Lecrae tells his story of abuse, drugs and depression in new book

Grammy Award-winning Christian rapper Lecrae is to release a new book including details of his experience of childhood abuse and his struggles with drugs, alcoholism and depression.

The emphasis of the book, Unashamed, will be on remaining faithful to God and what it means to be a Christian in a sceptical world.

"As an artist, my ambition is to make honest music, and I feel the same way about writing this book," Lecrae said in a statement.

"I want to be honest about where I've come from and what I've learned along the way. I want to influence culture, to help catalyze and inspire, and help other people find understanding. If they find some inspiration and some clarity for their own lives, as they follow my journey, then I will have succeeded."

Speaking in September to Rapzilla.com in September he said that he wanted the book to show people "why I believe what I believe" and hoped that his testimony would also speak to non-Christians.

He added he would write about his principles, including why he feels Christians should be engaging with culture, "establishing His kingdom in every area," not just for the Christian market.

Unashamed is set to be published by B&H publishers in May next year.

Jennifer Lyell of B&H said: "We are thrilled to partner with an artist of the creative caliber as Lecrae. His ability to communicate a message that gives hope and compels toward greater faithfulness will undoubtedly result in a game changing book for individuals and ultimately for the broader culture."

Lecrae is currently on The Anomaly Tour, with the album for which he won Top Christian Album at the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday.

related articles
Lecrae: \'We\'ve limited Christianity to salvation and sanctification\'
Lecrae: 'We've limited Christianity to salvation and sanctification'

Lecrae: 'We've limited Christianity to salvation and sanctification'

Carrie Underwood sends hand-written notes, necklaces to 11 American Idol hopefuls
Carrie Underwood sends hand-written notes, necklaces to 11 American Idol hopefuls

Carrie Underwood sends hand-written notes, necklaces to 11 American Idol hopefuls

Christian rapper Lecrae credits God for success
Christian rapper Lecrae credits God for success

Christian rapper Lecrae credits God for success

Musician Jenn Bostic: \'If I didn\'t have God in my life I don\'t think I\'d be in this industry\'
Musician Jenn Bostic: 'If I didn't have God in my life I don't think I'd be in this industry'

Musician Jenn Bostic: 'If I didn't have God in my life I don't think I'd be in this industry'

Lecrae says people shouldn\'t feel like they have to \'manicure\' their public image
Lecrae says people shouldn't feel like they have to 'manicure' their public image

Lecrae says people shouldn't feel like they have to 'manicure' their public image

News
King Charles attends Royal Maundy service in Wales
King Charles attends Royal Maundy service in Wales

Hundreds of people gathered at St Asaph Cathedral on Thursday for the annual Royal Maundy service, held in Wales for only the second time in the service's 800-year history.

Welsh church to hear full bell ring for first time at Easter service
Welsh church to hear full bell ring for first time at Easter service

Over 150 years since a north Wales church was built with plans for a full ring of bells, the sound long intended for its tower is finally set to be heard at an Easter service.

'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose', by James Macintyre
'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose', by James Macintyre

'Gordon Brown: Power with Purpose' is beautifully written, with an unusually nuanced approach to political matters.

MPs reminded of impact of Christian faith in politics with book gift
MPs reminded of impact of Christian faith in politics with book gift

Alastair Campbell famously declared "We don't do God."