Lecrae to open for comedian Kevin Hart at Essence Fest 2015

Lecrae will open for comedian Kevin Hart at Essence Fest 2015. (Facebook/Lecrae)

Grammy-award winning Christian rapper and songwriter Lecrae is all set to open for comedian Kevin Hart at the Essence Fest 2015, which will be held on July 2 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Hart stars in the new film Get Hard with Will Ferrell and he will be performing at the event with Lecrae opening for him.

The musician told Essence in an interview that he is really excited about his involvement with Essence Fest 2015. "I'm someone who appreciates the culture. Someone who has grown up loving black music and appreciative of everything from Frankie Beverly and Maze to Kendrick Lamar, and then having those firm faith foundations," he said.

"It will feel like a family member is up there rocking with you. I'm somebody who cares about you, who wants you to enjoy yourself. It's just that whole vibe but within Hip-Hop," he noted.

Lecrae cited Anthony Hamilton as another supportive artist.

"Within Hip-Hop, you really haven't had anybody you feel like, 'Man, that's my brother. He's not just here to turn up all the way on me. He wants to encourage me in my relationship, he wants to be a positive influence in my life and yet, we can have a good time,'" he added.

Other big names who will grace the event include Kendrick Lamar, who just released his sophomore album called To Pimp a Butterfly. In an interview with Breathe Cast, Lecrae shared his appreciation for Lamar's album.

"Kendrick's album is high art. With high art and high story, you gotta take you time and really digest it," he said. "It's not something that you can just casually listen to and say, 'Alright, this is what I think.'"

related articles
Lecrae\'s song features on Disney Channel
Lecrae's song features on Disney Channel

Lecrae's song features on Disney Channel

Lecrae, For King and Country are big winners in Grammy Awards Christian Gospel categories
Lecrae, For King and Country are big winners in Grammy Awards Christian Gospel categories

Lecrae, For King and Country are big winners in Grammy Awards Christian Gospel categories

Grammy Awards 2015: Pharrell Williams, Beyonce, and Lecrae thank God in acceptance speech
Grammy Awards 2015: Pharrell Williams, Beyonce, and Lecrae thank God in acceptance speech

Grammy Awards 2015: Pharrell Williams, Beyonce, and Lecrae thank God in acceptance speech

News
Shine, Jesus, Shine remix launched for Christmas evangelism campaign
Shine, Jesus, Shine remix launched for Christmas evangelism campaign

The project was divinely inspired, says the organiser

Sudanese human rights activist assaulted in Newcastle
Sudanese human rights activist assaulted in Newcastle

The assault happened outside Newcastle City Hall, said Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

Gaza's Christians praying for a peaceful Christmas
Gaza's Christians praying for a peaceful Christmas

Conditions remain tough for Gaza's Christians despite the ceasefire.

Churches across the UK are getting into the Christmas spirit
Churches across the UK are getting into the Christmas spirit

Cathedrals and churches across the UK are embracing Advent with a flurry of festive markets, carol services and community events.