Anomaly (Lecrae album)

Anomaly
Studio album by Lecrae
Released September 9, 2014 (2014-09-09)
Recorded 2013—2014, Atlanta, Georgia
Genre Christian hip hop, conscious hip hop
Length 57:55
Label Reach
Producer 808xElite, Ace Harris, Alex Medina, Andy Mineo (post-prod.), Derek Minor, Dirty Rice, Gawvi, Jaquebeatz, Joseph Prielozny, J. Rhodes, Mashell, Nate "The BeatBreaker" Robinson, S1, Street Symphony, Vohnbeatz
Lecrae chronology
Church Clothes 2
(2013)		 Anomaly
(2014)		 Church Clothes 3
(2016)
Singles from Anomaly
  1. "Nuthin"
    Released: July 1, 2014
  2. "Fear"
    Released: July 22, 2014
  3. "All I Need is You"
    Released: July 31, 2014

Anomaly is the seventh studio album by American Christian hip hop artist Lecrae, released on September 9, 2014, through Reach Records. The album features appearances from Crystal Nicole, Kari Jobe, and For King & Country, along with label-mate Andy Mineo. Anomaly met with a positive critical reception, and the song "Nuthin", released for streaming as a single on July 1, 2014, was nominated for the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards in the best Impact Track category. The album also fared well commercially, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with over 88,000 copies sold. It also debuted at No. 1 on the Top Gospel Albums chart, marking the first time that any artist has ever topped both the 200 and Gospel charts. Anomaly won Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year at the 2015 GMA Dove Awards,[1] and Rap, Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year at the 2015 Stellar Awards.[2] Two songs earned a nomination for the 2015 Grammy Awards; "All I Need is You" was nominated for Best Rap Performance, and "Messengers", featuring For King & Country, which won Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. Rolling Stone ranked it at No. 12 on their list "40 best rap albums of 2014".[3]

Background

Anomaly is the seventh studio album by Lecrae, and follows up his 2013 mix-tape Church Clothes 2 and 2012 studio album Gravity. Gravity debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, selling over 72,000 copies during its first week, and won both Best Gospel Album at the 2013 Grammy Awards and Best Rap/Hip Hop Album at the 2013 Dove Awards.[4][5][6] The commercial version of Church Clothes 2 debuted at No. 21 on the Billboard 200, selling over 15,000 copies, while the free version was downloaded over 150,000 times on Datpiff.com.[7][8]

Lecrae revealed that he had considered collaborating with Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Elle Varner and Nipsey Hu$$le, but eventually decided to work on his own.[9][10] He said "it feels like a first album because it's just me being me and giving my own perspective".[11] Lecrae worked with several producers including Gawvi, Tyshane, Ace Harris and Alex Medina.[12] He also worked with Symbolyc One (S1) and Track a Dot.[10] He described the production as "not just simple beats, a couple singles have that going on, but for the most part, it’s really intricate."[13]

Promotion

In May 2014, Reach Records held two limited pre-release listening sessions, one session at Stonecrest Mall in Atlanta, Georgia and another at Strght and Nrrw in Jacksonville, Florida for the song "Nuthin'" from Lecrae's upcoming album, the title of which at that time had yet to be revealed.[14] On June 3, 2014, Lecrae announced the title of the album, Anomaly, as well as the album's release date, then set as August 2014.[15] He said: "Conceptually, it’s about how I deviate from the norm just being a product of Hip-Hop, but yet staying true to who I am and what I’m about, even though the culture is going its own route. It’s saying ‘Man, I don’t care. I’ll be different.’[13] Lecrae began a trending hashtag with the album's name, allowing people to express their own story and individuality, ending their short pieces with the hashtag "#Anomaly". The likes of Lakers' point guard Jeremy Lin and Oakland Raiders' defensive end Justin Tuck have contributed to this growing social media campaign.[16] Lecrae explained their involvement:

“ I just wanted to do something that was unique and incorporated everybody, so it wasn’t so much about getting Steph Curry or Jeremy Lin involved, as much as it was about getting everybody involved and saying, 'How are you uniquely made? How are you an anomaly?'. There were a lot of great stories and they just helped to tell [the] story that we’re all unique.[17] ”

On June 20, Lecrae unveiled the artwork of the album, which shows the face of the rapper in 3D.[18] In July, Lecrae tweeted that the album's release would be pushed back to September 9, and unveiled the track listing.[19] On July 22, Lecrae released a video explaining the album's title.[20]

Concerts and touring

On September 18, 2014 Lecrae was a guest on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon where he performed several times throughout the show with The Roots.[21]

