Even if you’re not a fan of hip-hop, you’ve probably heard of Lecrae. He’s released over six studio albums and has won two Grammy awards. He’s been a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon three times. His latest album, Anomaly, hit number one on the Billboard 200 charts when it was released. But that’s not why I think Jesus would be interested in his music.

Lecrae’s story, like many of ours, is one of brokenness and redemption through Christ. Despite growing up without a father and being influenced by gang culture throughout his youth, the artist is not ashamed to tell the story of how Jesus has saved him. Here are three reasons why I think Jesus would listen to Lecrae’s music.

1. He’s passionate about God’s Word. One of the things I love about Lecrae is his passion for the Bible. In fact, Lecrae loves using the YouVersion Bible App.
2. He’s more concerned about reaching outsiders than pleasing insiders. Lecrae’s music is raw, honest, and authentic. I think Jesus would like that about him. Not to mention Lecrae regularly hangs out with artists like Jay-Z, who have very different beliefs than he does. Why? Because he’s passionate about reaching people others aren’t reaching. Likewise, Jesus regularly hung out with the kind of people who got him judged by the religious elite.
3. He’s passionate about seeing races reconciled. In his song Dirty Water, Lecrae says, “Lies you told about yourself that you don’t realize—I must be a thief; she locked the doors when I was walking by.” Lecrae’s music regularly speaks about issues of racism, prejudice, and injustice from an authentic yet biblical standpoint. If you like this about Lecrae, you’ll love Pastor Craig’s message, Races Reconciled.