth him was the folden the spirit
and that the same spirit
let's put the cross on the move
they should see more than our
let's
hope this is god in your view
god's with us immanuel
and if you not time will tell
dawg i don't iplay with no fire
dawg i don't play
rep his love
rep his grace
In "Stand Up," Lecrae recognizes the need for people to truly live out their faith instead of just talking about it. He acknowledges that there are many people claiming to be Christian, but not enough people truly representing Christ. Lecrae calls for a movement of Christians who are willing to repent, serve unselfishly, and live to please the Lord.
Lecrae also talks about how God has saved us graciously, and it is our duty to share that message with others. He speaks of the importance of perseverance and discipline in a Christian's life, as well as the motivation and hope that comes from knowing Christ. Lecrae encourages Christians to hold onto their faith, represent Christ boldly, and share the love and grace of God with others.
Overall, "Stand Up" is a call to action for Christians to live out their faith and passionately represent Christ in their everyday lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey
The song is being addressed to the listeners.
I did this track for the church
Lecrae created this song for the church community.
everbody talking about they livin it dawg but we need to see it
Many people talk about living a Christian life, but Lecrae believes that actions are more important than words.
signed doctor productions lecrae you heard this let's get it
The producer and the artist are ready to start the song.
ey im not ashamed of this 116
Lecrae is proud to identify with the 116 movement.
my crew flipped up what it did with this
The 116 clique did something innovative with this song.
repetentant sinners
The song acknowledges that all humans are sinners and need to repent.
blood stained banner
The imagery of the blood-stained banner is a reference to the cross of Jesus Christ.
i done rep for my lord whom i represent
Lecrae is representing Jesus Christ.
from the island of summer
This is an autobiographical reference to Lecrae's birthplace: Houston, TX.
to the gs in the gang with the rocks on they wrists
Lecrae wants his message to reach everyone, even those living a criminal lifestyle. By using this language, he is wanting to get through to those in gangs.
with they glocks on they hips
Lecrae is acknowledging the violence prevalent in some communities.
but dawg it's the people dying for lack of this information
Lecrae believes that people are suffering and dying because they do not have the knowledge of the gospel.
i pray that everbody will flock to the rock of ages
Lecrae prays that everybody will turn to Jesus Christ.
especially when they find out we serve a god that's so graciuos
Lecrae believes that God is gracious and merciful, and hopes that more people come to know that.
but, ain't nobody talking to a brother that's incomplascent
Lecrae believes that some people in the church are not doing enough to reach out to those who need the gospel.
ey we ran until he call us dawg
Lecrae believes that Christians should be obedient and ready to answer God's call.
like adam we fallin dawg
Lecrae acknowledges that all humans are sinners and are prone to fall short.
and still he's callin dawg
Despite our sin, God still calls us to follow him.
and sometimes we be stalling dawg
Lecrae acknowledges that sometimes Christians may struggle with doubts and fears.
gone ran like an athlete on the trac beat
Lecrae uses a metaphor of an athlete to describe the Christian life.
and the to pack meat on his back like a back seat
Lecrae uses language from the streets to say that Christians are called to carry the weight of the gospel message.
you can catch me like a taxi on the back street
Lecrae wants people to be able to find him and other Christians who are willing to share the gospel.
but god chooses to save us mayne pull us out and rep his name
Lecrae believes that salvation is a gift from God and that we are called to live for Him.
plus through jesus he pleases to use us as his vessles mayne
Lecrae believes that Christians are vessels that God uses to spread the gospel.
cats who wanna walk it and talk it teach it and preach it they love it they live it they'll go it wherever they leaded
Lecrae believes that Christians who are eager to share their faith are essential to spreading the gospel.
we kingdom people we willing to repent and guys that will rep the lord
Lecrae believes that Christians should be willing to repent and represent God.
unselfish forward servants who live to expect the lord
Lecrae believes that Christians should be selfless and live in expectation of Christ's return.
we live to bless the lord coz we confess the lord
Lecrae believes that Christians should seek to bless God and confess their faith.
(just believe)all we ever needed was just the lord
Lecrae believes that faith in God is all that you need.
in the midst of this diasterr he callin for ambassadors
Lecrae believes that Christians are called to be ambassadors for Christ.
to hit the street with a clique bent chipped on showing how he did'nt pass the cup
Lecrae believes that Christians are called to show how Christ took the wrath instead of giving it to us.
but how he took the wrath for us
Lecrae believes that Christ's death on the cross showed how He took the punishment that we deserved.
and out of love he ask for us
Lecrae believes that God asks us to follow Him out of love.
but we ignore and pass him up for the life of the night that's bad for us
Lecrae believes that choosing the pleasures of this life over following Christ is harmful.
somehow he keeps on grabbin us attracting us and before we know it it masters us
Lecrae believes that God is constantly drawing us to Him, and sometimes we may not even realize it.
men how dose this happen we never
Lecrae is pondering how it is possible that people can be drawn to Christ when they never considered it before.
but could it be lackin love
Lecrae believes that the root cause of people rejecting Christ may be because of a lack of love.
we are in the war like maximus
Lecrae believes that Christians are in a spiritual battle.
