You hit the nail on the head. When I find myself critical of others it is often an area of my life that I struggled with. Then I have to pray about it.
Real good perspective here Ruslan. When I find myself making comparisons to others and throwing lowkey shade, this scripture speaks volumes: Galatians 6:4 (NLT) Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. Paying attention to my grind and hustle helps me to appreciate that it's not easy to go far, and with that I can appreciate what others do too, even if it looks "small" in the eyes of some. More grace and peace to you bro!
Yeah I can definitely see shade being thrown at lecrae’s first week numbers. In this climate his numbers are great especially with the pro-black stance he’s been taking as well speaking on social justice issues Also over time those numbers will increase. It took 2 years for “Anomaly” to do 500,000 I think a lot of the chh self-righteous mob want to feel justified because they feel he betrayed them by not repping the genre they idolize so badly
The reason they wer so low is because Apple Music and Spotify. When a majority of people are cheap as hell, so they stream before going to buy anything. He sold 88k in 2014 because Apple Music wasn't prevalent then. That is why pure or full album sales are down for everyone, not just him.
It almost feels like peeps are waiting to replace him with NF its like some people could not wait for him to "tank" I coped the album and its so amazing
I think that Lecrae is proud of his project even if it only sold 5,000 this is the move he really wanted and he is even nominated for a BET Award for Hip Hop so I think that's dope
Great thoughts. I am not a rapper. I love hip hop. Been following your music and lecrae a for a minute. I like his new album a lot and I’m constantly checking my own heart! But that camera thou!!!!!! Very crispy
Great video! I am not a big fan of Lecrae's new direction but I am rooting for him and purchased the album....you are spot on, people want to see him fail
We as Christians should judge from a righteous point of view, if not it comes from a spirit of dispute and vain glory - pride (Phil 2:3). Thank you, Ruslan for the discussion!
I feel that us ad people want to take to much credit for the success of other people.... so when some one isn't do that well we point to that and say well I knew it was going to be that way because I didn't help them.... when the truth of the matter is that success is given by God and that's the very thing we should keep our focus on!
Man I like the way u said that! It's a shame that there is hate in the Christian community, especially those who used to follow Lecrae and now don't like the fact he has been socially conscious more than he was around Anomaly. That's sad because they are missing some serious content and need to know they aren't harming him nearly as much as they are themselves with that hate in their heart! But those same folks probably think NFL players are protesting the flag and anthem. I appreciate you opening the conversation up though!
Ruslan KD it was socially conscious, but not as much ch as ATWT. But it was the one that made them look at things differently with him. So then they heard Church Clothes 3 and they were frustrated because the transition was happening and they didn't want him to go there at all. They just wanted the music for church people again! Why make music only for saved people if the goal is to help people who aren't saved to hear the gospel and repent? They mess me up with that!
I don't follow you, but I think your good lyrically also. I loved you doing this, because I totally agree with the "shade" coming from the body, which is what he has been speaking about for a number of years now and it's sad that some still have not caught on. Crae has been very honest and transparent with his ministry and I know the Lord is pleased with him. Taking the WORD to the masses instead of just teaching bible classes.
People try to quantify success. They are constantly comparing others and themselves. People don't focus on the impact music makes because it can't be directly measured. Better to sell 1 record and impact someone's life than sell 1 million and influence no one.
This conversation reminds me of your album "Do For One". As long as Lecrae at least reached one person, he's good! But yea, the album was great, it just didn't appeal to the younger audience because nowadays, people's attention span is not there. But yea, no shade from me! Love Lecrae and his music.
Theres also the flip side of people wanting to see Lecrae succeed as a Christian rapper in the mainstream and say "See I told you he's good". And so they are very interested in his numbers as a result!
Because it should've done better. Gravity did 72k and Anomaly 88k. I really wish he did better. He deserves it. I'm not hating on him. It's his most introspective work, and ATWT deserves a whole lot more attention. Watch for the come up. #ATWT
I think this is just CHH purists not supporting the guy. If Crae hadn't had this whole fiasco with the BET awards and hadn't gone through this whole christian artist thing he couldve done better. Crae a precursor to the future. In about 3-5yrs a lot of CHH artists gonna be in the cut in terms mainstream of mainstream appeal and work with secular artists with less backlash because they'll use Crae as a blueprint on what not to do when they crossover. I expect NF to be the artists that manages this.
