(November 12, 2026 – New York, NY) — 20x-GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer and music icon Kirk Franklin has reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Gospel Albums chart with his latest double album, I Am What I Am. The achievement marks Franklin’s 15th career No. 1 on the chart, extending Billboard’s record for the most No. 1 albums in the chart’s history.
The album is also performing across digital charts, reaching No. 1 on Apple Music’s Christian Albums chart, No. 5 on iTunes’ Christian Albums chart and No. 8 on Luminate’s Top Digital Album Sales chart.
Released October 30 via Uptown Records, I Am What I Am is a double-disc project featuring a studio side and a live side. Across 14 tracks, Franklin brings together the choir-driven gospel sound that first captivated audiences with a boundary-pushing mix of gospel, hip-hop, R&B and Afrobeats. The album features Jelly Roll, GloRilla, Davido, Tobe Nwigwe, Karen Clark Sheard and Tim Rogers. The Associated Pressdescribed I Am What I Am as “among the most introspective works from Franklin,” noting that he “is not a traditional lead vocalist, but mainly a songwriter, producer and musician.” Newsweek also wrote, “the artist has chosen an unwavering posture of self-acceptance.”
Kirk Franklin recently released the expanded version of I Am What I Am, featuring “This Time (We Gone Be)” and “This Time (Remix)” featuring Belly Gang Kushington. The remix adds a verse from the rising hip-hop star, continuing Franklin’s mission to bridge generations and genres through messages of hope and faith. On the track, Belly Gang raps, “Every last time I pick up the phone and call on the Lord, he fall through.” The remix builds on the original “This Time,” featuring GloRilla, which pairs Franklin’s high-energy gospel sound with a chantable chorus and GloRilla’s distinctive bars.
Elsewhere on the album, the focus track, “Hope In You,” features Afrobeats superstar Davido. Kirk initially preceded, I Am What I Am with “Thank You For Everything,” featuring gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard of The Clark Sisters, which has since become the fastest growing record at Gospel radio. Kirk also performed the song at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awardsfor its live television debut, while the accompanying video made its broadcast debut on BET Her. Watch the “Thank You For Everything” music video HERE. Listen HERE.
Earlier this year, Variety broke the news that Kirk locked down a partnership with Uptown Records in conjunction with his own Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and TRIBL Music Group.
Visit KirkFranklin.com, follow Kirk Franklin on Instagram using the handle @KirkFranklin; Tik Tok @TheKirkFranklin; Facebook at KirkFranklin; and YouTube.
I Am What I Am – Tracklisting
01. Free Me Tonight (feat. Jelly Roll)
02. This Time (feat. Glorilla)
03. Hope In You (with Davido)
04. It Gets Better (with Tobe Nwigwe)
05. Able
06. Do It Again
07. Stay
08. Someday (Live)
09. It Is Well (Live)
10. Welcome In (Live)
11. Thank You For Everything (Live) (with Karen Clark Sheard)
12. Holy (Live)
13. Beautiful Thorns (Live)
14. Time (Live) (with Tim Rogers)
ABOUT KIRK FRANKLIN
For more than three decades, Kirk Franklin has set the tempo for contemporary gospel music and culture with real reverence and raw truth. His voice, sound, and style have resonated with successive generations uplifted by an uncanny blend of gospel, R&B, soul, hip-hop, and pop. Along the way, he has earned a staggering 20 GRAMMY® Awards, generated billions of streams and views, picked up numerous platinum certifications, and released 21 albums. Moreover, he has amplified his sound and message through collaborating with everyone from Mariah Carey and Justin Timberlake to Chance the Rapperand Demi Lovato. 2023’s Father’s Day notched his 20th GRAMMY® win and housed the #1 hit “All Things.” 2024 saw him headline the massive The Reunion Tour 2.0, which featured Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond,Clark Sisters, Marvin Sapp, and Kierra Sheard-Kelly. Among a myriad of accolades, his various honors include the Recording Academy’s Black Music Icon award and the Ultimate Icon BET Award. Focused on the next generation, he has shepherded and shared wisdom with rising talent in partnership with Camp Lotus. Most importantly, he gives back at every turn, supporting the likes of Compassion International and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, to name a few. Other ventures range from his own SiriusXM channel Kirk Franklin’s Praise to executive producing BET’s Kingdom Businessand Lifetime’s Kirk Franklin’s A Gospel Christmas. He also debuted his own original online series “Den Of Kings” to an enthusiastic audience in 2025. As always, a greater mission and message drive Kirk as he gives his life to God and inspires faith, resilience, and love with his artistry.
ABOUT UPTOWN RECORDS
Uptown Records is one of the most trusted and influential record companies in the history of hip-hop and R&B. Committed to the pursuit of quality, artist and entrepreneur Andre Harrell originally launched the New York label in 1986. During a banner first decade, its legendary roster consisted of generational artists such as Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, The Notorious B.I.G., Heavy D, and Guy (Teddy Riley), to name a few. Beyond selling tens of millions of units worldwide, its catalog has maintained a place in the zeitgeist by earning streams in the billions over the years. During the 40th anniversary it’s relaunched in 2026 by REPUBLIC Collective, upholding the same standards and mission for a dynamic and diverse stable of 21st century artists, including G Herbo, Yung Miami, ATL Jacob, Trap Dickey, Sunkis, and 9B Meechie, to name a few. Its next era of excellence is underway now.
ABOUT FO YO SOUL ENTERTAINMENT
Established in 2004 by multiple GRAMMY® and Stellar Award-winning artist, songwriter and producer Kirk Franklin, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, Inc. is a full-service entertainment company creating innovative, faith-centered music and content that inspires audiences and impacts culture. Fo Yo Soul has served as the label home for acclaimed Franklin albums including Losing My Religion, Long Live Love and Father’s Day.Through Fo Yo Soul, Franklin continues to blend gospel, R&B, hip-hop and contemporary sounds while expanding the reach of inspirational music and developing projects that connect faith, culture and audiences worldwide.
ABOUT TRIBL MUSIC GROUP
In the short time since its 2020 founding, TRIBL Music Group has revolutionized the Christian, Gospel, and Worship music marketplaces, disrupting the status quo and creating a diverse home for creatives everywhere. The ground-breaking company is home to the breakout collective Maverick City Music, Maverick City Música, Kirk Franklin, Travis Greene, Todd Galberth, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine, and more. Boasting billions of global streams and chart-topping radio successes, TRIBL has garnered a seemingly endless array of peer, industry, and consumer-based accolades, including multiple GRAMMY® Awards, BMI and ASCAP Awards, and a Billboard Music Award, an American Music Award, numerous Stellar Awards, and several Dove Award wins TRIBL Record is a division of Insignia Assets, LLC. Learn more at tribl.com.
