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20x-GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, and music icon Kirk Franklin releases new single “This Time” featuring GloRilla out now via Uptown Records. Listen HERE.
It heralds the arrival of his much-anticipated fourteenth full-length solo album, I Am What I Am, on October 30th. Pre-order/Pre-save HERE.
Interpolating Mandrill’s “Children Of The Sun,” joyous and boisterous horns set the tone for the track, and slick handclaps hold the tempo in place. Soul overflows from a steeple-sized chantable chorus driven by Kirk’s uncontainable energy. Meanwhile, multiplatinum Memphis, TN hip-hop powerhouse GloRilla channels the same spirit with upbeat bars laced tightly with her quotable wordplay. “This Time” notably showcases another side of the superstar rapper’s artistry, illuminating her versatility on the beat.
Franklininitially preceded I Am What I Am with “Thank You For Everything,” featuring gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard of The Clark Sisters, which has since become the fastest growing record at Gospel radio. Kirk also performed the song at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards for its live television debut, while the accompanying video made its broadcast debut on BET Her.Watch the “Thank You For Everything” music video HERE. Listen HERE.
Variety recently broke the news that Kirk locked down a partnership with Uptown Records in conjunction with his own Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and TRIBL Music Group.
ABOUT KIRK FRANKLIN
For more than three decades, Kirk Franklin has set the tempo for contemporary gospel music and culture with real reverence and raw truth. His voice, sound, and style have resonated with successive generations uplifted by an uncanny blend of gospel, R&B, soul, hip-hop, and pop. Along the way, he has earned a staggering 20 GRAMMY® Awards, generated billions of streams and views, picked up numerous platinum certifications, and released 21 albums. Moreover, he has amplified his sound and message through collaborating with everyone from Mariah Carey and Justin Timberlake to Chance the Rapper and Demi Lovato. 2023’s Father’s Day notched his 20th GRAMMY® win and housed the #1 hit “All Things.” 2024 saw him headline the massive The Reunion Tour 2.0, which featured Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Clark Sisters, Marvin Sapp, and Kierra Sheard-Kelly. Among a myriad of accolades, his various honors include the Recording Academy’s Black Music Icon award and the Ultimate Icon BET Award. Focused on the next generation, he has shepherded and shared wisdom with rising talent in partnership with Camp Lotus. Most importantly, he gives back at every turn, supporting the likes of Compassion International and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, to name a few. Other ventures range from his own SiriusXM channel Kirk Franklin’s Praise to executive producing BET’s Kingdom Business and Lifetime’s Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas. He also debuted his own original online series “Den Of Kings” to an enthusiastic audience in 2025. As always, a greater mission and message drive Kirk as he gives his life to God and inspires faith, resilience, and love with his artistry.
Kirk Franklin & GloRilla’This Time’ from New Album, I Am What I Am was originally published on praiserichmond.com
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