Numbers are definitely not what make an album great. Numbers are cool. I was geeked when I found out Crae sold 88k in the first week of Anomaly. Not because of the numbers, but knowing who the artist was and what he represented. When people celebrate Kendrick outselling 600k in its first week, I don't think it's the numbers. It's moreso the artist. It's like if you saw a soul food restaurant attracting the same amount of customers that McDonald's get, of course, you would celebrate that. Say if there was a way that a group of people got there hands on the food cooked by the chefs and gave it away for free. That soul restaurant isn't gonna get as much money or customers as it once did. Same goes for someone like Lecrae. His material is quality. The soul is still there. This is some of the best music I've listened to in years by him. Why he didn't sell as much? I really don't know. It's too many reasons. But, don't let that stop you from supporting.
I was more so sad for Lecrae. Was hoping higher numbers. Felt that having the backing of Columbia and bigger features would help boost awareness in sales. Wasn't the purpose of Columbia to help him reach a wider audience? But yeah his numbers dropped extremely. Ruslan, do you think his sales could actually climb up during the next few weeks since he'll be touring and maybe more people will be aware of his album?
J-Vil great point and question. Yeah I think winter jam and the Justin beiber shout will keep his sales nice and steady... it won't be a 80% drop off like we saw with Logic's second week sales (though he crushed it first week)
Yeah I was shocked with Logic's drop in the second week, but after he performed 1800 at the VMA his album jumped back up to the top 10 on the 200 Billboard after being absent for 4 months! I feel Lecrae will have a good turnaround though. Also, the ones who criticize Lecrae's production, I feel are missing the fact that this album was definitely his darkest album yet when it comes to content. The whole half end of the album is just straight up emotional. At the moment I prefer Anomaly, but I feel when I look back at this album in years time I'm going to remember how beneficial it has been for me. I'm in a dark place right now and I've had "Cry for you" on repeat bro. Thanks for the vid bro! Also i'm an upcoming artist, I'm about to graduate next month from Full Sail (Music Production) and I have a music video I just released on my channel "Cry Out" check it out when you get a chance! Thanks Ruslan!
+asa ascar Drake only when u count streams. Not sales. Not sure if Eminem is gonna do a million. Top tier are clearing 500-600k. Look Kendrick's and drakes numbers.
I honestly just don't get any of CHH and Lecrae politics in America. I don't think I ever will. Not all Hollywood movies do that great in first week either, but the numbers are judged based on the overall outcome after a certain trial. So let the album run it's trial people. #ATWT
I don't think there's much to get in terms of his "politics" it's more humanitarian issues that most christian want to compartmentalize as "politics" and your totally right about the second point.
Man, I'm going to be honest. When I heard your music I loved it..but then you brought in politics and I was like ughh. Even if i agree with it i just hate hearing it in music. But after watching videos you post, really a dope dude. You seem extremely level headed. Would love to sit down and talk with you about your thoughts in this video. But for real. Great video man, regardless of disagreements, you know how to present your opinion.
thanks brother, I appreciate you being honest. for real. I try to make it a point to NOT put politics in the music... and I'm actually one of the most balanced people you'll meet politically... Americana I kept it very neutral... Indie Jones didn't have any direct politics. And when I speak on "politics" I see it more as humanitarian issues... Police Brutality, Equality, or the situation happening in PR... i just did a twitter rant about this a few days ago lol. anyway thank you for watching. appreciate you for real.
Ruslan you said usually when you criticize others it usually really has to do with something inside you , have you ever considered that maybe your critique of Lecrae's lack of innovation and unique sound is really a reflection of what your concerned with in your own music? Some people use "uniqueness" as a cloak for fear of failure.
yeah totally. that's possible. I think the difference is I give Lecrae and this record a ton of props despite my own personal preference of innovation. On that video I said it spoke to me emotionally (which music seldom does) and that the I'll find you music video made me tear up... that's saying a lot lol... anyway all music is personal preference ultimately. but I do my best to gage art based on what the ARTIST set out to do, not my bias... I do believe he's at a point where he needs to ADD to the culture and just be in the culture. but again that's my only critique.
