Shannon in Kansas City YT: Shannon's Bible Study IG:@showmeshannon

I listened to the audiobook Un-Ashamed by Christian rapper Lecrae. Lecrae is very talented and I enjoy his music. I learned some things about Lecrae from this audiobook. This book explained a few things about the rapper that I questioned from his body of work and social media posts. This story was published by the Christian media company Lifeway which is a non profit of the Southern Baptist Convention. Lecrae is a part of the Christian American Industrial Complex.

Unashamed is about a rapper’s life that was written for White audiences. The book lacks authenticity. The book falls back on cliche’s and says things like “in Black neighborhoods…” That let me know who the intended audience is. I question if Lecrae actually wrote this book. I don’t think most celebrities actually write books.

I wondered if parts of this book are fiction because at times it reminded me of a Lifetime movie, an Afterschool Special, most Black crime dramas that came out in the 90s and soap operas. Un-Ashamed starts off as poverty/trauma porn that takes a conservative turn. Common conservative terms such as “Christian world view” and wanting to “change culture” are used.

The book is a lament about feeling like an outsider even though Lecrae starts out talking about his experiences at highly visible award ceremonies. He has three Grammys. This biography is published by a subsidiary of the Southern Baptist Convention which has a membership of over thirteen million members. I personally own one of his CDs. (I feel so dated talking about owning CDs.) Lecrae is not living on the edge of society.

Christian conservatives are fond of the unashamed, rebel, maverick trope even though they are the dominant culture. Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty who is known to be a Christian conservative calls his podcast Unashamed.

I’m sure someone can gain something from this story. I feel like not quite knowing how to feel comfortable and accepted in society and feeling comfortable in your own skin is relatable to many, particularly young, Black American men.

Overall, I think Lecrae’s career is a positive influence but his goal is not to preach the gospel. He stated that in his book. This book is kind of corny but if you’re a Lecrae fan you may find some enjoyment from Un-Ashamed.