Lecrae launched the Anomaly tour in support of the album, accompanied by Andy Mineo and DJ Promote. Started on October 3, 2014, the tour ran through November 21, stopping at thirty cities throughout the United States.[22] It included a stop in Phoenix, Arizona at the annual charity concert Bubba's Bash, sponsored by golfer Bubba Watson, which featured, in addition to Lecrae and his tour roster, the artists Britt Nicole, Thi'sl, Fedel, and Judah Smith.[23][24] The tour met with such success that three more stops were added before it concluded on November 21.[25] In January 2015, Lecrae announced a second leg of the tour that started in April 2015.[26]

Reception

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[27]
CCM Magazine[28]
Cross Rhythms[29]
Cuepoint[30]
HipHopDX[31]
Indie Vision Music[32]
Jesus Freak Hideout[33]
[34]
[35]
[36]
[37]
New Release Tuesday[38]
Rolling Stone[39]
XXLL (3/5)[40]

Critics viewed Anomaly very favorably.[41] David Jeffries, writing for AllMusic, rated the album four stars out of five, concluding that "Crafty and smart man, Lecrae, and with Anomaly following a series of albums equally crafted and smart, he now enters the hallowed halls of the consistent with all his charisma intact."[27]

Writing for Vibe, Juan Vidal positively reviewed the album: "On his newest offering, Anomaly, Lecrae sounds more aware than ever. Aware of his place and of the stories he's been charged to tell. Immediately, he establishes himself as an outsider who doesn't quite fit in anywhere, treading the thin grey line between the sacred and secular. Over heavy synths and sharp, cracking drums, he flexes with a newfound lyrical prowess. [...] Lecrae's fast-paced flow does the work of complementing many of the bursting choruses, which are bigger and more pronounced than they've been on any of his previous releases. And much can be said about his voice this time around, which he's learned to stretch and manipulate to great effect."[42]

Rachel Chesbrough of XXL noted that Lecrae's "ability to tell a story is on point, his delivery never falters once, and his detailed wordplay, however literal, does acrobatics in terms of rhyme scheme. Anomaly may not entirely break out of its niche, but it’s objectively admirable, and his already established fan base will love it."[40]

The Christian Post reporter Vincent Funaro wrote: "Lecrae certainly shows growth on this album lyrically and seems to have perfected the writing style he began with the original Church Clothes mixtape, moving away from Christian theology and closer to content that people from all walks of life can relate to. He seems comfortable in his new space and raps more as a person following Christ in this world, rather than a Christian rapper."[43]

Christina Lee of Creative Loafing (Atlanta) described the album as "an underdog story". "Anomaly truly comes alive when Lecrae dives into specifics. [The album] makes Lecrae's journey to salvation seem wholly personal. Thanks to his passion, people are bound to keep rooting for him, no matter what their beliefs may be."[44]

On behalf of New Release Tuesday, Dwayne Lacy wrote how Lecrae "continues to bring the 'heat' and grow as an artist."[38]

Writing for Indie Vision Music, Anthony Peronto described how "Anomaly is filled with both the experimental and the emotional."[32]

The Washington Post noted that "what makes Anomaly so well, anomalous, is its subject matter. Verses about abortion, freedom, fear, marriage — even the artist’s own experience with molestation — flow from Lecrae with alacrity and purpose."[45] Deborah Jane of Music is My Oxygen gave the album four out of five stars and commented that "This guy is fresh. Raw. Genuine. Phenomenal. He’s currently battling for No. 1 on the Billboard 200 charts – and it’s obvious why."[46]

Commercial performance

The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of over 88,000 copies in the United States, which earned Lecrae his first No. 1 album on the chart.[47] Anomaly was also the first album by any artist to top both the Billboard 200 and the Gospel Albums chart.[48][49] Lecrae also became the fifth artist following Chris Tomlin (2013), TobyMac (2012), LeAnn Rimes (1997) and Bob Carlisle (1997) to score a number one album on both Christian Albums and the Billboard 200. Anomaly also marks the sixth time that Lecrae topped the Gospel Albums chart and the fifth time he topped the Christian Albums chart.[50] In its second week of sales, the album sold 27,000 copies, bringing the total to 115,000 copies sold.[51] In its third week of sales, the album sold another 17,000 copies, bringing the total to 137,000 copies.[52] By January 2015, the album sold 240,000 copies.[53] On August 26, 2016, Anomaly was certified Gold by the RIAA, for combined sales, streaming and track-sales equivalent of 500,000 units.[54]