and discipline builds your chacharacter
Lecrae believes that discipline is a key factor in developing character.
the tipical way we should live life so mentor christ on his character
Lecrae believes that we should model our life according to Christ's character.
no hocus pocus magic wands no one cares if you're the pastors son
Lecrae believes that being in the church does not make someone immune to the struggles of life.
persevere thruogh the trials of this life
Lecrae believes that Christians need to persevere through the difficulties of life.
there's no time to be complascent
Lecrae believes that Christians cannot afford to be complacent.
let hope be your motivation
Lecrae believes that hope can be a motivating factor.
that's enough to spark a movement even in incarceration
Lecrae believes that even in the worst circumstances, hope can lead to significant change.
on campus or in the hood stop learn the word and spit it bro
Lecrae believes that Christians should be willing to share the gospel wherever they are.
ey first thing first dawg jesus lives
Lecrae believes that Jesus is alive.
heaven dawg you bet is real
Lecrae believes that heaven is a real place.
reppin him till we dead and still or at least until the next
Lecrae believes that Christians should live for Christ until they die.
reaching for my people in the church yellin all my kingdom people stand up
Lecrae is calling on Christians to be bold and stand up for Christ.
men its time we hold it down and live it
Lecrae believes that it is time for Christians to demonstrate their faith with their actions.
coz we christians men as a we livin stak on our mission
Lecrae believes that Christians are on a mission to spread the gospel.
and if you knew your position you'd be out representing
Lecrae believes that if Christians fully understood their role, they would be more active in sharing the gospel.
holding yopur bible and track yelling revivle is back
Lecrae believes that sharing the gospel can help bring revival to the church.
on the block in the hood boom ducks in the wood
Lecrae continues to use street language to refer to sharing the gospel in difficult areas.
beeing troops not even laying back
Lecrae believes that Christians should be aggressive in sharing the gospel.
jesus he died for us dawg what more we gotta trust god
Lecrae believes that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is enough for us to put our trust in God.
wth him was the folden the spirit and that the same spirit
Lecrae believes that the Holy Spirit is the same Spirit that was with the disciples in the Bible.
let's put the cross on the move
Lecrae wants Christians to be proactive in demonstrating the power of the cross.
they should see more than our
Lecrae believes that Christians should demonstrate their faith beyond just words.
let's
Lecrae is calling on Christians to take action.
hope this is god in your view
Lecrae hopes that Christians can see God's hand at work.
god's with us immanuel
Lecrae believes that God is always with us, as Immanuel.
and if you not time will tell
Lecrae acknowledges that some people may not accept the gospel immediately but believes that time will reveal the truth.
dawg i don't iplay with no fire
Lecrae is serious about sharing the gospel.
dawg i don't play rep his love rep his grace
Lecrae wants to represent God's love and grace through his music and life.
Contributed by Landon T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
James Warren
2:50-2:53 "It's more than the clique I claim; it's the reason I'm redeemed."
Heaven's Mentality
[Verse 1]
Stand up, here we go
1 to the 1 to the 6 fa sho
Bump this in your car
But turn it up inside your stereo
..
Spitting for the folks that you know in every city bro
Billy Graham man, pray to God they can hear me tho
Realy tho, I just came to tell you don't be scurred
Preach the word everywhere you go and let the truth be heard
And you ain't gotta be a rapper but you gotta tell the truth
Scream it from your mama house or from your project ..
Chi-town to the Lou, Memphis Ten to the ..
Dallas, Houston, Indiana, Oklahoma need it too
It's the power of salvation Jesus put us out Himself
Put our sin upon His shoulders told us tell somebody else
Now we die to ourselves, stop lying to ourselves
Ain't ashamed to share the gospel, put our pride on the shelf
We don't ride for the wealth but we ride for change
In the heart and not the pocket man to die is to gain
[Verse 2]
State to state, city to city
Block to block and hood to hood
Catch us outside everywhere we go
Trying to tell these folks what's good
The good news, some call it the gospel
Some folks embrace it, others get hostile
But earth is cursed man, heaven is perfect
If we can clown for Christ man believe me it's worth it
We stand up for the power of purchase
Worthless, without our God's plan is the purpose
It's getting heavy now, I think they ready now
Stand up, man up, hands up
Get it crunk, but keep it steady now
In it to win it now, man they done did it now
Spit it for the cats ..
When the goal is Christ, then live it out
[Verse 3]
What it do, let me bring up Romans 1:16
It's more than the clique I claim, it's the reason I'm redeemed
(What you mean) Ain't ashamed of the gospel of Christ
It's the power that crossed our souls out of death into light
Holla 1-1-6, cause we once was sick
Christ bought us even though we wasn't worth one cent
Yea the curse was sin but the earth got sent
A Redeemer Who paid for all of the earth's worse sin
Now the worse per-son can repent and be changed
That's why we never ashamed of the truth we proclaim
It's the light on the dark path, only way out of death
It's the answer to every question people got on their chest
People gotta address the crucial nature of sin
What that got to do with us man?
We tell them Christ is where they begin
That's why I'm screaming stand up
Know you got your hands up
Now it's time to represent like the Father commands us
AB-425 Official
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