Multiple Grammy Award -winning gospel artist, songwriter and producer Kirk Franklin has released his 14th full-length solo album, titled “I Am What I Am,” bringing together gospel music and contemporary musical influences in a project that also features Nigerian Afrobeats artist Davido.
The album, released through Uptown Records, it divides its music into two distinct experiences: seven studio recordings exploring contemporary genres and seven live performances celebrating the choir driven sound.
The 14-track project represents another chapter in Franklin’s celebrated musical career, which has defined his ability to blend traditional gospel sounds with contemporary genres, including hip-hop, R&B and modern urban music.
The album’s lead track, “Hope In You,” features Nigerian superstar Davido, bringing together two artists whose musical backgrounds reflect the increasingly international language of contemporary popular music.
It’s a collaboration that places Franklin’s gospel sensibilities alongside Afrobeats’ rhythms, opening another avenue for his music to reach listeners.
In one of the tracks “Free Me Tonight,” Franklin teams up with Jelly Roll, a performer whose musical journey has moved between rap, rock and country while frequently addressing faith, struggle and redemption.
“This Time” introduces another unexpected partnership, with Memphis rapper GloRilla delivering an energetic performance alongside Franklin’s unmistakable gospel arrangements.
The collaboration with Davido, Jelly Roll and GloRilla collaborations, create a studio collection that introduces Franklin’s musical perspective through several different creative partnerships.
The 14-track album, the studio recordings include:
- “Free Me Tonight” featuring Jelly Roll
- “This Time” featuring GloRilla
- “Hope In You” with Davido
- “It Gets Better” with Tobe Nwigwe
- “Able”
- “Do It Again”
- “Stay”
The live recordings include:
- “Someday” (Live)
- “It Is Well” (Live)
- “Welcome In” (Live)
- “Thank You For Everything” (Live) with Karen Clark Sheard
- “Holy” (Live)
- “Beautiful Thorns” (Live)
- “Time” (Live) with Tim Rogers