I think in general we're focused on the wrong thing. Comparing his album sales to NF's, then artists themselves feeling they have to sound like the world to reach it. Let's face it: in many respects in CHH we just wanna be like the world. As much as we say it's for Jesus, it's really not. Some of it has good intentions behind it, but I just believe we're diluting the gospel.
Kendrick and Cole actually the only guys who's main numbers come from physical sales. Jay sold 1M units to Sprint and thats how he goes platinum. Drake didn't put out a physical copy of More Life and he streams really cause he appeals to so many people. CHH isn't that big of genre imo. I hear a lot of ppl saying CHH artists should dictate the culture and shouldn't copy mainstream and we shouldn't look to the world or try to please the world or whatever and its really CORNY. CHH just didn't come out and support this man and thats hella LAME. CHH fans will always be CHH fans so CHH artists shouldn't have to stress about them. Crae stay making music for the King that CHH fans can stand behind. So how else can artists expand the genre and reach as many listeners as possible if they don't branch out and change their style their perception to bring more ppl to the king??? Answer: You can't. CHH basically doesn't want their artists to be successful, win grammys, have more listeners, get hits, or do anything resembling mainstream. MAKE MUSIC ONLY FOR CHH!! CHH can't be bigger than 2M ppl otherwise artists would do 500K first week off streaming like Drake. CHH gotta branch and we should support them cause how else we gonna get Jesus at the for front of culture?
Didier Ngwabije Jay made a business deal with sprint where ppl who signed up for sprint could get his new album for free. That deal allowed also included sprint purchasing a million copies of the album allowing him to going platinum. He had a similar deal with Samsung where his album was preloaded as an app millions of Samsung apps. Do some research and learn. Just cause you don't know or understand doesn't mean it's evil. It's simple business
Didier Ngwabije Cool!! I'm also really in tech more so computer science and space. Aight yeah I definitely think Jay has done some shady things in his past. For sure artists (especially female artists) have done nasty things like have sex with CEOs and managers to get signed and get deals and become artists and what not. I for sure think Jay has probably been involved in those kinda things.. But jut from what I've seen in his recent interviews he looks like he has changed (to a degree) and those kind of things have affected his life and marriage. Yeah Jay was a drug dealer and a really smart business man he's never signed to a label so I dont think hes ever "made a deal with a devil". (Which I think is more of a metaphor anyway) but yeah I think he's made ppl do not so great things for him. Check out his times interview looks like a new man.. even went to therapy lol. Yeah but I think it has to do with a lot of ppl being uncomfortable with his financial success that lead to him being labeled as a member of the illuminati and whatever.
Didier Ngwabije that's what I'm saying it's really an endless indulgence of money sex and drugs. Money is what controls them and I think that is what ppl mean by the devil got them. not so much that they are occultists but they choose to follow money over God and so they are doomed. I'm glad that he chose to follow Christ especially after selling platinum albums and the chance to go with his group and become even more financially successful. Great to see he was convicted by Christ.
thank you for watching, let me know what should I cover next? Wanna Support Indie Hip Hop? Check out the www.kingsdreament.com/store
Is NF overrated? Curious. Everyone seems to worship him and talk about him like he bout go platinum first week lol
What and/or who is indie hip hop....Serious question???
“Search your own heart” 💯☝🏽
The album is brilliant - genuinely my favourite yet. "Cry for you" & "I'll find you" are fantastic!
Hellyers 8:28 is 🔥too
You hit the nail on the head. When I find myself critical of others it is often an area of my life that I struggled with. Then I have to pray about it.
Real good perspective here Ruslan. When I find myself making comparisons to others and throwing lowkey shade, this scripture speaks volumes:
Galatians 6:4 (NLT)
Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.
Paying attention to my grind and hustle helps me to appreciate that it's not easy to go far, and with that I can appreciate what others do too, even if it looks "small" in the eyes of some.
More grace and peace to you bro!
David Abiona Amen!
One of the realest
I just love hearing Ruslan's opinion. Really appreciate the brother and his music.
thanks man, didn't seem people cared but apparently people do... appreciate your support.
