Church Meets Memphis: Kirk Franklin and GloRilla Turn Up the Joy on "This Time" as I Am What I Am Arrives Oct. 30

Kirk Franklin has spent more than three decades proving that gospel can move a sanctuary and a dance floor at the same time. His newest single takes that mission to a new crowd, with a little help from Memphis.

Franklin released "This Time" featuring GloRilla today through Uptown Records. The single is the first taste of his fourteenth full length solo album, I Am What I Am, arriving Oct. 30. Fans can preorder and presave the project now.

The sound. Built on an interpolation of Mandrill's "Children Of The Sun," the track opens with joyous, boisterous horns and rides on slick handclaps that hold the tempo in place. The chorus is made for a full congregation to shout back, powered by Franklin's signature energy. GloRilla matches that spirit with upbeat bars and the quotable wordplay that made her one of hip hop's most recognizable voices, showing a side of her artistry many fans have not heard before.

The road to the album. Franklin set the stage earlier with "Thank You For Everything," featuring gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard of The Clark Sisters. It has since become the fastest growing record at Gospel radio. He gave the song its live television debut at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, and its music video premiered on BET Her.

A historic label home. Variety recently reported that Franklin has partnered with Uptown Records alongside his own Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and TRIBL Music Group. Uptown, launched by Andre Harrell in New York in 1986, gave the world Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, The Notorious B.I.G., Heavy D and Guy. REPUBLIC Collective relaunched the label in 2026 during its 40th anniversary, and Franklin now joins a roster that includes G Herbo, Yung Miami and ATL Jacob.

Fo Yo Soul, which Franklin established in 2004, has been the home for his albums Losing My Religion, Long Live Love and Father's Day. TRIBL, founded in 2020, is also home to Maverick City Music, Travis Greene and Chandler Moore.

The résumé. Franklin has earned 20 GRAMMY Awards, billions of streams and views, numerous platinum certifications and 21 albums. Father's Day, released in 2023, brought his 20th GRAMMY win and the No. 1 hit "All Things." In 2024 he headlined The Reunion Tour 2.0 alongside Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, The Clark Sisters and Marvin Sapp. His honors include the Recording Academy's Black Music Icon award and the Ultimate Icon BET Award, and he has collaborated with artists from Mariah Carey to Chance the Rapper.

His reach goes well beyond the studio. He has his own SiriusXM channel, Kirk Franklin's Praise, has executive produced BET's Kingdom Business and Lifetime's Kirk Franklin's A Gospel Christmas, and supports organizations including Compassion International and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He has also mentored rising talent in partnership with Camp Lotus.

Pairing the architect of contemporary gospel with one of Memphis' boldest voices is a reminder that our music has always lived in more than one room. The choir stand and the club have always been closer than people think. "This Time" is out now, and I Am What I Am lands Oct. 30.