Kirk Franklin Releases His New Album 'I Am What I Am' W/ GloRilla & More

For more than three decades, whenever the church walls felt a little too narrow or the world outside felt a little too broken, Kirk Franklin stepped in to build a bridge. On Friday, October 30, the 16-time Grammy icon dropped what may be the boldest, most fearless milestone of his historic career: I Am What I Am, his very first full-length double album, out worldwide via Fo Yo Soul Recordings and Tribl Music Group.

Clocking in at 14 tracks, the ambitious project is split cleanly down the center, presenting both halves of Franklin's musical soul. The first volume pushes contemporary gospel into exhilarating new frontiers, headlined by the infectious smash single "This Time" featuring Memphis rap sensation GloRilla. The track flips the timeless horn loop from Mandrill's 1972 funk staple "Children of the Sun" — famously sampled in late Atlanta pioneer Shawty Lo's anthem "Dey Know" — turning street bounce into holy praise. Franklin debuted the high-voltage record on The Breakfast Club during DJ Envy's People's Choice Mix after giving fans an early taste on the Joe & Jada podcast.

Across the rest of the studio side, Franklin refuses to be boxed in, joining forces with country-rock powerhouse Jelly Roll, Afrobeats titan Davido, and visionary lyricist Tobe Nwigwe. "It's just important for people to still see both sides of me, to be able to see the duality of my heart, to be able to see the duality of what I love to do," Franklin explained in an intimate conversation with The Grio. "[It gives] everyone all of Kirk at one time."

Then comes the second half — seven raw, thundering live recordings captured in the presence of the saints, where traditional choir arrangements and organ swells shake the room. Franklin calls on living gospel royalty, including the incomparable Karen Clark Sheard and quartet maestro Tim Rogers, reminding listeners that while his sound continually evolves, his roots remain anchored deep in the sanctuary.

Listen to tracks from 'I Am What I Am' spinning in daily rotation right here on King FM — your home for uplifting worship, faith, and the very best in gospel music 24/7 on CentralCityRadio.com and the Central City Radio mobile app.