Yeah I can definitely see shade being thrown at lecrae’s first week numbers. In this climate his numbers are great especially with the pro-black stance he’s been taking as well speaking on social justice issues
Also over time those numbers will increase. It took 2 years for “Anomaly” to do 500,000
I think a lot of the chh self-righteous mob want to feel justified because they feel he betrayed them by not repping the genre they idolize so badly
Karl Nova sheeeshhhhh these are facts
The reason they wer so low is because Apple Music and Spotify. When a majority of people are cheap as hell, so they stream before going to buy anything. He sold 88k in 2014 because Apple Music wasn't prevalent then. That is why pure or full album sales are down for everyone, not just him.
So this where the real speak out huh?
bless up bro frfr
It almost feels like peeps are waiting to replace him with NF its like some people could not wait for him to "tank" I coped the album and its so amazing
very good perspective. i enjoyed this.
thank you
Congrats on the 30 days of good eating man! Wife and I started a ketogenic lifestyle a couple months ago and feel great!
Coool Breeez that's awesome. Not too up on that but I know it's similar except we can have sugar from fruits right.
Indie Jones 2!!! Can't wait bro!
me either!
good video, keep it up
I think that Lecrae is proud of his project even if it only sold 5,000 this is the move he really wanted and he is even nominated for a BET Award for Hip Hop so I think that's dope
Great commentary bro!!!!
thank you sir!
Great thoughts. I am not a rapper. I love hip hop. Been following your music and lecrae a for a minute. I like his new album a lot and I’m constantly checking my own heart! But that camera thou!!!!!! Very crispy
This is so true
Do more poetry stuff Ru!
Great video! I am not a big fan of Lecrae's new direction but I am rooting for him and purchased the album....you are spot on, people want to see him fail
We as Christians should judge from a righteous point of view, if not it comes from a spirit of dispute and vain glory - pride (Phil 2:3). Thank you, Ruslan for the discussion!
+Amos Bohoussou thank you for acknowledging that.
IKR! But long term tho, ATWT is so good, it's gonna do just fine. People really need to chill...lol
Word On The Streetz Positive Media Movement we should watch for the come up. Something's gonna happen, and the album will blow up. #ATWT
I feel that us ad people want to take to much credit for the success of other people.... so when some one isn't do that well we point to that and say well I knew it was going to be that way because I didn't help them.... when the truth of the matter is that success is given by God and that's the very thing we should keep our focus on!
this is very true.
Man I like the way u said that! It's a shame that there is hate in the Christian community, especially those who used to follow Lecrae and now don't like the fact he has been socially conscious more than he was around Anomaly. That's sad because they are missing some serious content and need to know they aren't harming him nearly as much as they are themselves with that hate in their heart! But those same folks probably think NFL players are protesting the flag and anthem. I appreciate you opening the conversation up though!
facts, funny thing is Anomaly was just as social conscious to me... i haven't listened to it in a while.
Ruslan KD it was socially conscious, but not as much ch as ATWT. But it was the one that made them look at things differently with him. So then they heard Church Clothes 3 and they were frustrated because the transition was happening and they didn't want him to go there at all. They just wanted the music for church people again! Why make music only for saved people if the goal is to help people who aren't saved to hear the gospel and repent? They mess me up with that!
I don't follow you, but I think your good lyrically also. I loved you doing this, because I totally agree with the "shade" coming from the body, which is what he has been speaking about for a number of years now and it's sad that some still have not caught on. Crae has been very honest and transparent with his ministry and I know the Lord is pleased with him. Taking the WORD to the masses instead of just teaching bible classes.
Think as time goes on the record will grow as well, that's just my personal opinion.
I'm in that same boat as you Ruslan. When I start hating, and I ain't gon lie I be hating, it's because I'm unhappy
People try to quantify success. They are constantly comparing others and themselves. People don't focus on the impact music makes because it can't be directly measured. Better to sell 1 record and impact someone's life than sell 1 million and influence no one.
This conversation reminds me of your album "Do For One". As long as Lecrae at least reached one person, he's good! But yea, the album was great, it just didn't appeal to the younger audience because nowadays, people's attention span is not there. But yea, no shade from me! Love Lecrae and his music.
