Lecrae's "Anomaly" remains just that despite contemporary influences

Albums exist in the idiom of their times.

Lecrae's new album, "Anomaly," is no different. It is very Outkast-ish on a few tracks, Ludacris-like on one song, Drake-ish on the hook of one song, parts of one song has a 2pac/West coast feel, and towards the end of the album it's gets pretty contemporary Christian; but to mention all of those is highly misleading. 

"Anomaly" remains very original even in those few--I stress the word "few"--times the beats, hooks, bridges (or whatever you call them) remind you of something off Aquemini or someone contemporary.  Lecrae's delivery sounds like his own for most of the time, except when he's interacting with a popular song, or at least using something modern to accomplish his own purposes. Overall, the album was more cohesive and polished than "Gravity." Still less theological than "Rebel" and not as raw. But it is a job well done. 

I'd give it an 8.5/10 at best, and reluctantly give it a 7.9/10 at worst. Reluctantly. 

Video: Andy Mineo Freestyle on MTV RapFix 2013 Cypher Blowout

First off, my favorite verse from the song "Power Trip" from Lecrae's Gravity album was Andy Mineo's. But here's the kicker: I did not know that was Andy Mineo. And the thing is, I really, really, really, really, really, really like that verse. So much so that I would fast forward to that verse and play it. Or listen to that song waiting for the fourth verse (Mineo's).

I bought Gravity the last week of June 2013. I didn't realize that was Mineo until February 2014 (I was so new to Christian rap that I couldn't figure who was who on the track save Lecrae).

At one point, I confused Swoope for Andy Mineo once I bought the W.L.A.K's self-titled album a month ago because of the similarities of each's boisterous verses on "Reign Coming" (W.L.A.K.) and "Power Trip" (Gravity).

I didn't confuse him, however, on Church Clothes 2's "The Fever," and that was really the point I started to pay attention to Andy Mineo.

Then I watched the above video. And then I watched this video. It was a wrap. I was a fan.

Based off of the above video, this video, and his recent guest verses, I think Andy Mineo is the best Christian lyricist out; then Swoope, then Lecrae.

Christian rap is now Christian art.