Track listing

No. TitleWriter(s)Producer(s) Length
1. "Outsiders"  Lecrae Moore, Dustin Bowie, Kenneth Chris Mackey, Joseph Prielozny & Torrance EsmondDirty Rice, Joseph Prielozny, Street Symphony 4:47
2. "Welcome to America"  L. Moore, Larry Griffin, Jr. & Justin RhodesS1, J. Rhodes; 4:22
3. "Say I Won't" (featuring Andy Mineo)L. Moore, Andy Mineo, Gabriel Azucena, Tyshane Thompson & Matt Massarro808xElite, Gawvi (with post-production by Andy Mineo) 3:35
4. "Nuthin'"  L. Moore, Dimitri McDowell, G. Azucena and A. MineoGawvi 4:05
5. "Fear"  L. Moore, Natalie Sims, K. C. Mackey and J. PrieloznyDirty Rice, Joseph Prielozny 5:24
6. "Anomaly"  L. Moore, Nate Robinson & Chonita GillespieNate "The BeatBreaker" Robinson 2:29
7. "Timepiece"  L. Moore, Serge Gustave & Mashell LeroyMashell 3:53
8. "Dirty Water"  L. Moore & Derek JohnsonDerek Minor 3:13
9. "Wish"  L. Moore, Caleb McCampbell, L. Griffin, Jr., JaVohn Griffin & J. PrieloznyS1, Vohnbeatz (with post-production by Joseph Prielozny) 3:45
10. "Runners"  L. Moore, Lasanna "Ace" Harris & Gabriel AzucenaGawvi, Lasanna "Ace" Harris for PK ONEDAY 3:04
11. "All I Need Is You"  L. Moore, D. Bowie, Tasha Catour, K. C. Mackey and J. PrieloznyDirty Rice, Joseph Prielozny 3:44
12. "Give In" (featuring Crystal Nicole)L. Moore, Crystal Johnson, G. Azucena & Alex MedinaGawvi, Alex Medina 3:47
13. "Good, Bad, Ugly"  L. Moore, Kasey Sims & Jhaun DownerJAQUEBEATZ 3:28
14. "Broken" (featuring Kari Jobe)L. Moore, Kari Jobe, K. C. Mackey, J. PrieloznyDirty Rice, Joseph Prielozny 4:43
15. "Messengers" (featuring For King & Country)L. Moore, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, K. C. Mackey, J. Prielozny, T. EsmondDirty Rice, Joseph Prielozny, Street Symphony 3:36

As a result of reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the label released a thank-you track to fans. "Non-Fiction" was released as a digital download, and traces Lecrae's career.[55][56]

Additional Credits

Awards

Anomaly won Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year at the 2015 GMA Dove Awards,[1] and Rap, Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year at the 2015 Stellar Awards.[2] The song "Messengers", featuring For King & Country, won Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song at the 2015 Grammy Awards,[57] and was nominated for Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year at the 2015 GMA Dove Awards.[58] "All I Need Is You", was nominated for Best Rap Performance at the 2015 Grammy Awards,[48] and won Rap/Hip-Hop Song of the Year at the 2015 GMA Dove Awards.[59] "Nuthin'" was nominated for BET Award for Best Impact Track at the 2014 BET Hip Hop Awards.[60]

Charts

Chart (2014) Peak
position
Canadian Albums (Billboard)[61] 16
UK Independent Albums (OCC)[62] 37
US Billboard 200[63] 1
US Christian Albums (Billboard)[64] 1
US Top Gospel Albums (Billboard)[65] 1
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[66] 1
US Top Rap Albums (Billboard)[67] 1
US Top Tastemaker Albums (Billboard)[68] 2

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/Sales
United States (RIAA)[69] Gold 500,000double-dagger

*sales figures based on certification alone
^shipments figures based on certification alone
double-daggersales+streaming figures based on certification alone

