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African American Christian
Sep 28, 202634 views2 min read

Kirk Franklin and GloRilla Release New Gospel Single This Time

Kirk Franklin and Memphis rapper GloRilla released their new collaborative single "This Time" on September 25, 2026. The track is the lead single from Franklin's upcoming double album "I Am What I Am," set for release on October 30. The song blends Franklin's choir-driven gospel sound with GloRilla's verse about faith and perseverance.

Kirk Franklin and GloRilla Release New Gospel Single This Time
Source:The Grio

Kirk Franklin and Memphis rapper GloRilla released their new collaborative single "This Time" on September 25, 2026, ahead of Franklin's upcoming double album.

The track is the lead single from Franklin's 14th solo studio album, "I Am What I Am," scheduled for release on October 30, 2026. The album will be split evenly between traditional and contemporary gospel styles.

"This Time" features Franklin's signature choir-driven gospel sound alongside a verse from GloRilla, in which she refers to herself as a "prayer warrior." The song focuses on maintaining faith and finding strength through difficult circumstances.

Musically, the track interpolates "Children of the Sun," a 1972 song by Mandrill. The collaboration marks the second time the two artists have worked together. Their first collaboration, "Rain Down On Me," appeared on GloRilla's debut album "Glorious" and won the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award at the 2025 BET Awards.

Franklin previewed the track during an appearance on the "Joe and Jada" podcast hosted by Fat Joe and Jadakiss. The song received its full premiere on "The Breakfast Club" radio show. A performance-style video was also recorded for the "From The Block" series.

The release follows Franklin's August 2026 live project "Thank You For Everything," which featured Karen Clark Sheard.

Franklin has long been known for blending gospel music with hip-hop and R&B to reach broader audiences. The GloRilla collaboration continues that approach, pairing one of gospel's most recognized figures with one of hip-hop's rising stars.

The album "I Am What I Am" is expected to be one of the most anticipated gospel releases of the fall 2026 season.

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