When I first heard the news about the release of Rehab months ago, I couldn’t help but wonder what Lecrae had in store. In my eyes, Rebel had been one of the definitive albums for Christian Rap, and may one day be considered a classic. Anticipation across the board has been at such a high level that people passed the time dissecting everything from the logo to the title choice. Let’s walk through the album and see how it stacks up and stands alone.

When I first heard the news about the release of Rehab months ago, I couldn’t help but wonder what Lecrae had in store. In my eyes, Rebel had been one of the definitive albums for Christian Rap, and may one day be considered a classic. Anticipation across the board has been at such a high level that people passed the time dissecting everything from the logo to the title choice. Let’s walk through the album and see how it stacks up and stands alone.

1. Check In: the drums start off hitting hard like a dope fiend’s heartbeat. The skittish synth sounds match the distress of an addict just as Lecrae comes in with the “Ch-ch-ch-check me in”. I could almost visualize someone strung out and dragging themselves to the door of a rehabilitation center. Not one of the most compelling intros musically but absolutely fitting for the album’s intent and direction.

2. Killa*: this right here is music to burn shoes to, yeah! Seriously, this song speaks directly to an issue that has plagued those in pursuit of Christ since Eden…pride. What makes this song work is the Proverbs 5 laced focus on he wiles of an adulteress (as she “whispers” in the background) that preys on that feeling of being untouchable behind closed doors. I felt something was missing in Lecrae’s delivery on this track; went back to Real Talk to listen to “Represent”, and heard an edge/ hunger there that would have stepped this track up just that extra notch.

3. Divine Intervention feat. J.R.: so the “addict” has come to partial grips with what his drug of choice is, now comes the intervention. This song, featuring the flawless melodies of J.R., speaks to the moment where the Holy Spirit’s conviction is enforcing realization of sin, an urge to repent, and begin rehab. Good song here, laid back feel fits this part of the story.

4. Just Like You feat. J. Paul*: a lot of times when someone is trying to break a habit and reprogram their desires, they need to look back and find the root cause. Such is the case with this transparent song from Crae. Smooth guitars and organs, along with J. Paul’s strong harmonies, come together to create a nice backdrop for this heartfelt track. The last verse affirms that Christ is the role model we should look to, one with no bad habits that get passed down.

5. Gotta Know feat. Benjah: this is the type of track that could get placement in other markets, such as CCM, and continue Lecrae’s reach (no pun intended) to ears outside of the normal hip hop demographic. Benjah provides his voice on the hook and adds a lot to the song. The female on the hook blends well on the harmonies but it feels a bit off when she has the solo/ adlib parts. An encouraging song designed to reassure of the Lord’s sovereignty and faithfulness to welcome us into His arms when we stray.

6. Used To Do It Too feat. KB*: new Reach signee, KB, shows out on this upbeat song that speaks on the shedding of old ways without giving too much shine to the specifics. From a rehab standpoint, you could compare this to the roundtable discussions that occur with people further along in the program included. Designed to encourage and lovingly challenge rather than go to either extreme of condemnation or cosigning, this is a strong track.

7. Children Of The Light feat. Sonny Sandoval & Dillavou: going with a rock vibe that features P.O.D.’s Sonny and the reggae crooning Dillavou, this is a different type of anthem from Lecrae. At this point of the album, there is a sense that freedom is truly being embraced and the blood of Christ is covering what caused the check-in. I like the extra reggae vibe Lecrae threw in on his verse. Nice track to make a video off of as well.

8. High feat. Sho Baraka & Suzy Rock: let me be honest right now, I did not want to like this song at all. When it first dropped, I was wondering seriously if the album was going to be another disappointment like ATMS. I still can’t say I’m enthusiastic about Lecrae’s flow on this one but watching my 3 and 1 year old jumping around to this helped it grow on me. Sho definitely showed up on the track but I wish they would’ve given Suzy Rock a verse…maybe on a remix. I wasn’t crazy about the metaphor of “high” as far as being in Christ and worship, but see what the intent is as related to the album’s concept.

9. New Shalom feat. PRo*: the song comes on, the screwed sample comes in: “I wake up, before I throw a pita on!”…what? Is that stuffed with scrambled eggs and turkey bacon? Of course, I realized what was really said as it repeated but where is the Christian Weird Al when you need him? This is another good song that shows a new approach to life, seeking the Lord early and being appreciative of the peace He provides. Very nice production plus a creative verse from PRo, this is a true hard hitter.

