Kirk Franklin Releases “This Time” Feat. GloRilla Ahead of New Album

Twenty time GRAMMY® Award winner Kirk Franklin has released a new single, “This Time,” featuring multiplatinum Memphis rapper GloRilla. The energetic collaboration is out now through Uptown Records. It also sets the stage for Franklin’s highly anticipated fourteenth full length solo album, I Am What I Am, which arrives on October 30. Fans can now pre order and pre save the upcoming project.

With this release, Franklin brings together gospel, soul, funk, and hip hop in a lively sound that celebrates musical freedom and bold self expression. “This Time” draws inspiration from Mandrill’s “Children Of The Sun,” using its musical influence to create a vibrant and engaging sound. Joyful horns establish the mood from the opening moments, while crisp handclaps keep the rhythm moving. Together, these elements create a lively foundation for Franklin’s unmistakable musical energy.

At the heart of the song is a powerful, memorable chorus that invites listeners to join in. Franklin leads with the confidence and passion that have defined his career, blending the spirit of gospel music with the rhythmic energy of contemporary popular music. His performance gives the track a sense of celebration, while the arrangement creates room for every element to shine.

GloRilla adds another exciting dimension to the record. Known for her bold delivery and distinctive Memphis hip hop style, she brings lively bars and sharp wordplay to the collaboration. Her confident performance matches the song’s upbeat production and complements Franklin’s spirited vocals. More importantly, “This Time” gives listeners an opportunity to hear another side of the multiplatinum rapper’s artistry, highlighting her versatility as she moves across a sound that draws from different musical traditions.

The collaboration also reflects Franklin’s long standing ability to connect gospel music with wider musical culture. Throughout his career, he has welcomed sounds and influences from several genres while keeping faith, expression, and the power of music at the centre of his work. With GloRilla joining him on “This Time,” he continues that approach, bringing together artists from different musical backgrounds for a record built around energy, rhythm, and a strong singalong chorus.

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Before unveiling the new single, Franklin introduced I Am What I Am with “Thank You For Everything,” featuring gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard of The Clark Sisters. The song has since become the fastest growing record at Gospel radio, marking a strong start to the album campaign. Franklin also performed the track at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, where it made its live television debut. Meanwhile, the accompanying music video made its broadcast debut on BET Her, extending the song’s reach to an even wider audience.

The two singles offer a glimpse into the musical direction surrounding Franklin’s forthcoming album. While “Thank You For Everything” brings the celebrated voice of Clark Sheard into a message of gratitude, “This Time” turns toward a more energetic blend of gospel, funk, and hip hop. Together, they highlight Franklin’s ability to explore different sounds while continuing to create music that reflects his faith and artistic vision.

For more than three decades, Franklin has played a major role in shaping contemporary gospel music and its relationship with popular culture. His music has reached generations of listeners through a distinctive blend of gospel, R&B, soul, hip hop, and pop. Across his career, he has combined heartfelt messages with modern production, helping gospel music reach audiences well beyond traditional church settings.

His achievements reflect that lasting influence. Franklin has earned 20 GRAMMY® Awards, generated billions of streams and video views, secured numerous platinum certifications, and released 21 albums. He has also worked with major names across the music industry, including Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Chance the Rapper, and Demi Lovato. These collaborations have helped him build connections across genres while introducing his sound to new audiences.

In 2023, Franklin secured his twentieth GRAMMY® win with Father’s Day, an album that also featured the number one hit “All Things.” The achievement added another major milestone to a career marked by musical innovation and consistent recognition. In 2024, he took that legacy on the road as the headliner of The Reunion Tour 2.0. The major gospel tour featured an impressive lineup, including Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, The Clark Sisters, Marvin Sapp, and Kierra Sheard Kelly.

Franklin’s influence also extends beyond recordings and live performances. Among his many honours are the Recording Academy’s Black Music Icon award and the Ultimate Icon BET Award. These recognitions celebrate his contribution to music and culture, as well as his role in helping shape the sound and direction of contemporary gospel.

At the same time, Franklin continues to invest in the next generation of artists. Through his partnership with Camp Lotus, he has supported emerging talent and shared lessons from his own journey in music and ministry. His commitment to service also includes support for organisations such as Compassion International and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. These efforts reflect a wider purpose that reaches beyond commercial success and industry recognition.

His creative work also spans radio, television, and digital entertainment. Franklin hosts his own SiriusXM channel, Kirk Franklin’s Praise, which gives listeners another way to connect with gospel music. He has also served as an executive producer on BET’s Kingdom Business and Lifetime’s Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas. In 2025, he introduced his original online series, “Den Of Kings,” which attracted an enthusiastic audience and further expanded his presence across entertainment platforms.

Despite these many ventures, faith remains central to Franklin’s music and public life. His work continues to encourage listeners to hold on to hope, embrace resilience, and live with love and purpose. Rather than limiting himself to one sound or audience, he continues to explore new creative possibilities while keeping his message connected to his Christian beliefs.

With “This Time,” Franklin once again demonstrates his ability to bring different musical worlds together. GloRilla’s confident delivery, the track’s joyful horns, and its infectious rhythm give the single a fresh and energetic identity. At the same time, the collaboration builds anticipation for I Am What I Am, an album that promises another chapter in Franklin’s enduring musical journey.

As the October 30 release date approaches, “This Time” offers fans another reason to look forward to the project. The single reflects the adventurous spirit that has helped Franklin remain a major voice in gospel music for decades. It also reinforces his commitment to creating music that crosses boundaries, connects generations, and continues to inspire listeners through faith, creativity, and a willingness to embrace new sounds.