The way the world is currently set up, artists like Lecrae are exactly what’s needed. This year, the Houston emcee is gearing up for the release of his ninth studio LP Restoration, and has gifted the fans with a new single from that project titled “Set Me Free,” which features assistance from Floridian star YK Osiris. The track is produced by Reach Records producer-artist GAWVI and samples Mary Mary’s 1999 hit single “Shackles (Praise You).”

Originally premiered during a performance at an Atlanta Hawks game this past January, “Set Me Free” sees Lecrae and Osiris making a plea for hope during a troubling time — something that the world happens to need right now:

“I been goin’ through so much I swear these people at my throat/

That’s on me, that’s on mamas/

On my mama, I can’t take no more so miss me with that drama, get your commas/

…

Keep my path straight, never lack faith/

God been workin’, they gon’ have to hold me back…/”

Speaking to Tall Car Guy, Lecrae explained how the song is more multi-layered than one might expect:

‘Set Me Free’ is like double, triple entendres, it’s like industry set me free, ‘cause you know what I’m saying, a lot of people be tied up in the industry, shackled to the way things are done. Society set me free and then spiritually set me free ‘cause a lot of times you got the spiritual strongholds, the devil tryin’ to hold you down and keeping you from what you have been called to be.

Back in 2018, Lecrae collaborated with Zaytoven for Let the Trap Say Amen, a trap-Christian hip hop fusion of sorts that boasted 13 tracks and appearances from the likes of Waka Flocka Flame, Verse Simmonds and 24hrs. Prior to that, he delivered All Things Work Together in 2017, which Ty Dolla $ign, Tori Kelly, Childish Major, Kierra Sheard and more.

Press play on the powerful, Bobby Hanaford-directed visual for “Set Me Free” below. In related news, Lecrae is preparing to release his second book

I Am Restored: How I Lost My Religion but Found My Faith — this fall.