Unashamed

If you live for people's acceptance, you'll die from their rejection. Two-time Grammy winning rap artist, Lecrae, learned this lesson through more than his share of adversity-childhood abuse, drugs and alcoholism, a stint in rehab, an abortion, and an unsuccessful suicide attempt. Along the way, Lecrae attained an unwavering faith in Jesus and began looking to God for affirmation. Now as a chart-topping industry anomaly, he has learned to ignore the haters and make peace with his craft. The rap artist holds nothing back as he divulges the most sensitive details of his life, answers his critics, shares intimate handwritten journal entries, and powerfully models how to be a Christian in a secular age. This is the story of one man's journey to faith and freedom.*Cover/Interior design by Alex Medina, photography by Mary Caroline Mann Review ?Lecrae?s story is as real as it gets. The rawness, pain, and brutal honesty make it a tremendously gripping read, but the sheer beauty of his journey to redemption makes it something you?ll want to share with others, and I certainly hope you will. This book will change lives.?Eric Metaxas, New York Times Bestselling author of Bonhoeffer and Miracles   "Knowing Lecrae's unique story and gifts, this book has been a long time coming and is essential to not only those interested in his music and hip-hop, but also those wanting to better understand the intersection between faith and culture and what it looks like to be in the world but not of it.?Matt Chandler, lead Pastor of The Village Church, President of the Acts 29, author of The Mingling of Souls "This is an artistic coming-of-age story with all the brokenness and beauty of our American reality and our Christian hope. It's not just the story of how a boy became a man, or how a lost soul found faith, but how an artist found his voice. There's so much here for those who care about the intersection of deep faith with great art. Lecrae is showing the rest of us how it is done."Andy Crouch, executive editor, Christianity Today, author of Culture Making  "If you love beautiful music, powerful stories, or the Lord Jesus Christ, you will not be able to put this book down. Lecrae doesn't hold back in Unashamed; there is no "Christian-ese" or posturing in this memoir. Instead, he takes the reader through his grace-filled journey from abandonment to community, from brokenness to wholeness, from a life lost in the world to one found in the arms of God. This must-read book is for hip-hop heads and believers, artists and seekers, and anyone who wants to know more about one of the most compelling artists of our time. I expect that millions of people will read this book, discover more about Lecrae, and be inspired to walk with Jesus themselves, unashamed."Joshua DuBois, spiritual advisor to President Obama, author of The President's Devotional, and founder of Values Partnerships"Historically, hip-hop has been used to express sexuality, frustration, materialism, and even violence. But this is the amazing story of how one brilliant young artist, my friend Lecrae, transformed a powerful music style into a tool for sharing God?s love, fulfilling God?s purposes, and glorifying God?s name. I love and respect Lecrae because of his authenticity and his courage. His raw lyrics are snapshots from his own heart and God has used his honesty to reach audiences who?d never listen to so-called 'church' music. In order to be what God wants him to be, Lecrae has been willing to push limits and break through boundaries. He?s a modern-day prophet, purpose-driven rather than popularity-driven, or prosperity-driven. You?ve heard his music; now you can learn about his life?s experiences that made Lecrae the great Christian artist and leader he is today. I promise you, regardless of the kind of music you listen to, you?ll love this book." Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life and The