References

  1. 1 2 Sarachik, Justin (October 14, 2015). "46th Annual Dove Awards 2015 Winners: Lecrae Gets 'Artist of the Year', Seth Mosely, Matt Maher, & Lauren Daigle Take Multiple Trophies". BREATHEcast. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  2. 1 2 Daniels, David (March 28, 2015). "Lecrae wins 2015 Stellar Award for 'Anomaly'". Rapzilla. Philip Rood and Chad Horton. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  3. ↑ "40 Best Rap Albums of 2014". Rolling Stone. December 23, 2014. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  4. ↑ Caulfield, Keith (September 12, 2012). "Matchbox Twenty Gets First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. Retrieved September 12, 2012.
  5. ↑ Ruggieri, Melissa (February 10, 2013). "Lecrae wins first Grammy award". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Cox Enterprises. Retrieved February 11, 2013.
  6. ↑ "Current Winners (2013)". Dove Awards. Retrieved October 24, 2013.
  7. ↑ "Reach Records Streams Church Clothes 2" (Web). Indie Vision Music. November 15, 2013. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
  8. ↑ Omizzle (November 7, 2013). "Lecrae Church Clothes 2". Datpiff.com. Idle Media. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  9. ↑ Vidal, Juan (June 30, 2014). "Feature: Lecrae Is A Man On Fire". Vibe. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  10. 1 2 Estevez, Marjua (August 1, 2014). "Lecrae's Anomaly: Soul With Conviction". HipHopWired. p. 2. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  11. ↑ JoshIVM (July 22, 2014). "Lecrae Explains 'Anomaly' & More On Sway In The Morning". Indie Vision Music. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  12. ↑ GAWVI (Artist/Producer) (July 15, 2014). "Tracklisting for Lecrae's NEW Album "Anomaly".". Facebook. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  13. 1 2 Estevez, Marjua (August 1, 2014). "Lecrae's Anomaly: Soul With Conviction". HipHopWired. Retrieved July 31, 2014.
  14. ↑ Wakeman, Austin (June 29, 2014). "Lecrae To Release Nuthin From Anomaly On July 1st". Rapzilla. Philip Rood and Chad Horton. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  15. ↑ Fleischer, Adam (June 3, 2014). "Lecrae's New Album Anomaly Is Coming This Summer". MTV. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  16. ↑ Hernandez, Victoria (July 16, 2014). "Lecrae "Anomaly" Release Date, Cover Art & Tracklist". HipHopDX. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  17. ↑ Alexis, Nadeska (July 22, 2014). "Don't Expect Lecrae To Dumb It Down On His Anomaly Album". MTV. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
  18. ↑ Kennedy, John (June 20, 2014). "Lecrae Enters The Matrix On New 'Anomaly' Album Cover". Vibe. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  19. ↑ Sarachik, Justin (July 15, 2014). "Lecrae's 'Anomaly' Track Listing Revealed Online; Rapper's Tour Dates Released (SCHEDULE/LIST)". Breathecast. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
  20. ↑ Reach Records (July 22, 2014). "Lecrae Anomaly - The Definition". Youtube.com. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
  21. ↑ Shellnutt, Kate (September 17, 2014). "Lecrae Brings Reformed Rap to Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show". Christianity Today. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  22. ↑ Solis, Steven (July 15, 2014). "Lecrae Anomaly Tracklisting Revealed + Anomaly Tour Dates". Rapzilla. Philip Rood and Chad Horton. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  23. ↑ "Bubba's Bash 2014 - A Benefit Concert". Premier Productions. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  24. ↑ Lady La. "Lady La sits down with Lecrae before his sold out concert at the "Bubba's Bash" at Grand Canyon University Arena. Lecrae and La touch on his "Anomaly" tour, how his faith influences his music, favorite song and inspiration behind "Anomaly".". Live 101.5. CBS. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  25. ↑ Jones, Kim (October 22, 2014). "Lecrae Adds Three Shows to the Anomaly Tour". Music Times. Music Times. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  26. ↑ David Daniels. "Lecrae announces The Anomaly Tour, Pt. 2". Rapzilla.
  27. 1 2 Jeffries, David. "Anomaly". AllMusic. All Media Group. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  28. ↑ Greer, Andrew. "Lecrae: Anomaly". CCM Magazine. Retrieved January 16, 2015.
  29. ↑ Cummings, Tony. "Review: Anomaly - Lecrae". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved February 8, 2015.
  30. ↑ Christgau, Robert (December 26, 2014). "Robert Christgau: Expert Witness". Cuepoint. Retrieved December 28, 2014.
