The Lecrae Unashamed documentary represents more than just another music film. It’s a cultural watershed moment that captures the intersection of faith, artistry, and social courage in contemporary Christian music. Premiering at the Nashville Film Festival on Sunday, September 21st, 2025, at the Regal Green Hill Cinema. This groundbreaking documentary follows Grammy-winning hip hop artist Lecrae Moore and The 116 Clique, a collective that disrupted both hip hop norms and American Christian culture expectations.
… you’re going to take some shots. That’s the nature of it.
— Lecrae
Directed by David Rivera, known for his work on “Kevin Costner’s The West” and “My Generation.” This film promises to explore territory that most Christian entertainment has avoided. And that is the cost of speaking truth when your own community turns against you.
Lecrae Unashamed Documentary, Trailer
What Makes the Lecrae Unashamed Documentary Groundbreaking?
This isn’t just another feel-good Christian movie. The documentary examines how Lecrae and The 116 Clique achieved mainstream success while challenging the status quo, only to face backlash from the very faith community that once celebrated them. The film’s power lies in its unflinching look at what happens when conviction collides with cultural expectations.
The 116 Clique Legacy and Christian Hip Hop Evolution
Formed in 2005, the 116 Clique brought together Lecrae, Sho Baraka, Tedashii, and Trip Lee under the Reach Records label. This collective didn’t just make Christian rap—they redefined what faith-based hip hop could be and do.
I personally think that the 116 movement represented a seismic shift in how we understand Christian music’s role in culture. They proved that faith-based artists could compete at the highest levels without compromising their message.
The group’s name references Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” This verse would prove prophetic as members faced criticism for their bold stances on social issues.
Director David Rivera’s Vision for Faith-Based Storytelling
Rivera brings a unique perspective to this project, having previously worked on mainstream documentaries that examine cultural shifts and generational impacts. His approach to the Lecrae story promises depth beyond typical Christian entertainment.
I think what God is doing in storytelling right now is pulling back layers — letting us see the hard questions, the cultural moments, the real tension, and letting narrative do more than just uplift, but also unpack.
— Lecrae, Christian Artist & Cultural Commentator
Lecrae Unashamed Documentary, Nashville Film Festival
Behind the Scenes: Lecrae’s Journey from Mainstream Success to Cultural Controversy
Lecrae’s trajectory from underground Christian rapper to Grammy winner to controversial figure within his own community represents one of the most compelling narratives in contemporary Christian music. His story illuminates broader tensions within American Christianity about engagement with social justice issues.
Grammy Wins and Breakthrough Moments
Lecrae’s musical genre encompasses Southern hip hop, crunk, gangsta rap, and hardcore hip hop styles, making him a unique voice in both Christian and secular music markets. His Grammy wins marked historic moments for Christian hip hop, proving that faith-based artists could achieve mainstream recognition without diluting their message.
The breakthrough came with albums like “Gravity” and “Anomaly,” which topped both Christian and secular charts. These successes positioned Lecrae as a bridge between worlds—a Christian artist who could speak to broader audiences about faith, struggle, and redemption.
The Cost of Speaking Truth: Backlash from Faith Communities
When Lecrae began addressing racial injustice and systemic inequality, the movement faced resistance from the faith community that once celebrated it. This tension forms the documentary’s emotional core—the painful reality that speaking prophetically can alienate those closest to you.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from examining how discussions of race, police brutality, and systemic injustice created fractures within Christian hip hop’s fanbase. Some viewed Lecrae’s activism as divisive; others saw it as essential Christian witness.
Arguments only prove my point. I will never stop. Justice.
— Lecrae, Grammy Winning Christian Artist
Lecrae Unashamed Documentary, Anomaly Tour
Nashville Film Festival 2025: Everything You Need to Know
The documentary will compete in the Music Documentary Features category at the festival, with the premiere scheduled for Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM at the Regal Cinema in Nashville. This marks a significant moment for Christian music representation at major film festivals.
Premiere Details and How to Attend
The Nashville Film Festival provides an ideal venue for this premiere, given Nashville’s role as both a music capital and a hub for Christian entertainment. The festival’s focus on elevating diverse voices aligns perfectly with the documentary’s themes.
Festival passes and individual tickets are available through the Nashville Film Festival website. Given the anticipated interest from both Christian music fans and documentary enthusiasts, early ticket purchase is recommended.
