Search for significance led rap musician to Christ

ATLANTA, Ga.—Lecrae Moore knew his life was spinning out of control.

When he grew up in a single-parent home, never really knowing his father, Moore struggled in his search for significance and self-worth. Hanging out with the wrong crowd as a teenager only added to his confusion—along with the effects of drugs, drinking and broken relationships.

At age 19, Moore reached a turning point when a friend invited him to a Christian conference. When Moore met young people there, he realized they passionately were in love with Jesus, and it became an eye-opening moment for him.

Not long after, Moore was in a serious car accident but walked away without a scratch. That's when he realized what he needed most in his life—a relationship with Christ. 

As Moore started attending church regularly, he wanted to tell others about how his life had been radically transformed by the gospel. During his student years at the University of North Texas, he printed out his testimony and distributed it across the campus. 

Moore also began volunteering at a juvenile detention center and sang as a way to offer hope and encouragement—and lead others to God.

"I always loved music and was involved in music as far back as I can remember," Moore said. "A large part of songwriting was my desire to capture a lot of my life experiences and the struggles that I went through—being raised in a single-parent home, never knowing my father because he was on drugs. I just wanted an outlet to express some of those emotions. 

"Writing songs let me do a lot of introspective soul-searching, and while looking for answers, I ran into a group of people who challenged me with the truths of the gospel. When my faith changed, my music also changed. I stopped writing dark songs of hopelessness and began writing songs of life and hope."

Moore began performing concerts and sharing his testimony around the country.

Today, as a husband and father, Moore desires to set a strong example of the life-changing love of Christ for his family. Despite a busy touring schedule, Moore has made it a priority to be actively involved with his family and also offering leadership, guidance and support for two church plants in the Atlanta area. 

"My platform has really increased more than I could imagine, and I think God has been teaching me how to steward that well," Moore said. "I'm learning how to walk as a leader, how to be a responsible and faithful leader by walking in God's word and truths."

Moore has established Reach Records and the 116 Clique, based on Romans 1:16, as a mentorship group for Christian hip-hop and rap artists.

In addition, he has created The ManUp conference and curriculum addressing what it means to be a godly man. He recently shared his testimony on a commercial for I Am Second. The influence of his music led to his nomination for "Artist of the Year" honors at the 2012 Dove Awards in Atlanta.

"Jesus called me to make disciples, not to be a rock star. I just want to write music that people can relate to and helps keep them focused on Christ. I also hope that these songs will inspire, encourage and motivate people to serve God," he said. "Because of Christ, I have found what I had been searching for all along. Christ is my source of significance and my source of worth because my identity is found in him."