Kirk Franklin Releases Highly Anticipated Double Album I AM WHAT I AM, Available Now

The 20-Time GRAMMY Award-Winning Gospel Icon Bridges Faith, Culture, and Musical Innovation with Collaborations Featuring Jelly Roll, GloRilla, Davido, Tobe Nwigwe, Karen Clark Sheard, and Tim Rogers.

Gospel music continues to evolve, and Kirk Franklin is once again leading the conversation.

The legendary artist, songwriter, producer, and 20-time GRAMMY Award winner has officially released his highly anticipated 14th full-length solo album, I AM WHAT I AM, available now through Uptown Records.

The 14-track double album celebrates Franklin’s musical legacy while embracing a new era of creativity, blending traditional gospel with contemporary sounds that reflect his influence across generations.

Two Sides, One Powerful Message

With I AM WHAT I AM, Franklin delivers a unique musical experience divided into two distinct sides: seven studio recordings and seven live performances.

The studio portion explores a genre-bending combination of gospel, hip-hop, R&B, soul, and Afrobeats, while the live recordings return listeners to the powerful choir-driven worship experiences that helped establish Franklin as one of gospel music’s most influential figures.

The result is a project that celebrates both the artist the world has come to know and the creative visionary who continues to challenge musical boundaries.

A Star-Studded Celebration of Music and Faith

One of the album’s standout collaborations, “Hope In You,” featuring international Afrobeats superstar Davido, brings together two influential musical voices for an uplifting record that crosses cultural and musical boundaries.

Franklin also joins forces with Memphis rapper GloRilla on “This Time,” a vibrant track incorporating elements of Mandrill’s classic “Children Of The Sun.” The collaboration highlights GloRilla’s versatility while demonstrating Franklin’s ability to connect gospel’s powerful messages with contemporary hip-hop audiences.

Other notable collaborations include Jelly Roll on “Free Me Tonight” and Tobe Nwigwe on “It Gets Better.”

Meanwhile, gospel powerhouse Karen Clark Sheard joins Franklin on “Thank You For Everything,” a moving record that has gained significant momentum at gospel radio. Franklin previously performed the song at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, introducing audiences to another memorable musical moment.

The album also features gospel vocalist Tim Rogers, further connecting Franklin’s contemporary musical direction with the traditional gospel sounds that remain central to his artistry.

Continuing a Legacy of Musical Excellence

For more than three decades, Kirk Franklin has transformed the landscape of gospel music, creating a sound that reaches beyond traditional boundaries while maintaining a message centered on faith, hope, resilience, and love.

From his groundbreaking early recordings to his continued collaborations with artists across multiple genres, Franklin has consistently demonstrated that inspirational music can connect with audiences from every generation.

His career includes 20 GRAMMY Awards, numerous Stellar Awards, platinum certifications, and billions of streams and views worldwide. His influence also extends into television, entertainment, mentorship, and philanthropy.

The release of I AM WHAT I AM follows Franklin’s partnership with Uptown Records, alongside his own Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and TRIBL Music Group.

As Uptown Records celebrates its 40th anniversary and a new chapter in its history, Franklin’s addition to the label represents another significant moment for a company recognized for shaping the sounds of R&B and hip-hop.

I AM WHAT I AM — Official Tracklist

Studio Recordings

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1. Free Me Tonight (feat. Jelly Roll)
2. This Time (feat. GloRilla)
3. Hope In You (with Davido)
4. It Gets Better (with Tobe Nwigwe)
5. Able
6. Do It Again
7. Stay

Live Recordings

1. Someday (Live)
2. It Is Well (Live)
3. Welcome In (Live)
4. Thank You For Everything (Live) (with Karen Clark Sheard)
5. Holy (Live)
6. Beautiful Thorns (Live)
7. Time (Live) (with Tim Rogers)

A New Chapter for a Gospel Icon

With I AM WHAT I AM, Kirk Franklin continues to prove that gospel music is not confined to one sound, generation, or audience.

By bringing together some of today’s most recognizable voices while honoring the foundation of traditional gospel, Franklin delivers a project that reflects both his musical evolution and his unwavering commitment to inspiring listeners.

For an artist whose career has consistently connected faith with culture, this latest release serves as another reminder that his influence extends far beyond the walls of the church.

Kirk Franklin’s I AM WHAT I AM is available now on all major streaming platforms.

Listen to the album: https://kirkfranklin.lnk.to/IAmWhatIAm

For more information: https://www.kirkfranklin.com/

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