"In the song 'Church Clothes' I was actually speaking from the perspective of a person who sees all the hypocrisy in church," says Lecrae. "Many people have seen the hypocrisy and inconsistencies that have helped push them away from the church and God all together."

Lecrae admits that people have been hurt by churches who have told them that if they don't dress accordingly or put on airs than they aren't welcome. Still, toward the end of the song you hear the hip hop artist explain that if there is a real, loving, and grace-based church as well as a loving God, they'd have no excuse.

"The goal wasn't to condone this behavior or view; it was just to show the real attitude that people outside the church have," says Lecrae. "It is a personification, which is a literary and artistic tool constantly used in rap music."

Pastors and authors from across the country are standing by Lecrae and encouraging their congregations to break down the barriers and put a stop to the deception and live by example. "Lecrae's scripture-infused lyrics are just what the REAL church needs in politically-correct times like these," says Dr. Kenneith T. Whalum Jr., author of Hip-Hop Is Not Our Enemy: From A Preacher Who Keeps It Real. "Not only are his lyrics painfully direct, the visual images are stunning, just like the homeless people we drive by on our way to our urban cathedrals. I can already hear the shrill outcry of the self-appointed guardians of the religious status quo against what they characterize as the 'evils of hip-hop', but 'Church Clothes' is a prime example that Hip-Hop is not our enemy; HYPOCRISY is!"

"'Church Clothes' is a clarion call to those of us who are true Believers in the Body of Christ to live a life of light so that those who live in darkness can be transformed and renewed," says Minister Keisha Allen from Straight Gate International Church. "It is a challenge to address issues in the church that are more important than clothing of a non-believer such as, promiscuity, deception and the like. It's a great song!"

"Thank you Lecrae for speaking on the behalf of the young people who see this," comments Bishop Paul S. Morton. "Young people outside the church see these issues looking from the outside in. We will cause them to change if they see us being real."

For more information about Lecrae and "Church Clothes" please visit http://reachrecords.com/.

For further information and a list of upcoming Reach Records and ReachLife Ministries events, please visit http://reachrecords.com/. For more information about ReachLife please visit http://reachlife.org/.

For more info on Lecrae visit the JFH Artists Database.

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