Propaganda and Lecrae turn their attention toward the complicated relationship between 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 otherwise separate worlds, which is an appropriate description for two rappers frequently asked to explain where they fit.
Propaganda approaches hip-hop as someone formed by its language, history and neighborhoods while refusing to treat the culture as beyond criticism. Lecrae has encountered a similar tension on a larger stage, navigating audiences that sometimes expect him to choose between being taken seriously as a rapper and speaking openly about his faith.
“Daywalkers” rejects the assumption that either artist is merely visiting hip-hop from somewhere safer. They know the culture well enough to appreciate what it creates, recognize what damages it and understand why simplistic criticism from outsiders rarely lands.
That perspective gives the song more weight than another argument about whether faith-based rappers belong in the genre. Propaganda and Lecrae are less interested in requesting admission than in examining what happens when identity, conviction and culture refuse to remain in separate containers.
Beautiful Eulogy gives the track a restrained, sample-driven backdrop that leaves room for both rappers’ voices. Propaganda delivers his verses with the measured force of spoken word, while Lecrae brings a tighter rhythmic counterpoint without pulling the song away from its central argument.
Crimson Cord follows Propaganda’s 2012 album, Excellent. The new project includes appearances from Lecrae, Derek Webb, Braille, Andy Mineo, JGivens and Lee Green, with Beautiful Eulogy handling the production.
The album will be released April 29 through Humble Beast. As with the label’s other releases, a digital version will be available as a free download, while listeners can also purchase physical and commercial digital editions.
Listen to “Daywalkers” below.