Kirk Franklin Defends Collaborations With Rapper GloRilla
The gospel icon spoke out after religious critics ridiculed the rapper over their recent musical partnerships.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Religious
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Kirk Franklin is defending his decision to collaborate with rapper GloRilla after she faced public ridicule from religious critics. The two artists recently secured a 2025 BET Award for Best Gospel/Inspirational for their work together.
Why it matters
The collaboration highlights ongoing tension regarding who is perceived as holy enough to participate in gospel music. Franklin stated that he felt heartbroken by the intense backlash directed at the rapper following their joint projects.
Kirk Franklin holds 20 Grammy awards for his work in the music industry. Additionally, rapper GloRilla grew up as one of 9 siblings in a household that strictly prohibited hip-hop music.
The players
Kirk Franklin
He is a renowned gospel musician and choir director who has won 20 Grammy awards throughout his career.
GloRilla
She is a rapper from Memphis who gained fame for her music and collaborations across diverse genres.
The details
Franklin addressed the controversy during an appearance on Big Boy's Neighborhood, where he supported the rapper despite her background. GloRilla, a Memphis native, previously managed to listen to banned hip-hop music by downloading tracks onto a PlayStation console.
Timeline
Kirk Franklin and GloRilla won a BET Award in 2025.
Franklin addressed the criticism on Big Boy's Neighborhood on October 27, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This collaboration follows a pattern set by the historical crossover success of gospel artists like Ye and Lil Baby. The partnership signals a continued blurring of genre lines as mainstream rappers engage with traditional gospel themes.
Listeners can access the collaboration songs Rain Down On Me and This Time on major streaming platforms. These tracks reflect the shifting landscape of gospel music consumption for modern audiences.
The takeaway
The situation serves as a reminder of how deeply personal and cultural backgrounds influence public perception of religious art. Fans can observe how these genre-bending collaborations continue to challenge traditional boundaries in the music industry.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving trends in Religious music and cultural intersections.
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Do you believe religious artists should be criticized for collaborating with secular musicians?
