Kirk Franklin Drops New Album I Am What I Am Featuring Tobe Nwigwe and GloRilla
Gospel artist Kirk Franklin released his new studio album, I Am What I Am, on October 30, 2026. The 14-track project features collaborations with Tobe Nwigwe, GloRilla, Jelly Roll, Davido, and Karen Clark Sheard. The album's lead single, It Gets Better, has drawn early praise for its message about surviving hardship.
Kirk Franklin released his new studio album, I Am What I Am, on October 30, 2026. The 14-track project features an unusually wide range of collaborators, including rapper Tobe Nwigwe, hip-hop artist GloRilla, country-crossover star Jelly Roll, Afrobeats artist Davido, and gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard.
The album's standout track, "It Gets Better," features Tobe Nwigwe on a rap verse alongside a female lead vocalist. Critics have noted the song's sincere delivery and its message that dark times do not last. Lyrically, the track encourages self-kindness and acknowledges doubt as part of the human experience.
Franklin, who has been a central figure in gospel music for more than three decades, said the album reflects his ongoing creative exploration. Reviews describe the project as sonically varied, moving between traditional gospel, hip-hop, and contemporary worship sounds.
The album arrives as Franklin continues to bridge gospel music with mainstream audiences. His previous projects have consistently charted on both gospel and general music charts.
I Am What I Am is available on all major streaming platforms as of October 30, 2026.
