Cross Movement Records/Reach Records artist, Lecrae hits the ground running with impressive first week sales of his sophomore release, After The Music Stops. With 2,217 scans, the University of North Texas graduate/Youth Evangelist debuted at #8 on the Billboard Gospel chart behind gospel heavy hitters, Kierra “KiKi” Sheard (2,280 scans) and the WOW Gospel 2006 Project (2,811 scans). In addition, Lecrae debuted at #1 on the Christian Music Trade Association’s Overall R&B/ Hip Hop Chart, sharing company with CCM’s Rock/Rap artist, tobyMac and Gospel diva, CeCe Winans. Lecrae is the fourth CMR artist to debut in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Gospel Chart during the first week of sales.

“Cross Movement Records in conjunction with Reach Records is elated to see such a response to this album and Lecrae. We hope that this is only the beginning of what we think the true potential is for After The Music Stops. It is our prayer that the industry and the church at large would continue to give us the opportunity to demonstrate the valuable ministry of solid Christian Hip Hop,” says John Wells, President/CEO of Cross Movement Records.

“After the successful release of Lecrae’s debut release Real Talk, we are proud to offer a project that communicates the uncompromising message of Christ in a relevant, authentic way,” says Ben Washer, CEO of Reach Records. “With the impact of After The Music Stops already being felt, we are excited about the influence this album will continue to have in a world heavily affected by Hip Hop music and culture.”

As with all Hip Hop artists, Lecrae rhymes about his life and experiences; however, his songs revolve around ministry. He is the President of ReachLife Ministries and a member of The Downline Institute, a discipleship program where men from all over the city of Memphis meet to study the Bible and learn about disciple making in a 9-month intense program.

The Houston-born, Southern Hip Hop lyricist spends his time conducting Bible studies and preaching the message of Jesus Christ to youth that are heavily influenced by the negative aspects of Hip Hop culture and its glorification of violence, drugs, sex and reckless living. Lecrae keeps a busy tour schedule traveling across the country, which has included select tour dates with CMR flagship artist, The Cross Movement.

Cross Movement Records is preparing to release a music video for the heavy bass-laced, street anthem, Jesus Muzik.

The rock/rap title track of the CD, After the Music Stops, embodies Lecrae’s personal philosophy. His desire is to make sure that after attending a concert or listening to a CD, a person exemplifies a lifestyle of a Christian. Lecrae says, “I’m all about representing Christ with your whole life whether that’s in a crowd or in everyday life.”

After The Music Stops is specially priced at $17.99 or less at Canadian Christian retailers. To find out more about Lecrae and to hear audio sample from the album, head on over to his YMZ artist page.