Kirk Franklin ‘I Am What I Am’ Tops Billboard Top Gospel Albums, Earns Record 15th No. 1

Twenty time GRAMMY Award winning gospel music icon Kirk Franklin has reached another major career milestone. His latest double album, I Am What I Am, has topped Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart, giving him his 15th career No. 1 on the ranking. The achievement extends his record as the artist with the most No. 1 albums in the chart’s history.

The latest success further confirms Franklin’s lasting influence on gospel music. Since Billboard introduced the Top Gospel Albums chart in 2006, he has continued to deliver projects that connect with audiences across different generations. His latest achievement also shows that his music remains relevant in an industry that continues to welcome new sounds and artists.

Beyond the Billboard chart, I Am What I Am has also recorded strong performances across major digital platforms. The album reached No. 1 on Apple Music’s Christian Albums chart, No. 5 on iTunes’ Christian Albums chart and No. 8 on Luminate’s Top Digital Album Sales chart. These results reflect the strong response to the project since its release.

Franklin released the album on October 30 through Uptown Records. The 14 track double disc project presents two distinct sides of his musical identity. One disc features contemporary studio recordings, while the other captures the energy and depth of live gospel performances.

Across the album, Franklin blends the choir driven gospel sound that helped establish his career with influences from hip hop, R&B and Afrobeats. He also brings together an impressive group of guest artists, including Jelly Roll, GloRilla, Davido, Tobe Nwigwe, Karen Clark Sheard and Tim Rogers. The collaborations create a wide musical range while keeping faith and worship at the heart of the project.

The studio recordings explore modern sounds and fresh musical partnerships. Meanwhile, the live disc returns to the powerful choir arrangements and worship atmosphere that have long defined Franklin’s work. By giving both approaches equal space, he offers listeners a fuller picture of his creative journey.

Following the album’s initial release, Franklin introduced an expanded version featuring additional material. The new edition includes “This Time (We Gone Be)” and “This Time (Remix),” featuring rising hip hop artist Belly Gang Kushington. The remix adds another voice to the original song and extends Franklin’s effort to connect different musical generations.

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Belly Gang Kushington delivers a verse that brings a personal expression of faith into the track. He raps, “Every last time I pick up the phone and call on the Lord, he fall through.” The line reinforces the song’s message of trust in God and the confidence that comes from knowing He remains present in difficult moments.

The remix builds on the original “This Time,” which features GloRilla. That version combines Franklin’s energetic gospel delivery with a memorable chorus and GloRilla’s distinctive rap style. The collaboration shows how Franklin continues to explore contemporary sounds while maintaining a clear message of hope and faith.

The original track also made an impressive chart debut. “This Time,” featuring GloRilla, entered Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart at No. 1. With the achievement, Franklin became the first artist in the chart’s history to record double digit No. 1 hits since its launch in 2005.

Another major highlight from the album is “Hope In You,” featuring Afrobeats superstar Davido. The song brings together Franklin’s gospel foundations and Davido’s melodic Afrobeats style. Its message encourages listeners to place their confidence in God, even when life brings uncertainty, personal struggles and moments of doubt.

The track has also gained attention on the Hot Gospel Songs chart, where it reached No. 6. Its performance further highlights the growing connection between gospel music and African popular music. Through the collaboration, Franklin and Davido bring their audiences together around a message of faith and hope.

Franklin also introduced the album with “Thank You For Everything,” featuring gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard of The Clark Sisters. The song focuses on gratitude and the importance of recognising God’s goodness through every season of life. Its worship centred message has helped it connect with gospel radio audiences.

The single has since become the fastest growing record on Gospel radio, according to the information accompanying the album’s release. Franklin and Clark Sheard also performed the song at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, marking its live television debut. The accompanying music video made its broadcast debut on BET.

Following the album’s release, Franklin placed several tracks on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart. In addition to “This Time” reaching No. 1, “Hope In You” with Davido climbed to No. 6, while “Free Me Tonight,” featuring Jelly Roll, reached No. 9. The results show that the album’s different musical styles have found support among gospel listeners.

Franklin’s 15 No. 1 albums represent a career that spans nearly three decades. His chart topping releases include God’s Property from 1997, The Nu Nation Project, Hero, The Fight of My Life, Losing My Religion, Hello Fear and Long Live Love. With I Am What I Am, he adds another major achievement to an already historic catalogue.

His success also extends beyond album sales and chart positions. Franklin holds the record for the most weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Gospel Songwriters chart. Earlier in 2026, he passed the 100 week mark, adding another significant record to his long list of achievements.

The latest milestone reflects more than commercial success. Franklin has spent decades shaping the sound of contemporary gospel music, bringing together traditional choir arrangements, modern production and messages rooted in Christian faith. His ability to work with artists from different genres has also helped introduce gospel music to wider audiences.

With I Am What I Am, Franklin continues to show why he remains one of the most influential figures in the genre. The album celebrates his gospel roots while embracing new musical directions. Its chart performance, strong digital results and successful collaborations further strengthen his legacy as an artist who continues to shape gospel music across generations.