The annual tour of Christian music artists rolls into Van Andel Arena on Sunday evening with more than a half-dozen stars. The Local Spins preview and interviews with Lecrae and David Crowder.
From Texas to Award-Winning Stardom: Lecrae returns to Grand Rapids Sunday. (Courtesy Photo)
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He just may be near the peak of his artistry and popularity.
Last month the faith-based rapper Lecrae Moore — known simply as Lecrae — won two Grammy Awards, one for his latest album, “Church Clothes 4.”
“I’m just riding the waves of God’s grace and seein’ where it takes me,” said Lecrae, 44, in an interview prior to the Feb. 4 ceremonies. (Scroll down for a video of one of the album’s tracks.)
Already in January he had jumped on the current Winter Jam tour, a collection of Christian music artists, performing in arena-sized venues on a 40-plus city run with CAIN, Katy Nichole, Seventh Day Slumber, NewSong, speaker Zane Black and more. The tour stops at Van Andel Arena at 5 p.m. Sunday; a $15 donation at the door is requested and tickets are not required.
Many in Winter Jam’s largely evangelical audiences may have had only limited exposure to his music. But Lecrae said he’s right at home.
“So much grace his been extended to me that I want to extend it to others,” he said. “There may be some timidness from some wondering what he’s gonna be like. But what they’re finding is that it’s refreshing, and great exposure of what God can do through music.”
Grammy Wins: Lecrae last month with his latest awards. (Courtesy Photo)
The artist has rebounded after foundering with addiction and self-medication, which through therapy he realized stemmed from abuse and the absence of a father in his formative days.
His journey is documented in his 2020 autobiography, “I Am Restored: How I Lost My Religion but Found My Faith” (Zondervan).
“When you go through anything traumatic, you’re trying to figure out how to put the pieces back together,” he said.
“But I have become a different person and the music sounds different, but is still amazing as I’ve matured and tapped into new elements.”
His first “Church Clothes” project came in 2012, but his landmark release was two years later. “Anomoly” debuted at the top of the Billboard Top 200 Chart. One of its songs won a Grammy.
His artistry has brought many mainstream music opportunities and connections, including Kendrick Lamar and Kanye who have been open about their spiritual journeys.
Lecrae counts as a “great friend” singer Michelle Williams. The former Destiny’s Child member has released several gospel solo albums throughout her career.
“It’s rare to speak with someone whose been at the highest of the heights in the music industry and is still grounded in their faith,” Lecrae said. “My wife and I enjoy spending time with her – learning more about her story and she about ours.”
VIDEO: Lecrae, “Spread the Opps”
FOR CO-HEADLINER DAVID CROWDER, GRAND RAPIDS FEELS A BIT ‘LIKE HOME’
Meanwhile, singer-songwriter David Crowder stands out as a veteran in the ever-changing Winter Jam lineup, adding to his regular West Michigan appearances.
“Grand Rapids is starting to feel like home a bit,” he said. Crowder opened a show for TobyMac at VanAndel Arena just a year ago.
Helping Lead the Charge: Crowder (Courtesy Photo)
“Right now, I can picture the parking lot we’re gonna pull into, what all’s right around there,” he said. “The only thing is I don’t have clothes for what you call winter up there. But I hear we’re gonna be OK this year.”
Crowder’s mixture of Southern rock, country, folk and pop is difficult to categorize. His band’s instrumental array includes fiddle, banjo, mandolin and pedal steel. “And my musical director is my bass player, but is also bringing turntables and doing some scratching,” he added. “Sweet tea and gasoline is the best way I can describe it.”
The rousing “Good God Almighty” probably ranks as his current signature song, which closies his Winter Jam set list. But the new anthem “Grave Robber” is starting to take hold. “It’s really fun to hit that song. It has a ramp to it and it’s a joy to be singing it.”
But he also loves the more serene, sing-along tunes such as “Come As You Are” and “God Really Loves Us.”
Crowder’s full-flowing beard is as robust as ever, even as it starts to show some gray giving away his 52 years.
“If people could see under this shrubbery I wouldn’t have a job, I promise,” he quipped.
VIDEO: Crowder, “Good God Almighty”
VIDEO: Crowder, “Grave Robber”
VIDEO: Lecrae, “I’ll Find You” (with Tori Kelly)
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