Rehab is more than just the title of Lecrae's, highly anticipated, 2010 release; it also serves as the album's theme. From "Check In" to "Release Date," Lecrae covers it all with this spirit-filled hip hop outing. Lecrae brings all of the Christ-centered lyrics you expect, but also touches on some subject matter a little darker in nature. If you didn't know who Lecrae was before this release, or had doubts about how good he really was at his craft, Rehab will erase it all. The album proves that Lecrae is the gold standard in the Christian hip hop scene and is loaded with diversity.
The album opens with the aptly titled, "Check In," which sets the scene for the story that is about to unfold and will immediately have you bobbing your head to the beat. "Killa" is next up and Lecrae doesn't back down. The song is a little darker and talks about the battle between the two "women," foolishness and wisdom, who wish to rule your life. When speaking of foolishness Lecrae says, "My sin conceived a baby and we gon' name her death." The song's message is sold further by the female vocals in the chorus luring him towards foolishness.
"Divine Intervention" keeps the beat going and is about the realization that a change needs to be made in the life of the unsaved, as stated in the chorus, "Everything that this heart longs for other than you I will let die. Take all that I have 'cuz nothing really matters right now." "Just Like You" is next up and is a song that many people in today's society can relate to. Lecrae references the absence of a father and how he latches on to a "father figure" that is there for him, but is teaching him the wrong way to do things. Though he knows that he isn't living right, he is happy simply to have someone there for him and who appreciates him. As he decides to change his life, Lecrae provides these simple yet profound lyrics, "I wanna be like you in every way, so if I gotta die every day; unworthy sacrifice. But the least I can do is give the most of me, 'cuz being just like you is what I'm supposed to be. You say you came for the lame, I'm the lamest; I made a mess but you say you'll erase it; I'll take it. You say you came for the lame, I'm the lamest; I broke my life, but you say you'll replace it; I'll take it."
A couple of tracks later comes "Used to Do It Too," which a great, upbeat song about how all can be forgiven. The song ensures that a change is possible for all by claiming that God saved him even though he "used to do it to," referring to any number a sins that people use as an excuse. This is followed by one of the best songs on the album, "Children of the Light," which features P.O.D. front man, Sonny Sandoval. The combo might sound a little odd on the surface, but they knock it out of the park. The track has a rock vibe with a reggae flare and Sonny shows you that he's still got it. The song is amazing and is sure to be a fan favorite. "High" is another standout track and is about keeping your faith up, "I got my pride on low; faith (faith) on high." 116 Clique (Lecrae, Trip Lee, and Tedashi) also make an appearance on the album with the track "40 Deep." What more can be said? Three of the top guys in Christian rap on one track equal a hit song (On a side note, don't be concerned about the song's intro, "All s…" It sounds like a curse word that has been edited, but if you listen a second you will hear the full line, "All saved, all serious."
Lecrae continues to show his diversity with the hip hop, dance song, "God is Enough." Lecrae's venture into the dance scene shows that he can hang with any one in the genre and his sound rivals that of Group 1 Crew or other similar artists. A few other standout tracks on the album are "Gotta Know," "New Shalom," and "Background." "Release Date" is the official ending track, though there is a bonus track afterward, and caps the album off with his rehabilitation.
Rehab is a fantastic album and is easily Lecrae's best to date, even topping Rebel. Lecrae is able to show that he is the best and most diverse rapper around. The only thing keeping Lecrae from huge mainstream success is his unashamed approach and willingness to claim Christ as Savior in each and every song. They don't know what they are missing. Personally, I'm happy with and respect Lecrae for what he brings to the table. You do not want to miss this album. Even if you only rarely listen to rap or hip hop, you are going to want to pick this up. This is hip hop perfection.
- Review date: 10/15/10, written by Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com
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