Music That Tells Real Stories
Posted June 22, 2018
By BPence,
Lecrae returns to Reach Records after his excellent 2017 major label debut All Things Work Together, which featured the gold record “I’ll Find You” with Tori Kelly. On this album he teams up with producer and DJ Zaytoven for an album that was born out of a mutual respect for each other’s work. In an interview, Lecrae said “When I hear the term ‘trap music,’ I don’t think of glorifying the negativity. I think of a soundscape that speaks a certain language. I think of music that tells real stories.”
Here are a few brief comments about each of the 13 songs on the album, all of which were produced by Zaytoven, who brings great beats to these songs.
Get Back Right – This song was written by Bobby Pressley, CASS, Zaytoven and Lecrae. It was the first single released from the album. It contains features a great beat with Lecrae telling his story about recent success (made hits with some big names, went to the Grammys), when he was just starting out (everything was rented and he was pinching his pennies), and when he became a believer (new beginnings and he knew who did it).
Key lyric: When you got real power, you can't lose.
Preach – This song is written by Verse Simmonds, Zaytoven and Lecrae. This song is about Lecrae being unashamed (Romans 1:16) about God, preaching and his blackness. It opens briefly with keys and then goes into a great beat, driven by drums. Lecrae is going to preach and Zaytoven is going to bring the beat.
Key lyric: Don’t have a church, but I reach.
2 Sides of the Game – This song is written by CASS, Bobby Pressley, K-So, Waka Flocka Flame, Zaytoven and Lecrae, and features K-So and Waka Flocka Flame. This song is as lyrically dark as you’ll find from Lecrae as it addresses personal experiences with selling drugs, but there are two sides (get rich and sitting in a box). Key lyric: But it's two sides to the game and they ain't gon tell it
They gon' make it seem like that lil' money worth your freedom.
Plugged In – This song was written by Bobby Pressley, CASS, Zaytoven and Lecrae. It was the second single released from the album. It opens with keys and then a strong beat and standout drums with Lecrae hitting hard with advice that he has given others.
Key lyric: I got a real plug, that never let me down. Always come through when I need it, never been a drought.
Holy Water – This song was written by Bobby Pressley, CASS, Zaytoven and Lecrae. This song has a slower beat. Lecrae confidently tells what he and the Reach Records team have done as he walks by faith. The devil has tempted, but he is covered and clean. Ends with some nice keys.
Key lyric: don't chase the money, chase the vision.
Blue Strips – This song was written by Bobby Pressley, CASS, Zaytoven and Lecrae.
This song is darker, weaving stories about money (blue strips). Some will party and do anything for the money. He admits his life is foolish and his Grandma had told him not to.
Key lyric: I don't condone it but I don't condemn.
Only God Can Judge Me – This song is written by Verse Simmonds, Zaytoven and Lecrae. Lecrae has received a good deal of criticism over the years, sadly, much of it from within the church. He made a plan and took a stand. He’s in God’s will. He doesn’t care if you judge him. He’s on his mission and he’ll leave the judging to the Lord above.
Key lyric: Boy I ride with the Son, so I ain't worry about none.
Yet – This song is written by Lloyd Musa, Zaytoven and Lecrae. Despite all that he has accomplished to date, Lecrae looks to the future and all that he hasn’t done yet - songs, shows, trips, prayers.
Key lyric: I still tell 'em 'bout the Rock, they still hoping I'm gonna stop.
I Can’t Lose – This song is written by 24hrs, Zaytoven and Lecrae and features 24hrs. This song is upbeat about blessings coming in twos. He can’t worry about the haters. They actually provide motivation. He’s been working hard to take care of his family.
Key lyric: I can’t lose and all my blessings coming by the twos.
Switch – This song is written by Bobby Pressley, CASS, ShySpeaks, Zaytoven and Lecrae and features ShySpeaks. Lecrae and ShySpeaks trade verses about changes (switches) in his life. He and his old self switched places. He went from a worker to the boss as owner of Reach Records. Now he’s got a team that’s changing the block.
Key lyric: We out here changing the block.
Can’t Block It – This song is written by Bobby Pressley, CASS, Zaytoven and Lecrae.
The song opens with keys. Lecrae is keeping the faith knowing that God has His hand on him. Haters can’t block his blessings.
Key lyric: God told me vengeance is mine, so I don’t even try. I just wait for His reply yeah.
Fly Away – This song is written by Bobby Pressley, CASS, Roscoe Dash 2.0, nobigdyl, Zaytoven and Lecrae and features nobigdyl. This song is more laid back. Things aren’t the same, he’s got to let it go and hit the road. Everybody played a part. Not sure he belongs here anymore.
Key lyric: Maybe I'll fly maybe I'll fall.
By Chance – This song is written by Verse Simmonds, Zaytoven and Lecrae and features Verse Simmonds. The chorus handled by Simmonds is a prayer to God. In the verses Lecrae shares personal experiences about starting out in music with Tedashii and about his sisters, encouraging them.
Key lyric: Had to call my problems and I put em all in your hands, I know that this is your plan.
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