‘I Am What I Am’ — Kirk Franklin Returns With Double Disc New Album

Gospel music icon Kirk Franklin has released his fourteenth full length solo album, I Am What I Am, a 14 track project that brings together contemporary studio recordings and traditional live gospel music. The double disc release offers listeners two distinct sides of Franklin’s musical identity, while celebrating the different sounds and influences that have shaped his career.

The album features seven studio recordings and seven live performances. Together, they highlight Franklin’s ability to connect gospel music with other genres, including Afrobeats, hip hop and R&B. The project also brings together an impressive group of guest artists, including Davido, Jelly Roll, GloRilla and Tobe Nwigwe. Meanwhile, gospel favourites Karen Clark Sheard and Tim Rogers join him on selected live recordings.

Franklin has given both sides of the album equal attention. The studio disc explores modern sounds and collaborations, while the live disc returns to the rich musical traditions that have remained central to his ministry. Through this approach, he offers a project that reflects his roots in gospel music and his continued interest in exploring new creative directions.

Speaking about the idea behind the release, Franklin explained that he wanted listeners to understand the different parts of his musical personality.

“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 told The Grio. “[It gives] everyone all of Kirk at one time.”

The first disc, which focuses on contemporary studio music, opens with “Free Me Tonight,” featuring Jelly Roll, followed by “This Time,” with GloRilla. The tracklist continues with “Hope In You,” featuring Davido, and “It Gets Better,” featuring Tobe Nwigwe. Franklin completes the studio collection with “Able,” “Do It Again” and “Stay.”

These songs reflect his willingness to explore different musical styles without moving away from the gospel message at the heart of his work. The collaborations also introduce his music to audiences who may connect with the featured artists through hip hop, Afrobeats, country and R&B.

One of the notable studio tracks is “This Time,” which incorporates elements of Mandrill’s “Children Of The Sun.” The collaboration with GloRilla adds another contemporary influence to the album. It also demonstrates Franklin’s interest in bringing together different musical generations and audiences.

The second disc shifts the focus to live gospel music and congregational worship. It features seven recordings: “Someday,” “It Is Well,” “Welcome In,” “Thank You For Everything,” “Holy,” “Beautiful Thorns” and “Time.” These performances give the album a different atmosphere, with the energy and depth of live worship taking centre stage.

Karen Clark Sheard joins Franklin on “Thank You For Everything,” while Tim Rogers features on “Time.” Their contributions bring additional gospel depth to the live collection. In particular, Clark Sheard’s appearance adds another connection to the rich heritage of traditional gospel music.

“Thank You For Everything” also holds a special place in the album’s release story. Franklin previously introduced the song as a single, with Clark Sheard, a member of the celebrated gospel group The Clark Sisters, joining him on the recording. The pair later performed it at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, where the song made its live television debut. Its music video also premiered on BET Her.

The song’s message of gratitude fits naturally into the album’s wider emphasis on faith, praise and reflection. Through its title and worship centred approach, “Thank You For Everything” encourages listeners to recognise God’s goodness and respond with appreciation. Similarly, the live recordings create room for songs that speak to hope, spiritual strength and the enduring place of worship in everyday life.

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With I Am What I Am, Franklin continues a musical journey that has lasted more than three decades. His career has produced influential gospel recordings, major collaborations and a collection of honours that includes 20 Grammy Awards. Throughout that time, he has remained known for combining strong gospel foundations with fresh production and sounds from across the wider music industry.

The album also arrives through Franklin’s partnership with Uptown Records, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and TRIBL Music Group, a collaboration reported earlier this year. The arrangement brings together established music industry platforms and Franklin’s own creative vision.

Ultimately, I Am What I Am presents a broad picture of Kirk Franklin as both a gospel minister and a musician who continues to explore different sounds. By placing contemporary studio recordings alongside live gospel performances, he gives listeners a project that honours his musical roots while embracing new possibilities. The result is an album that brings together the different influences, relationships and expressions of worship that define his work.