Theres also the flip side of people wanting to see Lecrae succeed as a Christian rapper in the mainstream and say "See I told you he's good". And so they are very interested in his numbers as a result!
Because it should've done better. Gravity did 72k and Anomaly 88k.
I really wish he did better. He deserves it. I'm not hating on him. It's his most introspective work, and ATWT deserves a whole lot more attention.
Watch for the come up. #ATWT
I think this is just CHH purists not supporting the guy. If Crae hadn't had this whole fiasco with the BET awards and hadn't gone through this whole christian artist thing he couldve done better. Crae a precursor to the future. In about 3-5yrs a lot of CHH artists gonna be in the cut in terms mainstream of mainstream appeal and work with secular artists with less backlash because they'll use Crae as a blueprint on what not to do when they crossover. I expect NF to be the artists that manages this.
how much did atwt do
Sean Herrlinger the numbers aren't out yet. But theres a rumor that he did 30K. Which compared to Anomoly's 88K would be a BIG flop
Dang how'd y'all pull off that health plan? Is there a program or sometin'?
Michael Solares yeah just google whole 30
Numbers are definitely not what make an album great. Numbers are cool. I was geeked when I found out Crae sold 88k in the first week of Anomaly. Not because of the numbers, but knowing who the artist was and what he represented. When people celebrate Kendrick outselling 600k in its first week, I don't think it's the numbers. It's moreso the artist. It's like if you saw a soul food restaurant attracting the same amount of customers that McDonald's get, of course, you would celebrate that. Say if there was a way that a group of people got there hands on the food cooked by the chefs and gave it away for free. That soul restaurant isn't gonna get as much money or customers as it once did. Same goes for someone like Lecrae. His material is quality. The soul is still there. This is some of the best music I've listened to in years by him. Why he didn't sell as much? I really don't know. It's too many reasons. But, don't let that stop you from supporting.
I think we can talk about it without "throwing shade" though. I'm not a musical artist, so it's not out of envy or anything.
I was more so sad for Lecrae. Was hoping higher numbers. Felt that having the backing of Columbia and bigger features would help boost awareness in sales. Wasn't the purpose of Columbia to help him reach a wider audience? But yeah his numbers dropped extremely. Ruslan, do you think his sales could actually climb up during the next few weeks since he'll be touring and maybe more people will be aware of his album?
J-Vil great point and question. Yeah I think winter jam and the Justin beiber shout will keep his sales nice and steady... it won't be a 80% drop off like we saw with Logic's second week sales (though he crushed it first week)
Yeah I was shocked with Logic's drop in the second week, but after he performed 1800 at the VMA his album jumped back up to the top 10 on the 200 Billboard after being absent for 4 months! I feel Lecrae will have a good turnaround though. Also, the ones who criticize Lecrae's production, I feel are missing the fact that this album was definitely his darkest album yet when it comes to content. The whole half end of the album is just straight up emotional. At the moment I prefer Anomaly, but I feel when I look back at this album in years time I'm going to remember how beneficial it has been for me. I'm in a dark place right now and I've had "Cry for you" on repeat bro. Thanks for the vid bro! Also i'm an upcoming artist, I'm about to graduate next month from Full Sail (Music Production) and I have a music video I just released on my channel "Cry Out" check it out when you get a chance! Thanks Ruslan!
Top tier artists, Eminem & Drake, still doing over a million when they drop their albums
+asa ascar Drake only when u count streams. Not sales. Not sure if Eminem is gonna do a million. Top tier are clearing 500-600k. Look Kendrick's and drakes numbers.
I honestly just don't get any of CHH and Lecrae politics in America. I don't think I ever will. Not all Hollywood movies do that great in first week either, but the numbers are judged based on the overall outcome after a certain trial. So let the album run it's trial people. #ATWT
I don't think there's much to get in terms of his "politics" it's more humanitarian issues that most christian want to compartmentalize as "politics"
and your totally right about the second point.
You got it straight!