10. 40 Deep feat. Tedashii & Trip Lee*: repentance is a one on one deal; a person has to be broken and committed to Christ by their own confession, not others. That said, the next step is to be surrounded with other believers and stay in a constant community environment. This song speaks to that, presenting nice trumpet- driven production with a militant vibe to it. Not anything brand new from the 116 but still done as well as they usually do.

11. Walking On Water: another solid song on a impeccably ordered tracklist. The water effects fit perfectly with this concept as Lecrae spits about the faith in The Lord that helps us in the midst of trials and tribulations. A good song that I would not be surprised to see a couple fan videos with dances created for it.

12. God Is Enough feat. Flame & Jai: as we come closer to the last stage of Rehab, Lecrae brings his St. Louis family in for a double time dance track. Flame starts things off and Jai carries the hook, solid as usual, that says it all. The doubts and fears that come with pride/ lust/ sin are eliminated and replaced with the fullness of God. This is another dance track that will play well in places like Florida.

13. Boasting feat. Anthony Evans*: things take a triumphantly acoustic tone, Lecrae expresses a worshipful gratefulness for the restoring power of God’s love. The drum programming added with the guitar makes this a perfect fit for Lecrae’s flow and Anthony Evans sets the tone in a way similar to how Jimmy Needham did on Trip Lee’s album.

14. Background feat. C-Lite: I’ll go ahead and get this out of the way quickly, C-Lite is talented but at certain points on the hook he sounds like a copy of Drake. Not something I’m liking, but let’s look at the song overall. In order to truly move into a mindset where self is not center, we must renew our minds and understand that God is the Author of our lives. Lecrae makes it clear on this nicely composed track, loving the violins throughout.

15. New Reality feat. Chinua Hawk: often times the best voices of intervention are those who understand what it is to need intervention. Such is the viewpoint taken on this track as Lecrae gets the attention of the listener with a breakdown of The Gospel and the new reality that comes with submitting to it. Pulling the wool off vanity and the ego trip many people are locked in on, both he and Chinua Hawk bring the message home impressively.

16. Release Date feat. Chris Lee*: this is the most musically impressive piece on the album, without question. Even if Lecrae wasn’t spitting about the victory in Christ over addiction to self, the music almost tells the story itself. One note about Chris Lee and the hooks I’ve heard him on recently- consistent! Polished in sound, he provided just the right ingredient that made this a top notch song. I can almost visualize a newly freed person packing their bags and leaving the Rehab Center, renewed and restored.

17. I Love You feat. Chris Lee (Bonus)*: relevant is an understatement in regards to this song. I will say it this way, especially in the midst of ministry, wives often catch the most pain due to ego and vanity. I won’t say much more because it’s a necessary listen for all….plus, it’s a bonus track.

Production- wise the music is on point, maintains direction, and is of the highest quality. I had a person who never heard much of Christian rap, other than snippets of DC Talk and early CM, peep a couple songs and he was impressed by the musicality in comparison to the mainstream projects he was used to. That said, he and I agreed that there was another level that could have been reached in the area of hunger in the delivery. Looking at the progression from Real Talk to ATMS, on to Rebel and finally Rehab, I see growth in the areas of musical range and lyrical acuity- with a slight decline in aggression (live shows excluded, of course). Every track is above average but there are a precious few that give off the outstanding vibe. That’s a small detail that does not overrule the weight that this album holds, and will hold in years to come.

I listen to each album at least 6-8 times all the way through before I write anything about it. In the case of this album, after the second listen, I was completely in tune with the aim of this project. The track ordering is by far the best I’ve seen of any album in quite some time; this wasn’t just a haphazard collection of beats and rhymes. This project is pointed at those who confess Christ but have allowed the fallacy of self- sufficency become burdensome garments. It still has some value for those who are unsaved, with the Gospel being central, and helps display the frailty of those in The Body that fail to walk in His will. Whoever it is that listens to this project will find a lot to appreciate in its depth. There is a new standard of quality in Gospel Rap, as of early 2009, and this 4 star project continues that trend.