Reach Records, in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, and its founder, hip hop artist Lecrae, are ready for Christmas. Lecrae sat down with an exclusive interview for Crosswalk Headlines to talk about two new projects: his debut on the big screen in the movie Journey to Bethlehem and his new podcast set to debut in early 2024. Lecrae, who has been on the Christmas music scene for two decades, knows what his followers want and how to walk them through this new phase of his life as an actor and podcast host.
CH: What do you love about what you do?
Lecrae: I’m grateful for the opportunity. I love that we can facilitate a space for young creatives here at Reach Records. It's just cool to me that creatives from all over can come in here and do God's work.
CH: You’re known for being a hip-hop artist. What was it like taking on the role of an actor?
Lecrae: “I’ve always looked for opportunities. I put that feeler out there, and a friend of mine said, ‘Hey, there's an opportunity for you to audition for the Journey to Bethlehem movie.’ I went into that audition completely unprepared. I thought that I could coast. It was much harder than I thought. They gave me a chance to hire an acting coach and try out again. The second time, I got the role.
CH: Now, you play the role of the angel Gabriel in the movie. What was that like?
Lecrae: When you have to play a character, you want to understand their motivation. I had to start digging into the Scriptures about Gabriele’s role. He brought the news of the Savior of the world to Mary, so there's a weight there. I wanted to make sure I could capture the powerful part of Scripture and the importance of Gabriel.
CH: You’re taking on a new assignment in 2024, starting your own podcast. Why did you decide to step into that arena?
Lecrae: I’ve been praying and asking the Lord, how would you like to use me this season? Along with, ‘What should I be doing with my time?’ I love music. It's something that I enjoy. I realized I am a communicator who uses music as a form of expression. So, whether it's a book, movie, or music, I want to communicate. If I'm being honest, some of it is understanding the role God has me in – in culture and society - and wanting to own that and walk in that space. If you're creating culture, you're always looking, learning, and processing to create something different that people can say, ‘Wow, I hadn't experienced this.’
CH: Was there anyone one person who gave you advice along the journey of deciding to do a podcast?
Lecrae: My cousin, podcaster Tim Ross, suggested I look into it. I realized that it was something I wanted to do. I can’t wait to debut what I’ve been working on.
CH: You’ve faced criticism from some in the Evangelical circle for your music and stance on Black Lives Matter. How do you handle criticism?
Lecrae: I’m not going to make everyone happy. The funny thing about it is that I don't deal with any of that in my day-to-day interactions, living my real life. Most of us don't. I only deal with it when looking at my phone for it.
CH: You’ve been a part of the Christian Music family for over two decades. What do you think of that?
Lecrae: I feel very fortunate to still use my gifts in this capacity and for God to continue to open up doors, new opportunities, and new things.
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Photo Courtesy: ©Affirm; used with permission.
MAINA MWAURA is a freelance writer and journalist who has interviewed over 800 influential leaders, including two US Presidents, three Vice-Presidents, and a variety of others. Maina, is also the author of the Influential Mentor, How the life and legacy of Howard Hendricks Equipped and Inspired a Generation of Leaders. Maina and his family reside in the Kennesaw, Georgia area.