Lecrae – “Church Clothes 2” (Mixtape Review) DX Consensus: “EP-Worthy”
For those keeping count, it takes Lecrae exactly 66 seconds to address his distaste for the label of “Gospel Rapper” on his latest mixtape, “Church Clothes 2.” It’s a legitimate gripe, considering that Rakim and members of the Wu-Tang Clan are rarely called “Muslim” or “Five Percent Rappers.” Yet over the course of the 16-song, DJ Don Cannon-hosted project, it’s fair to wonder if the “Best Gospel Album” Grammy he received for his 2012 album, Gravity has become more of a hindrance than an accomplishment.
For the most part, “Church Clothes 2” plays out like a hybrid of Alt-Pop music with Hip Hop sensibilities. Those familiar with Lecrae won’t be surprised that his various cadences are formless enough to tackle a Blues-inspired track like the DJ Official-produced “Devil In Disguise” just as effectively as “The Fever,” which combines elements of both EDM and Dancehall. While the likes of DJ Burn One and fellow Grammy winners Boi-1da and Reach Records A&R and in-house producer Street Symphony all contribute on production, the project has a largely amorphous sound. This most likely serves as a positive for casual fans, looking for the ratchet-inspired tempo of “I’m Turnt” without the MDMA and debauchery that come to mind when most people hear the phrase, “Turn Up.” But when coupled with the broad strokes that Lecrae tends to favor, it adds up to a project that doesn’t particularly function on multiple levels.
Lecrae and his associated guests shine brightest when things turn introspective. In this case, introspection is not a pseudonym for being spiritual, a Christian or the dreaded G-word: gospel. Rather, there’s a natural tension created by “My Whole Life” with Lecrae rhyming, “I once popped a whole thing of pills in hopes that I’d drop / My cousin walked out a party, got shot / Some girl lied, and my partner’s locked in that box.” And regardless of your religious leanings (or lack thereof), on a pure narrative level, such offerings are more interesting than Lecrae saying, “Shout out to Kirk Franklin, but I ain’t him.” Thankfully, tracks like “Misconception,” “Round Of Applause” and “Was It Worth It” all fit this mold—offering both topical and conceptual depth.
In terms of creating both topical songs and commercial singles, Lecrae offers a balance of both on “Church Clothes 2.” At worst, songs like “I’m Turnt” come off just as stylistically unimaginative as anything on the radio or BET. But they’ll earn points for offering substance—even if it occasionally appears in the form of clichés, such as talk of “being high on the spirit, bro.” When coupled with the rare moments when the genre-hopping leads to a lack of cohesion, it still adds up to a net positive. This is magnified, given that the chosen format is a free mixtape. “Church Clothes 2” may lack the inherent complexity and confrontation of its predecessor, but holds appeal for saints and sinners alike.
this shit is free on datpuff but sold 15k
That’s the blessing of the Most High GOD,
Lackluster effort, good try nonetheless
One of the best mixtapes this year
Lecrae is a beast selling 15k in first week, while his shit was still out for Free on datpiff.com I ain’t religious but I like his approach to hip hop. Keep it up, we need such artists these days.
Dope Tape. Wouldn’t pay for it though. 4/5.
it’s a decent mix tape. i wont knock his effort
better than most of the rap out there. Its real and I dig that.
Well done. I agree that the mix of so many styles doesn’t add to the cohesion of the entire project, but still Lecrae does a very good job at all of those styles that he does use. One or two weaker tracks aside (I’m turnt), it is still a very solid effort.
good review, thanks O.B.
This mixtape is heat!!! Beats,content and delivery of flow!
CC1 is definitely better, but this mixtape is fire though.
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Probably the only reason’s this mixtape’s predecessor was better than its follow-up was the fact that it feels longer, and it’s more cohesive. Otherwise, this project was extremely dope. Crae didn’t disappoint….he can roll with the best.
Hey great review man, I felt the same way listening to it. I enjoyed the first one more, but still am glad to have CC2 in my current rotation.
I don’t think this review was fairly analyzed. I have to agree that CC2 might not have complexity of the 1st but it still is quality music!
Lecrae’s conviction shines through as he makes his beliefs accessible to the new generation with some polished Trap house beats and a believer’s message
His lyrics top J. Cole and Drake any day…. He could of left Bun B 2cents out …a sell out since Pimp C passed away. … but a great project.
Whi is Bun a sellout exactly?? Because he does songs with people you dont like??? So, anybody who doesnt share your opinion on music is a sellout?? Maybe Bun actually likes Drakes Music, for all you know, If Pimp C was alive he might as well. Get over yourself
Since downloading cc2 i have not been able to stop listening to it.
lecraes music is moving, encouraging and motivating. cant wait for his nxt album.
keep up the fantastic work. “he is soooo more than just your fav rapper”
Solid mix tape.
hi
I like Lecrae and this mixtape is a journey leading you to see life in a better and positive perspective and to enjoy hip-hop. I hope for newer collab soon with this forthcoming album… Congratulations and be blessed yall.
I have been listening to Lecrae since he was with cross movement records. God has given him the ability to present the gospel through hip hop. So I am not sure what’s wrong with being called a gospel rapper? Would it take away from his fame or limit album sells? Even with the gospel label he’s still doing well. With the album I was surprised to see artist like B.o.B, Paul Wall, some of the producers, etc. The album was cool. Rebel still stands as my favorite album!