(Featured image: From Lecrae’s Facebook page)
(Update: This story originally published prior to the Grammy Awards. Lecrae won both awards he was nominated for.)
Hope and encouragement.
That’s a message that gospel hip-hop artist Lecrae seeks to spread through his music.
“These days, I am wanting people to find hope and encouragement. We’ve endured some rough times – international fights, pandemics, sickness. Just to be able to come out on the other side and believe all things do work together for the good and that there is hope in the midst of chaos,” said Lecrae who joins a group of Christian artists at Winter Jam at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at the James Brown Arena.
Winter Jam makes its return this year after skipping the city in 2023. The tour begins Feb. 2 in Des Moines, Iowa. Other artists who will perform include Katy Nichole, Crowder and New Song.
It’s been several years since Lecrae has performed at Winter Jam, but he said he’s been looking forward to it. There’s something special when all of those artists come together.
“It’s being able to be around some incredibly talented people to connect with them and create music that moves thousands of people,” he said. “It’s mind-blowing to be in a place to see that happen. It’s a divine moment, and I’m honored to be a part of it. You get all to see voices in a room or an arena. It’s something very special and very different. It feels like a move of God that’s happening in this place.”
Lecrae debuted with his album “Real Talk” in 2004; he has won several Grammy and Dove Awards and is nominated in two Grammy categories this year including Contemporary Christian Album of the Year for his album “Church Clothes 4” and Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Your Power.” The awards will be presented Feb. 4.
Many people can relate to “Church Clothes 4,” he said.
“It’s the reality that a lot of us are taught in many circumstances to put on airs. It’s pure vulnerability and pure authenticity. God takes me as I am and use me. He draws straight lines with crooked sticks,” he said.
Lecrae spent 2023 writing new music. He not only pens songs for himself but other artists such as King and Country. He hopes to have the new song out this year.
Winter Jam tickets are $15 and are available at the door.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
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