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Lecrae Hits Big Screen on Heels of Smash Album

CBN

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NEW YORK CITY -- Christian rap artist Lecrae made history last week when his latest album landed at number one on the Billboard charts. He's been earning praise from mainstream media outlets, and now he's bringing his talent to the big screen.

If laughter is the best medicine, the film "Believe Me" aims to heal its audiences, and please the fans of Lecrae.

In between a stop on "The Tonight Show" and his album tour, the chart-topping Christian rapper is making his first movie appearance.

"I feel like in many ways the film chose me," Lecrae told CBN News. "The irony of it all is that the film doesn't quite fit in a category, and I feel like that a lot of times."

"Believe Me" is written and produced by young filmmakers Will Bakke, Michael Allen and Alex Carroll.

"'Believe Me' is the story of four college seniors that start a fake Christian charity in order to embezzle money for their college tuition," director Bakke said.

This is the first feature for the film-making trio. The idea was born years ago as they promoted their documentary "Beware of Christians" to faith groups on college campuses.

"I guess we have a twisted sense of humor because we kind of started thinking - what if somebody took advantage of this platform for their own selfish gain?" Allen, the film's writer and producer, said.

"We want something that's funny and refreshing, that you can relate to and you can say, 'Yeah, I am glad this movie was made,'" producer Carroll.

"Believe Me" hits theaters at a time when the entertainment industry in embracing films with a faith message. In the last few months, Christian filmmakers have seen box office success with movies, like "God is Not Dead" and "Heaven is for Real."

But "Believe Me" is part comedy, part drama.

"Are you making fun of Christians? A little, but the important thing to remember is the filmmakers are Christians. So it's kind of self-deprecating,'" Allen explained.

The movie also asks its audience to think about what they truly believe, and that's a question Lecrae poses to his fans, both believers and nonbelievers alike. The answer isn't always easy.

"If you really want to make an honest depiction of faith and culture, you are going to be at odds with both faith and culture," Lecrae said.

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