Kirk Franklin Releases New Double Album I Am What I Am
The gospel artist delivers a unique split project featuring live church recordings and new studio collaborations.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Religious
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Kirk Franklin has officially released his first double album, I Am What I Am. The new project features a distinct split between live worship recordings and modern studio tracks.
Why it matters
This release marks a notable shift for the artist by integrating traditional gospel elements with secular musical collaborations. It highlights an evolving approach to genre-blending within the religious music space.
The album is divided into two distinct sections, consisting of 7 live church recordings and 7 studio tracks. This creates an even split between the project's performance styles.
The players
Kirk Franklin
An influential American gospel musician, choir director, and author known for revolutionizing contemporary gospel music.
GloRilla
A prominent American rapper and hip-hop artist known for her high-energy performances and mainstream chart success.
Tobe Nwigwe
A multifaceted Nigerian-American rapper and artist recognized for his unique visual storytelling and genre-bending musical style.
The details
The album showcases a diverse range of sounds by pairing classic live church worship sessions with studio recordings featuring artists like GloRilla and Tobe Nwigwe. The project is designed to bridge the gap between traditional gospel roots and contemporary secular collaborations.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: Official album release date.
Industry Dynamics
This project reflects the ongoing trend of crossover collaborations between gospel and mainstream hip-hop artists. It signals a move toward breaking down stylistic barriers that have historically separated religious and secular music markets.
Fans can now access the full 14-track double album across major streaming platforms. Listeners should note the distinct transition between the live worship recordings and the studio-produced collaborative tracks.
The takeaway
The project serves as a clear example of how veteran artists can evolve their sound while maintaining their core identity. Listeners may appreciate the variety offered by having both intimate church performances and high-production studio tracks in one collection.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in religious music releases.
Live Poll
Do you believe artists should maintain their original identity when collaborating with artists from other genres?
