Unashamed

If you want the truth on Lecrae's life rather than listening to what is on the internet/social media READ this book! A disclaimer here: I am not a big fan of hip hop music and or Lecrae even though I enjoy the lyrics when I can understand them! HOWEVER our teenager (15) LOVES Lecrae's music and has many of his albums. He purchased this book for his Kindle and therefore I decided to read it as well. Was I disappointed? No! What a story! This book is extremely well written in the fact that I don't think I found a single error which is VERY unusual. The writing flows making it an easy read despite it being a hard read when you discover everything Lecrae has gone through in his life. This man says it as it is with no rose colored glasses on! My one piece of advice would be to NOT let young children read this book. Although we are not given graphic details it does not take much of an imagination to know what went on in Lecrae's young life. This book is CLEAN in that there is no swearing but you have to be aware that this is Lecrae's life story and to most that will not paint a pretty picture. Drugs, sex, violence and more were part of Lecrae's life for many years.SO, where does the book start? Surprisingly in 2015! Lecrae provides the reader with insight into what it is like to be an outsider at the Grammy's. We are then taken back to his birth and childhood. Think that being a father is not important? Read how much frustration and anger Lecrae experienced over his dad leaving him and his mom, and not ever having a dad to love and guide him. His mom did her best but she couldn't fill that gap. Boyfriends and later a stepdad were not the role models he needed. Growing up in the hood, Lecrae needed to find his place. Was he gangsta (gangster) material? No! How about a pimp or a hustler? Athlete or just an OJ (Ordinary Joker)? What choices!Influenced by hip hop early on in his life, Lecrae soon discovered that he was talented not only by being able to sing rap but also able to write it. Although his status rose he was "still crying out for attention, nourishment, and love". The words, "Your daddy had you, and he left you" were not uncommon and these words sliced through him, constantly reopening the wounds of abandonment. Alas he was also sexualized at an early age thus warping his view of women and the original plan God created sex for.Given many opportunities to succeed (college etc.), Lecrae found himself embroiled in a life of drugs and sex. Nothing satisfied. He was still coming up empty."For the first time in my life, I felt a sense of purpose and identity." What happened? Would it last?How was Reach Records formed? Who was Lecrae's roommate at that time? Where does Rehab come into his story? How did he meet his wife? Many of you probably want to know WHY Lecrae changed his music from being very Christian/church oriented to being more mainstream. It's all in this book! Critics don't "know the whole story. Critics almost never do." "Critics always have a lot of fury. But they rarely have a lot of facts." Find out the truth by reading this book. You will also enjoy some photos at the end of Lecrae from babyhood up to the modern day with his wife and family."..... success is not what I've done compared with what others have done. Success is what I've done compared with what God has called me to do."This is one of the BEST autobiographies I have read in a LONG time. I was not required to write a review but chose to do so. Thanks, Liz

I'm world's away from the life Lacrae led yet I'm convicted by his story to look at the world through God's eyes. This is a book for every Christian, even old white women who think they have it figured out.

I loved listening to this book (Lecrae narrates- I definitely recommend listening to it rather than reading if possible). I appreciate Lecrae's complete transparency. He doesn't glorify his sin or past, but he doesn't skim past it. He is very clear and specific about his past. I think for anyone who has experienced any of those similar sins and struggles, this book would provide a lot of freedom to relate and be both broken and healed.I also think this autobiography would be encouraging to anyone who has been changed by Christ, but still really struggle with sin (all of us).What I also loved was the concept of- Christian is an excellent noun and a poor adjective. Meaning, Lecrae's calling to be an excellent rapper is not less holy than being a pastor. He (and all of us) should pursue the calling God has for us, and try to do it with excellence, while also maintaining our Christian conviction and conscience.

In UNASHAMED, his first book, rapper Lecrae offers his testimony, the story of God’s transformation in his own life. A deftly written memoir that narrates his story in a matter-of-fact tone, Lecrae doesn’t hype up parts of his story, nor does he undersell himself. As an example, consider the opening chapter, in which he tells the somewhat awkward story of the 2015 Grammy Awards. He is there to be honored, but is largely ignored by the other artists and event attendants. He tells this story as an example of a central theme of his life: “I didn’t fit in.” As the son of a single mother, he experiences many of challenges of the urban world – drugs, sex, violence – and yet he is driven to succeed and ultimately does not allow these things to own him.UNASHAMED is a powerful story of God’s transformation, and at the same time offers firsthand insight into the realities faced by young, black men in the twenty-first century. Ultimately, Lecrae’s story is one of hope, will resonate with many readers who struggle for a taste of hope in their daily lives.

Loved it! I have listened to Lecrae's music since I first heard the song "Beautiful Feet" on a Healing 4 Haiti album from 2010. All of his music is so powerful, and I loved reading how uniquely it was affected by his specific walk with Christ at the time each song was written. The book also gives hope to so many by sharing the challenges he went through even after becoming a believer and even today with all of the temptations he faces. My 15-year-old son read it first, and I had to read it quickly because he wants to re-read it having like it so much. I have always loved hip-hop, from the first days of singing Rapper's Delight as a child on the playground, but now as a Christian with the world view he discusses in the book, hadn't found anything I could enjoy listening to until I heard his music. From there I have found many other artists, like Tedashii and Andy Mineo, all of whom I also use as music in fitness classes I teach. Now we just need better 32 count music with a biblical world view to break through more gates. Thank you, Lecrae, for sharing your story and following God's call.

Well written and easy to digest. Lecrae's message is very clear throughout while being incredibly vulnerable to paint a picture of where he's coming from. For quite a few reasons, I think this book is very brave and should definitely be shared with specifically boys everywhere, as I think Lecrae's story is relatable. One thing is that I felt it ended quite abruptly. Other than that, I thought it was great!

Good easy to read autobiography of Lecrae with some great sweet photo memories

What a blessing this book, what depth, what truth, raw - real - unashamed. Powerful dynamite. Bless his heart.

This book has really hit the mark on how I have felt as a child and as an adult. It is written well and is relatable on so many levels. If you haven’t already listen to some of Lecrae’s music as it is powerful stuff.

This is an excellent book, really honest and full of wisdom about life as a Christian. Can't recommend it highly enough!

Great

Great read.

Such an awesome book written with honesty and truth. Able to relate to so many occasions in this book! Encouraging and showed me beliefs from a different view which were eye opening and changing from inside out! Love Lecrae's music! More importantly love the heart he has for our saviour and allowing himself to be used as a vessel for good to sow into the redemptive!!! Blessed

This probably is one of the first chapter books I finished. A friend of mine told me to read it so I said I'll give it a shot. I couldn't put the book down. It taught me many things on being Christian. Planning on reading more on from this book. Wasn't really a reader book.

The best biography that I read

Really appreciate someone who doesn't try to act like they have everything together. Love the honesty in the book and learning about someone who has a real love for people also. Definitely recommend this book, easy read too!

This a wonderful book not only to the person who skirmished to live a better life but to those who are fortunate and raised with silver spoon; so that they can learn and understand how the unfortunate persons strive to become successful in their lives.

Good book for those feeling empty and are searching for answers. The book also shows what it is like to be a rapper who is Christian amidst secular musicians.

I loved this book by Lecrae.A man shamelessly sharing his life story and a testimony of God's grace.Lecrae's journey is inspiring and an example of what putting your life into God's hands will lead you into 👌