Lecrae, the top-selling Christian rapper who was born in Houston, won a 2013 Grammy award for Gravity in the Best Gospel Album category.
Other nominees included:
- James Fortune & FIYA – Identity
- Israel & New Breed – Jesus at the Center LIVE
- Marvin Sapp – I Win
- Anita Wilson – Worship Soul
Although they are far and few between, Lecrae is NOT the first Christian rapper to win this honor. dc talk won one in 1994 for their album Free At Last. But back then, the category was for the “Best Rock Gospel Album.”
Toby Mac, a founding member of dc talk, also won a solo Grammy in 2009 for Alive and Transported.
From 2007 to 2011 it was awarded as “Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album” – wording that seemed to open the possibility for more members of the hip hop community to take home the trophy. Now, it’s simply “Best Gospel Album” – a move that appears to make it even harder for someone like Lecrae to win.
For some reason or another, Lecrae was not in the building when the award was announced so his Reach Records co-owner Ben Washer and Reach A&R Street Symphony accepted it on his behalf.
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The award presentation was not televised, but it was shown online. The following video shows Lecrae discussing the win with Grammy hosts afterwards.
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