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.”
Violence
Lecrae Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
War, pain, violence should stop!
4-fever, 9 millimeter
‘Dem a’ want a heater 'cause the streets is finna heat up
Six million ways to die; choose 10
And if he don't die then he probably do ‘em again
From passionate catastrophe, to genocidal blasphemy
Head bang on the glass, call it window pain
Jumping out the window tryna’ get my frame through the frame
Close range; when he point, I just blank-out
Felt my heart sank when that bang thang rang out
Now you got yo thang out, you take life, you give it
You took his life away, but you gave yours up to system
No wanna listen, no reason for livin’
We bought the lie we can't be forgiven for all our sinnin’
Killin’ is the religion, service is in a prison
Ignorance got a slave and our name in the mentions
[Chorus]
Bad man, bad man, gun man, bad man
Squeeze bullet, pow-pow. Body bag man.
No bother with no war. No bother with no violence.
No bother with the six-feet-rest-in-peace silence
Grew up under Tupac: bible verse and two glocks
Say we ready to die, see a ghetto in the sky
Couldn't be more wrong than right shoes on the left feet
Highway to hell and we fighting for the best seat
No heart, bullet’s got no name
Little boys wanna bang but ‘dem barely got a brain
‘Dem barely got aim, but they shooting for nothin’
They rob a sister of her brother for a couple a hund’ed
They thinkin’ that life is cheap but it's expensive as ever
They'll be sentenced to forever for them heartless endeavors
I try to tell ‘em (simmer down brethren), but they like whateva’
Too scared of being broke to think about being betta’
Plus, we get bombarded by all these images of bravado
You ain't really a man if you don't follow these models
But the weakest ones follow, the strong reconsider
You can forgive much if you understand you forgiven
[Chorus]
Lecrae's "Violence" is a powerful commentary on the pervasive gun culture and violence that plagues marginalized communities. The song calls for an end to the cycle of war, pain, and violence that results in the loss of innocent lives. The first stanza sheds light on the desperation that fuels the vicious cycle of violence in the streets. People are arming themselves with weapons to protect themselves, but it only leads to more loss of life. The second stanza delves deeper into the religious and cultural factors that contribute to the glorification of violence. People are brainwashed to believe that killing is a form of service to their community or religion. The song ends with a plea to stop the violence and strive for peace.
Lecrae doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of gun violence in the lyrics. He uses vivid imagery to describe the gruesome aftermath of shootings. The lyric "Squeeze bullet, pow-pow. Body bag man" is a chilling reminder of the human toll of violence. The use of Tupac's reference adds another layer of complexity to the song. Tupac was known for his poetry that dealt with themes of violence and oppression, and Lecrae recognizes his impact on shaping a generation of young people who grew up with guns as an everyday part of life. The song's message is powerful and thought-provoking, and it serves as a call to action to put an end to the senseless violence that plagues our society.
Line by Line Meaning
4-fever, 9 millimeter
Referring to a specific type of gun, often associated with gang violence and aggression.
‘Dem a’ want a heater 'cause the streets is finna heat up
People are arming themselves in preparation for escalating violence on the streets.
Six million ways to die; choose 10
There are countless ways to lose your life, and people are actively selecting risky behaviors and dangerous lifestyles.
And if he don't die then he probably do ‘em again
Even after experiencing a close call with death, some people will continue to prioritize harmful and violent behaviors.
From passionate catastrophe, to genocidal blasphemy
Violent events can range from personal catastrophes to global genocides, all fueled by intense emotions and dangerous ideologies.
No respect for humanity, they resort to insanity
Violence often stems from a lack of empathy and understanding for human life, leading to actions that are irrational and extreme.
Head bang on the glass, call it window pain
A reference to the physical act of hitting one's head against a window or other hard surface, symbolizing the pain and frustration of a violent lifestyle.
Jumping out the window tryna’ get my frame through the frame
Desperation and fear can drive people to take extreme measures, even putting their own bodies at risk to escape violent situations.
Close range; when he point, I just blank-out
In moments of intense violence, a person's mind may go blank or shut off, preventing them from making rational decisions or taking action.
Felt my heart sank when that bang thang rang out
The sound of gunshots and violent behavior can be deeply upsetting and traumatic, causing physical and emotional reactions in those who experience it.
Now you got yo thang out, you take life, you give it
Carrying a weapon brings the potential for both taking and losing lives, creating a dangerous and often irreparable cycle of violence.
