When Maya met Lecrae...

If you had the chance to quiz one of the top Gospel rappers from the US, what would you say?  

Maya Simeon caught up with Lecrae during his UK visit for a quick chat...

Key facts about Lecrae...

• Born in Texas, grew up in California and now lives in Memphis, Tenessee, USA
• One of his mentors is Ambassador from Cross Movement, who he has strong links to
• Signed to Reach Records and exploded on the Gospel music scene with debut album Real Talk in 2005.
• Follow up project, After The Music Stops, flew into the US Top 10 Gospel Billboards in its first week of release and reached number one on the Christian R&B/Hip Hop chart.
• Married to wife Darragh and has a baby son called David.
• Doesn’t like being perceived as a superstar, but always endeavours to promote Christ.
• An integral part of the Holy Hip-Hop Movement and an urban missionary who regularly ministers in juvenile detention centres and prisons.
• Best known for his track ‘Jesus Music’ (featuring Trip Lee), which also has a cool video!
• His vision is centred on The Great Commission: going out into the world and making disciples.
• Currently working on a teaching programme on ‘Biblical Manhood’ and also his 3rd album, Rebel, due out in Autumn.

Maya: How’s your experience of the UK been so far?

Lecrae: It’s been fun, real busy but I’m loving it! Meeting everybody’s been great and I’m looking forward to visiting a castle and trying fish and chips!

M: So how does it measure up to the preconceptions you had previous to your visit?
L: It’s nothing like the stereotypes. I grew up with ideas of Robin Hood, Paddington Bear, King Arthur and stuff which the media in the States continues to elevate, but it’s very different to that portrayal!

M: When you’re on tour, what do you miss most about home?
L: My son, of course, and my family. Our community too; over there I’m just the average bear!

M: Do you have a favourite TV show?
L: I love documentaries. I could watch those for days. I love to learn about cultures, people, places.

M: What’s your favourite film?
L: Matrix
M: Yeah man, mine too!

M: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one album, which would it be?
L: Ah man, what I listen to changes all the time, but right now (I’d cheat and take two), it would have to be the latest releases by Flame (Our World Redeemed: The Sequel) and J-R (Life in Stereo)

M: Do you have a favourite UK artist?
L: In the States, we hear Jahaziel and Tryumf and I love them, but since coming over I’ve heard so much good stuff. You guys are talented!

M: What’s your favourite cartoon?
L: Gummy Bears
(we start singing the theme tune then burst out laughing)

M: What is your message to the UK?
L: To know that the pursuit of happiness is a myth. We need to pursue joy and that is only found in Jesus, that’s where we can be totally and constantly satisfied!

M: Thank you so much Lecrae, it’s great to have to here!
L: Oh, it’s my honour, thank you! 

Event review:
Ekklesia 'Rain' album launch @ the London Gospel Venue (April 2008)

By Charlene Marshall

The night that many had anticipated had finally arrived; it was now time to unveil the new album from the native North-West London group, Ekklesia. The Temple of Truth church, in East London, home to Isaiah Raymond Dyer of Raymond and Co, was the place to be. The stage was created into an intimate setting with a full live band and background vocalists.

Tony Tomlin, former Gospel columnist of the New Nation newspaper, was the evening's host who presented the audience to the urban quartet.

Through their different songs new music styles emerged, including rock, soul and r'n'b. A few favourites on the night were 'Looking for Love' and 'Blessed', which were well performed with wide vocal ranges. Attention to the positive message was never taken away from the intense sounds.

Ekklesia delivered consistently and as other tracks were sung, such as ‘Pressure’, people were pleasantly surprised,  instantaneously joining in feeling those bass lines. Support from artistes included Janine Dyer from Raymond and Co, the retro-looking and fierce-moving dance act, 'Rebirth', and Wizdom from GreenJade, who came through to add his lyrical touch.