What to Expect from This Music Documentary
Unlike traditional Christian documentaries that focus primarily on inspiration and testimony, “Unashamed” promises to examine complex questions about faith, culture, and courage. Viewers should expect:
- Behind-the-scenes footage of 116 Clique’s rise to prominence
- Candid interviews about facing criticism from Christian communities
- Historical context about Christian hip hop’s evolution
- Contemporary relevance to ongoing discussions about faith and social justice
2025 Nashville Film Festival, Lecrae Unashamed Documentary
The Cultural Impact: Why This Documentary Matters Now
The timing of this documentary’s release couldn’t be more significant. As American Christianity grapples with questions about social justice, racial reconciliation, and prophetic voice, Lecrae’s story provides crucial insight into these tensions.
Christian Hip Hop’s Influence on Modern Gospel Music
The 116 Clique’s impact extends far beyond their own careers. They opened doors for artists like Andy Mineo, 1K Phew, and WHATUPRG, creating space for diverse voices within Christian music. Their influence can be heard in contemporary Christian radio. And seen in the increasing acceptance of hip hop elements in traditional gospel music.
Faith, Justice, and the Future of Christian Entertainment
The documentary explores themes of faith and justice being “deeply connected” rather than at odds, as Lecrae reflects on his journey. This perspective challenges common assumptions within Christian culture about the appropriate boundaries of faith-based art.
Whenever you stand up for what’s right, whenever you stand up for what you firmly believe in, you’re going to take some shots. That’s the nature of it.
— Lecrae, Iconic Christian Rapper
Lecrae Interview About Faith, Lifestyle, Struggles & More
How to Watch and What’s Next for Lecrae
Following the Nashville premiere, distribution plans for “Unashamed” will likely include streaming platforms, Christian film distributors, and possibly theatrical releases in major markets. The documentary represents part of a broader trend toward more sophisticated, challenging Christian content that doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations.
The “Unashamed” documentary arrives at a crucial moment for both Christian entertainment and American Christianity itself. By examining Lecrae’s journey from celebration to controversy to continued faithfulness, this film offers valuable insights into the cost and necessity of prophetic witness in contemporary culture.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Christian hip hop or simply interested in stories about faith, courage, and cultural change, the Lecrae Unashamed documentary promises to be one of the most important Christian films of 2025.
How to Prepare for Watching the Lecrae Unashamed Documentary
Understanding the Lecrae Unashamed documentary context will enhance your viewing experience and help you appreciate its cultural significance.
- Familiarize Yourself with Christian Hip Hop History
Listen to key albums from Lecrae, Trip Lee, Tedashii, and other 116 Clique members to understand their musical evolution and message development.
- Research the Social Justice Context
Review major events and discussions around racial justice within American Christianity from 2014-2020 to understand the backdrop of controversy surrounding Lecrae’s activism.
- Study Romans 1:16
The verse that inspired the “116” name provides theological foundation for understanding the group’s mission and the documentary’s title “Unashamed.”
- Explore Contemporary Christian Music Evolution
Examine how Christian music has evolved from traditional gospel to include diverse genres like hip hop, understanding the cultural resistance many artists faced.
- Prepare for Complex Themes
Approach the documentary ready to engage with challenging questions about faith, culture, prophetic voice, and the cost of speaking truth within religious communities.
FAQ Section – Lecrae Unashamed Documentary
The premiere is scheduled for Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM at the Regal Cinema in Nashville, Tennessee, as part of the Nashville Film Festival.
David Rivera directed “Unashamed.” Rivera is known for his previous work on documentaries including “Kevin Costner’s The West,” “My Generation,” and “The Decades.”
The 116 Clique formed in 2005 and brought together Christian hip hop artists Lecrae, Sho Baraka, Tedashii, and Trip Lee under Reach Records, achieving increasing success and helping to legitimize Christian hip hop as a mainstream genre.
Lecrae faced resistance when he began speaking out about racial injustice and systemic inequality, topics that made some in the faith community uncomfortable despite their connection to Christian social justice principles.
While specific distribution plans haven’t been announced, Christian documentaries typically become available through streaming platforms, Christian film distributors, and digital rental services following festival premieres.
Managing Editor @ ELEV8 Magazine | Bestselling Author | Finance Analyst – A bestselling author and finance analyst, Charles Myambo serves as Managing Editor at ELEV8 Magazine. Known for blending data precision with faith-driven insight, he brings clarity to complex topics — from money and purpose to media influence.
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