Rehab

Lecrae's fourth studio effort comes with a motto, "The Christian life is an entrance into rehab." If that's shocking, beware that this is the driving idea behind this conceptual album, which begins with a Christian checking in to rehab and then, through a series of well-written, well-produced songs, tells the story of how he got there. Helping the rapper deliver his message are special guests like Anthony Evans, Tedashii, and P.O.D.'s lead singer Sonny Sandoval, who contributes to the album's reggae-fueled highlight "Children of the Light." Check the anti-siren song "Kila" for examples of Lecrae's growth as a lyricist ("The silky smooth seduction just manipulates my mind/Her farcical fabrication is fueling my fascination/While I'm intoxicated she starts her assassination"), and while he grows more humble with each release, check "Background" for some of that cocksure and brash style that launched his career ("If ignorance is bliss, it's 'cause she never heard of this.") ~ David Jeffries