Kirk Franklin Sets Billboard Record With 10th Number One on Hot Gospel Songs Chart

Kirk Franklin extended his own record on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart when "This Time," his collaboration with rapper GloRilla, debuted at number one on the chart dated October 10, 2026.

The achievement makes Franklin the first artist to reach 10 number-one hits on the Hot Gospel Songs chart since it launched in 2005. Maverick City Music and CeCe Winans are the next closest, each with six chart-toppers.

"This Time" was released on September 25, 2026. In its first week, the song generated 1.7 million U.S. streams, 2.5 million in radio audience impressions, and 1,000 unit sales.

The track serves as the lead single from Franklin's upcoming double album, "I Am What I Am," scheduled for release on October 30, 2026.

This is the second time Franklin and GloRilla have collaborated on a chart-topping gospel track. Their previous collaboration, "Rain Down on Me," reached number one in 2024.

Franklin said the song reflects his belief that faith and authenticity can coexist across musical genres. "GloRilla brings something real to this record," he said. "We're not trying to sanitize anything. We're just being honest about where we are and who God is."

The crossover appeal of the collaboration has drawn attention from both gospel and hip-hop audiences. Some church leaders have questioned whether the pairing is appropriate, while others have praised it as a way to reach younger listeners.

Franklin has been a dominant force in gospel music since the early 1990s. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and is widely credited with helping modernize the genre.