  31. ↑ Balfour, Jay (September 16, 2014). "Lecrae - Anomaly". Hip Hop DX. Cheri Media Group. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  32. 1 2 Peronto, Anthony (September 14, 2014). "Lecrae — Anomaly | Reviews". Indie Vision Music. Brandon Jones. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  33. ↑ Rice, Mark (September 7, 2014). "Lecrae, "Anomaly" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. John DiBiase. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  34. ↑ Weaver, Michael (September 8, 2014). "Lecrae, "Anomaly" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. John DiBiase. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  35. ↑ Fryberger, Scott (September 8, 2014). "Lecrae, "Anomaly" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. John DiBiase. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  36. ↑ Geil, Mark D. (September 8, 2014). "Lecrae, "Anomaly" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. John DiBiase. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  37. ↑ Hoskins, Kevin (September 5, 2014). "Lecrae, "Anomaly" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. John DiBiase. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  38. 1 2 Lacy, Dwayne (September 18, 2014). "The System Didn't Prepare for This". New Release Tuesday. NRT Media, Inc. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  39. ↑ Weingarten, Christopher R. (October 7, 2014). "Fast-talking Atlanta MC raps about God, challenges clichés". Rolling Stone. Jann Wenner. Retrieved October 17, 2014.
  40. 1 2 Chesbrough, Rachel (September 10, 2014). "Lecrae Blends A Strong Message With Tight Lyrics On 'Anomaly'". XXL. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  41. ↑ Brogan, Amanda (September 8, 2014). "Lecrae 'Anomaly'". Christian Music Review. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  42. ↑ Vidal, Juan (September 8, 2014). "Review: Lecrae's Impressive 'Anomaly' LP Celebrates Otherness". Vibe. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  43. ↑ Funaro, Vincent (September 9, 2014). "Lecrae 'Anomaly' Review: Rapper Addresses Molestation, Abortion and Shows Growth Lyrically". The Christian Post. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  44. ↑ Lee, Christina (September 4, 2014). "Lecrae's an 'Anomaly,' and that's a good thing". Creative Loafing (Atlanta). Retrieved September 13, 2014.
  45. ↑ "Hip-hop artist Lecrae makes 'Anomaly' of Christian music". The Washington Post. September 15, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  46. ↑ Jane, Deborah (September 11, 2014). "Lecrae "Anomaly" – Album Review". Music Is My Oxygen. Kim Nilseek. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
  47. ↑ Tardio, Andres (September 17, 2014). "Hip Hop Album Sales: Lecrae, Jhene Aiko, Jeezy". HipHop DX. Cheri Media Group. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  48. 1 2 Lipshutz, Jason (December 5, 2014). "Grammys 2015: Meet The Lesser-Known Nominees". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 6, 2014.
  49. ↑ Jones, Kim (October 23, 2014). "Lecrae - Mixing Christianity and Real Life Perfectly". Music Times. Music Times. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
  50. ↑ Caulfield, Keith (September 17, 2014). "Lecrae Earns First No. 1 Album on Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
  51. ↑ "HITS Daily Double Building Album Sales Chart". HitsDailyDouble. Archived from the original on September 15, 2014. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
  52. ↑ "Hip Hop Album Sales: Chris Brown, Jennifer Hudson, Lecrae, Jeezy". HipHopDX. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
  53. ↑ Christman, Ed (January 9, 2015). "Music in 2014: Taylor Takes the Year, Republic Records on Top, Streaming to the Rescue". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved January 10, 2015.
  54. ↑ "American certifications – Lecrae". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  55. ↑ "Non-Fiction". Lecrae - Official Website.
  56. ↑ "Lecrae". Billboard.
  57. ↑ Koonse, Emma (December 5, 2014). "Grammy Awards 2015 Nominates Lecrae, Erica Campbell and Anita Wilson". The Christian Post. The Christian Post Company. Retrieved December 6, 2014.
  58. ↑ Nsenduluka, Benge (August 12, 2015). "Lecrae, for KING & COUNTRY Score Most Nods in GMA's List of 2015 Dove Award Nominees, Including 'Artist of the Year'". Christian Post. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  59. ↑ Daniels, David (October 13, 2015). "Lecrae's 'All I Need Is You' wins Rap/Hip-Hop Song of the Year at 2015 Dove Awards". Rapzilla. Retrieved November 13, 2015.
  60. ↑ Daniels, David (September 6, 2014). "Lecrae's 'Nuthin' Nominated for Impact Track at BET Hip Hop Awards 2014". Rapzilla. Philip Rood and Chad Horton. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  61. ↑ "Lecrae – Chart history" Billboard Canadian Albums Chart for Lecrae.
  62. ↑ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company.
  63. ↑ "Lecrae – Chart history" Billboard 200 for Lecrae.
  64. ↑ "Lecrae – Chart history" Billboard Christian Albums for Lecrae.
  65. ↑ "Lecrae – Chart history" Billboard Top Gospel Albums for Lecrae.
  66. ↑ "Lecrae – Chart history" Billboard Independent Albums for Lecrae.
  67. ↑ "Lecrae – Chart history" Billboard Top Rap Albums for Lecrae.
  68. ↑ "Lecrae – Chart history" Billboard Top Tastemaker Albums for Lecrae.
  69. ↑ "American album certifications – Lecrae – Anomaly". Recording Industry Association of America. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Album, then click SEARCH
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