| Church Clothes 3 | ||||
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| Released | January 15, 2016 | |||
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| Length | 36:28 | |||
| Label | Reach Records | |||
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| Lecrae chronology | ||||
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Church Clothes 3 is the third mixtape by Christian hip hop recording artist Lecrae. It was released on January 15, 2016, through his label Reach Records. The mixtape is the third in his Church Clothes series, and his first major release since his studio album Anomaly (2014). It features guest appearances from E-40, N'dambi, Propaganda, John Givez, JGivens, Jackie Hill Perry, and then-label-mate KB.[1][2] While the previous two mixtapes were hosted by DJ Don Cannon, on Church Clothes 3 S1 served as executive producer on the tape. In addition to S1, Epikh Pro, Black Knight, GAWVI, and others contributed production to the mixtape.[1][2]
The mixtape was released without any prior announcement or marketing campaign.[3] Available in digital form through iTunes and other online vendors, physical copies were made available exclusively through DTLR stores.[4] Church Clothes 3 sold well during its first charting week, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on the US Top Christian, Independent, and Rap Albums charts. It also met with a positive reception from critics. It was highly praised for its high production value and it lyricism, which explores aspects racism, gang violence, and oppression; however, the mixtape also received some criticism for a lack of creativity and some inconsistency in its lyrical themes.[5][6] Alongside the album, Lecrae released a longform music video entitled "Church Clothes 3: A Short Film", which features the songs "It Is What It Is", "Gangland", "Déjà Vu", and "Misconceptions 3".[1] The music video was praised for its vintage feel and beautiful visuals.[7] A second video, for the song "Freedom", was released on January 18, 2016.[8]
- ^ a b c Ruggieri, Melissa (January 15, 2016). "Lecrae drops 'Church Clothes 3' mixtape, announces memoir". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Cox Enterprises. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
- ^ a b Yap, Timothy (January 15, 2016). "Lecrae Surprises Fans with the Release of "Church Clothes 3" Mixtape". Hallels. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
- ^ Daniels, David (January 14, 2016). "Lecrae releases surprise mixtape 'Church Clothes 3' featuring E-40 and more". Rapzilla. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
- ^ Gatewood, Niki (January 15, 2016). "Lecrae Drops New Mixtape, 'Church Clothes 3'". AllHipHop. AHH Holding LLC. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
- ^ Noble, Brendan (January 17, 2016). "ALBUM REVIEW :: Lecrae – Church Clothes 3". Rap Remnant. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
- ^ Doyle, Carlin (January 18, 2016). "Album Review: Lecrae – Church Clothes 3". Reel Gospel. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
- ^ Bonita (January 15, 2016). "Lecrae Goes As Hard As Any MC Out, Spiritual Or Otherwise (Video)". Ambrosia For Heads. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
- ^ Daniels, David (January 18, 2016). "Video: Lecrae – Freedom ft. N'Dambi". Rapzilla. Retrieved January 18, 2016.