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3 clusters · 12 sources · 12 days · First seen · Last updated

Kirk Franklin and GloRilla musical collaboration

Overview

Gospel artist Kirk Franklin and rapper GloRilla released their collaborative single ‘This Time’ on September 25. The track samples Mandrill’s 1972 record ‘Children of the Sun’ and blends choir-driven gospel with hip-hop to explore themes of faith and perseverance. The single serves as a precursor to Franklin’s upcoming double album, ‘I Am What I Am,’ scheduled for release on October 30. The 14-song project will feature an equal split of seven live church recordings and seven studio tracks, covering both contemporary and traditional gospel styles.

Franklin stated that the album title reflects his journey of accepting all aspects of his life and career, noting that his creative process seeks authentic connections while maintaining that “faith should not limit artistic excellence.”

Following the release, Franklin faced online criticism regarding the collaboration. Gospel artist John P. Kee defended the partnership after his performance at Praise In The Park, urging critics to ‘leave Kirk alone.’ Kee argued that Franklin’s musical approach enables him to reach audiences who may not attend traditional church services. This marks the second collaboration between the two artists, following their previous work on the track ‘Rain Down On Me’ from GloRilla’s 2025 album, GLORIOUS.

Entities

Kirk Franklin · GloRilla · John P. Kee

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 4 sources
    John P. Kee defends Kirk Franklin’s collaboration with GloRilla

    John P. Kee has defended Kirk Franklin’s collaborations with rapper GloRilla, stating that Franklin’s work helps reach new audiences outside of traditional church services.

  2. [CULTURE] 5 sources
    Kirk Franklin releases new gospel track ‘This Time’ with GloRilla

    Kirk Franklin and GloRilla have released the gospel track ‘This Time’, a preview of Franklin’s upcoming double album ‘I Am What I Am’ arriving October 30.

  3. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Kirk Franklin and GloRilla announce new single ‘This Time’

    Kirk Franklin and GloRilla are set to release a new collaborative single, ‘This Time,’ on September 25, featuring a sample of the late Shawty Lo.

Sources

getuperica.com · hip-hopvibe.com · hiphopnc.com · hotspotatl.com · octobergallery.com · praisedc.com · rap2soul.de · rickeysmileymorningshow.com · thebeatdfw.com · theshaderoom.com · udiscovermusic.com · wzakcleveland.com

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history