Lecrae, winner of the "Best Contemporary Christian Music Album" award for "Church Clothes 4", poses in the press room during the 66th Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 4, 2024. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae took home two gold-plated trophies at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Most notably, the 44-year-old singer won the “Best Contemporary Christian Music Album” award for his 2022 mixtape, “Church Clothes 4.”
The Houston-born rapper released the album through his own Atlanta-based independent record label, Reach Records, which he founded in 2004 with entrepreneur Ben Washer.
Other nominees for the category included Phil Wickham for “I Believe,” Lauren Daigle for her eponymous fourth studio album “Lauren Daigle,” rapper Da' T.R.U.T.H. for “Emanuel,” and Blessing Offor for “My Tribe.”
Lecrae took the stage during the pre-telecast ceremony to accept the prestigious award. He immediately pointed upward, seemingly acknowledging a higher power. “Let me tell you something, I don’t even have words at this point and time,” the singer said.
“At the end of the day, so many people put so much hard work into this music, into this project.
“Every single soul who touched this project, everybody who listened to it, enjoyed it, understand that, man, the gift that we all possess,” he added.
“Like I said before, I have to give credit to the Lord Jesus for just being my all in all in everything, to allow me to speak the words that I have in art.”
Lecrae Wins Grammy for ‘Your Power’
The hip-hop artist’s gospel-infused single, “Your Power,” won the award for “Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.” The song, which was released in May 2023, was made in collaboration with gospel singer Tasha Cobbs Leonard.
“The imprint of God is on each and every one of y'all’s lives,” Lecrae said during his acceptance speech.
“Whether you take home an award or not, you are fearfully and wonderfully made,” he continued.
“You made this music not to win an award, but to impact the world with the gift that God has put in you. Never forget that.”
Lecrae continued his celebratory remarks on social media, stating he now had two more trophies to pass on to his descendants.
“I know people may think I’m not celebrating but I’m celebrating how faithful God is. I’m celebrating that after so many trials, failure, and pain…He still sees fit to use me,” he wrote on Instagram.
“This is for all the kids who are UNASHAMED to love Jesus, but wanna do it in unconventional ways,” he added. “God sees even if the world doesn’t. And sometimes the world does.”
Ms. Leonard also took to social media after the show to celebrate her big win. “God is Great and Greatly to be PRAISED!!!!! Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this song an amazing tool for the kingdom!” she wrote on Instagram.
Lecrae accepts the "Best Contemporary Christian Music Album" award for "Chruch Clothes" onstage during the 66th Grammy Awards at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, Calif., on Feb. 4, 2024. (Leon Bennett/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Lecrae’s Past Grammy Wins
The two trophies Lecrae garnered at the 2024 award show aren’t his first Grammys. In total, the Christian rapper has been nominated nine times and has received four wins, according to the Grammy Awards.
His first nod occurred in 2011 at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. His fourth studio album, “Rehab,” was nominated for “Rock or Rap Gospel Album.” Two years later, Lecrae won his first Grammy, snagging “Best Gospel Album” for his sixth studio album “Gravity,” which was released in 2012. Per the academy, it marked the first time a hip-hop artist won in that category.
He went on to win his second Grammy in 2015. The rapper’s 2014 song, “Messengers” off his seventh album “Anomaly” landed him the award for “Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.”
In regards to his recent wins, Lecrae noted on social media that he hasn’t yet been able to process them. “I’m grateful but it’s really something beyond my understanding. I just wanted to be the father I never had and give my kids experiences,” the singer wrote on Instagram.
“God is beyond kind. Once I have more words I’ll share but for now,” he continued. “Thank you God for being gracious. Thank you Jesus for allowing me to be a part of your kingdom and using broken instruments to play healing music.”
The Grammys Celebrate the Gospel
In addition to the Christian music genre, the Grammy Awards also bestowed awards to artists in a handful of gospel categories.
Singer and choir director Kirk Franklin won “Best Gospel Performance/Song” for his song “All Things,” which is featured on his thirteenth studio album, “Father’s Day.”
The Blind Boys Of Alabama won “Best Roots Gospel Album” for “Echoes Of The South.” Also known as The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, the group was founded in 1944, making it “the longest-running group in American music,” per the band’s website.
And following Lecrae’s lead, New Jersey native Tye Tribbett praised God during his acceptance speech after he won “Best Gospel Album” for “All Things New: Live In Orlando.”
“To God be all the glory for all the things that He has done. I did not expect to be up here, so I echo Lecrae,” he said.
“We all have a gift to spread love and to encourage and to bring joy. We need it now more than ever before, so use your God-given gift to bless somebody,” he continued. “God bless, y'all.”
Audrey is a freelance entertainment reporter for The Epoch Times based in Southern California. She is a seasoned writer and editor whose work has appeared in Deseret News, Evie Magazine, and Yahoo Entertainment, among others. She holds a B.A. from the University of Central Florida where she double majored in broadcast journalism and political science.
