Lecrae’s Church Clothes mixtape series has been an eclectic and experiential journey in how the independent rapper weaves substance-filled bars over radio-ready beats. Church Clothes 3, released on his own Reach Records label, continues that trend. The previous tapes included features from No Malice, Paul Wall, B.o.B, and a burgeoning King Mez, whom some would argue Lecrae discovered before Dr. Dre.
The latest episode in the saga is executive produced by S1, who previously worked alongside heavyweights such as Jay Z and Kanye West. E-40 lends his signature voice and flow to the snare-heavy “Can’t Do You,” a track that is solid but is actually overshadowed by other cuts, including “Gangland” where Lecrae and Propaganda explore United States history and its effect on race relations in today’s society and “Misconceptions 3” where much lesser-known rappers John Givez, JGivens and Jackie Hill Perry trade bars with Lecrae in the finest fashion. Other standouts include “Cruising,” a feel-good song produced by S1 that is begging to be played all summer and the haunting finale “I Wouldn’t Know” where Lecrae and labelmate KB pour out their hearts, explaining the mission behind the music is to count changed lives, not money stacks.
Throughout the project, Lecrae deftly balances weighty social issues with a sense of hope and freedom that he draws from his faith. He doesn’t need complex metaphors to tell his story, but instead utilizes straightforward anecdotes to touch the listener such as on “Deja Vu” where he says that “Rich man need a vacation, hop a plane / Broke man need a vacation, Mary Jane” and on the chorus, “Some days are a nightmare / Some dreams come true / But the Lord’s still right there / It’s just deja vu.”
Lecrae doesn’t introduce anything particularly new to the listener on this tape. In case this is someone’s introduction to his music, he gently reminds them on “It Is What It Is” that this is the third installment of the series. But for those who know Lecrae’s catalogue, some songs feel like rehashes of earlier tracks, such as “Forever” serving as a reprise of the love ballad “Special” from the first Church Clothes and “Sidelines” and other songs carrying the same message towards criticism as Anomaly’s “Fear,” but perhaps without the same passion.
On Church Clothes 3, Lecrae shows he is confident and consistent in his artistry. He doesn’t have anything to prove. As he says on “Misconceptions 3,” around 2001, he only wanted to sign to a label. Now he owns one where he and other artists can freely express themselves.
OMG. YAS. Yo i fucking, this morning i was listening to this fucking album and was like. “Ima rate it before i read HiphopDX’s rating, i was on fucking point. Intro wasn’t strong, the lyrics are good enough, but he could have done better in my opinion. Noice!. 3.5 is good considering you guys. xD Ima still keep it on my iphone doe.
Lecrae God bless you for your missionary work in spreading the gospel through your music.thumbs up,good work………. I’m down with your music must specially (beautiful feet nd more)
Solid!
Dope music. Dope impact.
Seriously loving this album!
This the nigga the Christian kids at my college tried to use to get me to join their church.
Best comment of the day!
His best album. Good balance of the message while staying true to good hip hop. Anyone can listen to this album and get something out of it.
This album is dope! John Givez, J Givens, and Jackie Hill Perry killed it.
Finally…
fire
This album is awesome!!XD
This dude is the real.
Gangland was much needed. Propaganda preached!
It’s alright.
He reminded me of Kendrick on Deja Vu.
E-40 killed it on Can’t Do You
“They shocked to see us like Donald Trump in a Tacquirea”-J Givens
Lecrae did it again!
This dude is corny. Purple Reign tho.
I would give it a 3.3. Beats were top-notch. He didn’t have enough wordplay or metaphors.
Hot Fiya!
It felt like a good appetizer. Waiting on the meal tho.
NOIIICE!
He’s in my top 5.
Really good review! I honestly felt like Lecrae was going to fall behind to some of these new young guys, but he brought some heat.
Forgot to rate. lol
Too Lit
5/5 mics.
Real Talk, this dude is a rebel and an anomaly. Church Clothes 3 is another banger!
too lit from Bahamas
support from bahamas
In the words of DJ Khaled, “Another One”.
“Rich man need a vacation, hop a plane
Broke man need a vacation, Mary Jane”
So true.
Thank you Lecrae, thank you.
I’ve listened to Crae since I was around 14 yrs old. I’m now 28 yrs old. He has been Unashamed since day 1!!! Praise the Lord for the work he allow the Lord to do through him!
Dope.
If MLK was a rapper…
REAL TALK!!!
Put me in coach, ain’t out here flexin for nobody/I was born to do it, God don’t make mistakes and say I’m sorry/He ain’t never dropped the ball/I don’t never plan to fumble/Catch me runnin with them lions/Reggie Bushin in the jungle – “Lecrae”
5/5 rating
He gives music that impacts the heart.
That short film was fresh.
Dope.
Been a Lecrae fan since Rehab. I’m very impressed with this album!
I’ll give it a 5. “It is what it is”!
Best MC in the game.
Lol are all these 5 star commenters being paid to do this or are they a bunch of mindless stans? Here’s a rating to balance everything, this preachy Christian rap sucks
No sir…no. You obviously don’t listen to music, just skim over it as Jay Z once said.
@stans lol. You obviously don’t know good music
Music for yo soul!
H-Town!
“Some like, “I ain’t really feelin’ that bruh
I ain’t with religious rap, bruh”
Some sayin’ it is devil rap
Illuminati-on-another-level rap
Fell flat from heaven went to hell and back, huh?”
this is super dope.
Love this one, but where isis Don’t Cannon?
I love this album, but where is Don Cannon?
It was cool. Nothing spectactular, but cool.
The boy is dangerous!
Goodmusic.
KB’s verse on Would’nt Know>>>>>
Jackie Hill brought the bars on M3.
So underrated.
Dipe
••Dope••
FREEDOM!
Most underrated MC. It should be a crime for him to not be on the radio.
Pretty good. I hope his next album will be better tho.
just saw Crae at the Ville. Dude is solid.
Lecrae should get more recognition. It’s ridiculous that clowns on the radio get all the attention while he barely gets any mentions.