Propaganda and Lecrae turn their attention toward hip-hop, faith and cultural belonging on “Daywalkers.”
The Beautiful Eulogy-produced track is the second single from Propaganda’s forthcoming album, Crimson Cord. Its title borrows the idea of someone capable of moving between separate worlds.
That description fits two rappers who are regularly asked to explain where they belong.
Propaganda approaches hip-hop as someone formed by its language, history and neighborhoods. At the same time, he refuses to treat the culture as beyond criticism.
Lecrae has encountered a similar tension on a larger stage. Some audiences expect him to choose between being taken seriously as a rapper and speaking openly about his faith.
Propaganda and Lecrae Walk Between Worlds
“Daywalkers” rejects the idea that either artist is merely visiting hip-hop from somewhere safer.
They know the culture well enough to appreciate what it creates and recognize what can damage it. They also understand why criticism from outsiders often fails to connect.
That perspective gives the song more weight than another debate over whether faith-based rappers belong in hip-hop.
Propaganda and Lecrae seem less interested in requesting admission. Instead, they examine what happens when identity, conviction and culture refuse to stay in separate containers.
Beautiful Eulogy Gives “Daywalkers” Room to Breathe
Beautiful Eulogy gives “Daywalkers” a restrained, sample-driven backdrop that leaves room for both rappers.
Propaganda delivers his verses with the measured force of spoken word. Lecrae provides a tighter rhythmic counterpoint without pulling the track away from its central idea.
Crimson Cord follows Propaganda’s 2012 album, Excellent. The new project includes appearances from Lecrae, Derek Webb, Braille, Andy Mineo, JGivens and Lee Green.
Beautiful Eulogy handles the production for the album.
King Kulture recently examined the full project in our review of Crimson Cord.
Crimson Cord will be released April 29 through Humble Beast. The label plans to make a digital version available as a free download while also offering physical and commercial digital editions.