Tribbett Questions Franklin's GloRilla Collaboration
Gospel artist Tye Tribbett questioned whether Kirk Franklin's work with rapper GloRilla was necessary, and GloRilla responded with a Bible verse.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Religious
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Grammy-winning gospel artist Tye Tribbett questioned Kirk Franklin's decision to collaborate with rapper GloRilla during an appearance on The Breakfast Club. GloRilla responded by sharing a message on X citing Psalm 150:6 without directly naming Tribbett.
Why it matters
The exchange highlights a growing debate within gospel music over artists with explicit mainstream catalogs working alongside traditional gospel figures. Tribbett said he respects Franklin while questioning whether the partnership was needed.
Franklin and GloRilla's "This Time" reached No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart after its September release. Their earlier collaboration "Rain Down on Me" won the Best Gospel/Inspirational Award at the 2025 BET Awards.
The players
Tye Tribbett
Tye Tribbett is a Grammy-winning gospel artist known for his work in contemporary gospel music.
Kirk Franklin
Kirk Franklin is a prominent gospel musician and producer whose work has shaped contemporary gospel music for decades.
GloRilla
GloRilla is a rapper known for her mainstream hip-hop catalog featuring explicit lyrics.
The details
During a radio appearance on The Breakfast Club, Tribbett said he respects Kirk Franklin but questioned whether the collaboration with GloRilla was necessary, citing the growing number of gospel musicians working with secular artists. GloRilla responded on X by citing Psalm 150:6 and did not directly address Tribbett by name.
Timeline
2025 BET Awards: "Rain Down on Me" won Best Gospel/Inspirational Award.
September: Franklin and GloRilla released "This Time."
November 12, 2026: Tribbett's comments on The Breakfast Club were reported.
Season Trajectory
The debate follows the 2025 BET Awards recognition of "Rain Down on Me," which made the Franklin-GloRilla partnership a visible example of crossover gospel success. The disagreement now tests whether that commercial and critical reception will continue to draw criticism from traditional gospel voices.
Listeners who follow gospel charts may see further Franklin-GloRilla releases and collaborations shape Hot Gospel Songs rankings. Streaming and radio playlists for gospel music may reflect how audiences respond to crossover partnerships.
The takeaway
Crossover collaborations in gospel music can bring new audiences to the genre while also prompting debate about artistic standards. Listeners can compare lyrics, releases and chart performance to form their own view of these partnerships.
Further reading
Explore more Religious music coverage for context on how gospel artists are collaborating with mainstream performers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 97.9 The Beat.
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