You took his life away, but you gave yours up to system
Engaging in violent behavior may lead to imprisonment or other negative consequences, ultimately costing a person their freedom and their life as they know it.
No wanna listen, no reason for livin’
A sense of hopelessness and desperation can fuel violence, leading to a disregard for one's own life and the lives of others.
We bought the lie we can't be forgiven for all our sinnin’
Believing that their actions are unforgivable can lead people to continue down a path of violence and harm, rather than seeking redemption or making amends.
Killin’ is the religion, service is in a prison
Violence and aggression can become a way of life for some, creating a sense of identity and purpose around harming others. This often leads to serving time in prison.
Ignorance got a slave and our name in the mentions
A lack of knowledge, empathy, and understanding can create a dangerous and violent culture, with negative consequences for all involved.
Bad man, bad man, gun man, bad man
A reference to societal stereotypes and assumptions around people who carry guns and engage in violent behavior.
Squeeze bullet, pow-pow. Body bag man.
Violent interactions often end in death or serious injury, creating a need for body bags and other forms of physical harm control.
No bother with no war. No bother with no violence.
A call to end violent behavior and work towards more peaceful and effective solutions to societal issues.
No bother with the six-feet-rest-in-peace silence
A reference to death and the finality of violence, reminding us of the lasting impact that violent behavior can have on individuals and communities.
Grew up under Tupac: bible verse and two glocks
Tupac Shakur was a rapper known for addressing issues of violence and social inequality in his music. Referencing him here suggests a desire to live up to his message of change and reform.
Say we ready to die, see a ghetto in the sky
At times, violent behavior may be associated with a willingness to die for one's beliefs or community, creating a sense of pride and loyalty around such actions.
Couldn't be more wrong than right shoes on the left feet
Engaging in violent behavior is counterproductive and often ineffective in creating positive change or addressing societal issues, likening it to wearing shoes on the wrong feet.
Highway to hell and we fighting for the best seat
Violent behavior can be seen as a path towards hell, yet people continue to fight amongst themselves for dominance and status within that hierarchy.
No heart, bullet’s got no name
Violence can strike anyone, regardless of their personal beliefs, circumstances, or values. There is no way to guarantee safety or protection.
Little boys wanna bang but ‘dem barely got a brain
Children and young people may be drawn to violence as a way of establishing themselves or proving their worth, despite being ill-equipped to handle the consequences.
‘Dem barely got aim, but they shooting for nothin’
People may engage in violence for no clear reason or gain, causing harm and destruction without any meaningful purpose or objective.
They rob a sister of her brother for a couple a hund’ed
Violence can cause immense suffering and loss, tearing families and communities apart over trivial or insignificant amounts of money or resources.
They thinkin’ that life is cheap but it's expensive as ever
The true cost of violence and harm is immeasurable, and those who engage in it often overlook the lasting consequences for themselves and others involved.
They'll be sentenced to forever for them heartless endeavors
Engaging in violent behavior can lead to imprisonment, but it can also create a lasting legacy of harm and destruction that affects those involved forever.
I try to tell ‘em (simmer down brethren), but they like whateva’
Despite attempts to intervene or provide guidance, many people may be resistant to changing their violent behavior, instead prioritizing their own personal desires and goals.
Too scared of being broke to think about being betta’
Poverty and financial insecurity may create a sense of desperation and fear, leading people to turn to violent behavior as a means of survival, even if it is ultimately counterproductive.
Plus, we get bombarded by all these images of bravado
Society often glorifies violence and aggression through media and cultural depictions, contributing to a culture of violence that is difficult to break free from.
You ain't really a man if you don't follow these models
Toxic masculinity and societal pressure can drive people to engage in violent behavior in order to prove their manhood or fulfill societal expectations around what it means to be a man.
But the weakest ones follow, the strong reconsider
People of varying strength and resilience may be drawn to violence, but those who are truly strong will reconsider their actions and strive for more positive and effective solutions.
You can forgive much if you understand you forgiven
Forgiveness and understanding are key to breaking the cycle of violence and finding a path towards redemption and healing for oneself and others involved.
Chorus: War, pain, violence should stop!
Reiterating the importance of ending violent behavior in order to create a more peaceful and just society for all.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., THE ADMINISTRATION MP INC
Written by: Derrick Omondi Okoth, Kerwin Richards, Le Crae Devaughn Moore, Michael Jefferson, Tyshane Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind