Gospel rapper Lecrae made history on Sunday when he scored his first Grammy
for Best Gospel album for his latest album, "Gravity."
Lecrae, the top-selling Christian rapper who was born in Houston, Texas, was paired in the category with nominees like:
- James Fortune & FIYA - Identity
- Israel & New Breed - Jesus at the Center LIVE
- Marvin Sapp - I Win
- Anita Wilson - Worship Soul
While there are misconceptions about him being the first rapper to win a Grammy, Lecrae is not the first Christian rapper to win one. Then Christian rap group dc talk won one in 1994 for their album Free At Last. Back then, it bore the misnomer of "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 this hybrid name -- "Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album" - wording that seemed to incorporate two opposing genres within the Christian industry.
As of last year, the category become a one-size-fits-all "Best Gospel Album" category, which many suspected would make it even harder for someone like Lecrae to win.
Lecrae missed accepting the award because he was detained on the red carpet. Reach Records co-owner Ben Washer and Reach A&R Street Symphony accepted it on his behalf.
Backstage, he attributed the success of the album to the fact that he's "unashamedly truthful about my faith. I'm not misogynistic, I'm not killing anybody. I'm a Christian and I stand firm in my beliefs," Lecrae said, wearing a spiffy white jacket with black lapels.