Man, I'm going to be honest. When I heard your music I loved it..but then you brought in politics and I was like ughh. Even if i agree with it i just hate hearing it in music. But after watching videos you post, really a dope dude. You seem extremely level headed. Would love to sit down and talk with you about your thoughts in this video. But for real. Great video man, regardless of disagreements, you know how to present your opinion.
thanks brother, I appreciate you being honest. for real. I try to make it a point to NOT put politics in the music... and I'm actually one of the most balanced people you'll meet politically... Americana I kept it very neutral... Indie Jones didn't have any direct politics. And when I speak on "politics" I see it more as humanitarian issues... Police Brutality, Equality, or the situation happening in PR... i just did a twitter rant about this a few days ago lol. anyway thank you for watching. appreciate you for real.
Ruslan you said usually when you criticize others it usually really has to do with something inside you , have you ever considered that maybe your critique of Lecrae's lack of innovation and unique sound is really a reflection of what your concerned with in your own music? Some people use "uniqueness" as a cloak for fear of failure.
yeah totally. that's possible. I think the difference is I give Lecrae and this record a ton of props despite my own personal preference of innovation. On that video I said it spoke to me emotionally (which music seldom does) and that the I'll find you music video made me tear up... that's saying a lot lol... anyway all music is personal preference ultimately. but I do my best to gage art based on what the ARTIST set out to do, not my bias... I do believe he's at a point where he needs to ADD to the culture and just be in the culture. but again that's my only critique.
I think in general we're focused on the wrong thing. Comparing his album sales to NF's, then artists themselves feeling they have to sound like the world to reach it. Let's face it: in many respects in CHH we just wanna be like the world. As much as we say it's for Jesus, it's really not. Some of it has good intentions behind it, but I just believe we're diluting the gospel.
Kendrick and Cole actually the only guys who's main numbers come from physical sales. Jay sold 1M units to Sprint and thats how he goes platinum. Drake didn't put out a physical copy of More Life and he streams really cause he appeals to so many people.
CHH isn't that big of genre imo. I hear a lot of ppl saying CHH artists should dictate the culture and shouldn't copy mainstream and we shouldn't look to the world or try to please the world or whatever and its really CORNY. CHH just didn't come out and support this man and thats hella LAME. CHH fans will always be CHH fans so CHH artists shouldn't have to stress about them. Crae stay making music for the King that CHH fans can stand behind. So how else can artists expand the genre and reach as many listeners as possible if they don't branch out and change their style their perception to bring more ppl to the king??? Answer: You can't. CHH basically doesn't want their artists to be successful, win grammys, have more listeners, get hits, or do anything resembling mainstream. MAKE MUSIC ONLY FOR CHH!! CHH can't be bigger than 2M ppl otherwise artists would do 500K first week off streaming like Drake. CHH gotta branch and we should support them cause how else we gonna get Jesus at the for front of culture?
this is very true... branch out.
Didier Ngwabije Jay made a business deal with sprint where ppl who signed up for sprint could get his new album for free. That deal allowed also included sprint purchasing a million copies of the album allowing him to going platinum. He had a similar deal with Samsung where his album was preloaded as an app millions of Samsung apps. Do some research and learn. Just cause you don't know or understand doesn't mean it's evil. It's simple business
Didier Ngwabije Cool!! I'm also really in tech more so computer science and space.
Aight yeah I definitely think Jay has done some shady things in his past. For sure artists (especially female artists) have done nasty things like have sex with CEOs and managers to get signed and get deals and become artists and what not. I for sure think Jay has probably been involved in those kinda things.. But jut from what I've seen in his recent interviews he looks like he has changed (to a degree) and those kind of things have affected his life and marriage. Yeah Jay was a drug dealer and a really smart business man he's never signed to a label so I dont think hes ever "made a deal with a devil". (Which I think is more of a metaphor anyway) but yeah I think he's made ppl do not so great things for him. Check out his times interview looks like a new man.. even went to therapy lol. Yeah but I think it has to do with a lot of ppl being uncomfortable with his financial success that lead to him being labeled as a member of the illuminati and whatever.
Didier Ngwabije that's what I'm saying it's really an endless indulgence of money sex and drugs. Money is what controls them and I think that is what ppl mean by the devil got them. not so much that they are occultists but they choose to follow money over God and so they are doomed. I'm glad that he chose to follow Christ especially after selling platinum albums and the chance to go with his group and become even more financially successful. Great to see he was convicted by Christ.