Twenty-time Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin brought faith, vulnerability, and a few unexpected sounds to Atlanta for an intimate preview of his upcoming album, I AM WHAT I AM.
On Monday, Oct. 12, BOSSIP’s very own Lauryn Bass was on the scene at Sessions Atlanta in Uptown Records as Franklin welcomed invited guests for an exclusive album playback ahead of the project’s Oct. 30 release. Presented by Fo Yo Soul Recordings, TRIBL Records and Uptown Records, the evening offered an opportunity to hear new music while getting a deeper understanding of the personal experiences shaping his latest body of work.
With more than three decades in gospel music, Franklin has never been afraid to push the genre’s boundaries. However, I AM WHAT I AM appears to be just as much about embracing the man behind the music as it is about celebrating his signature sound.
Before the listening portion began, Franklin reflected on spending more than a year developing the project and how the evolution of Black church music challenged his creative process.
“The Black church culture changed. The church got rid of their choirs and the music was in a space that was not my strength,” Franklin shared.
His remarks offered insight into the challenges of navigating a changing gospel landscape while remaining connected to the musical traditions that helped establish his career.
“I’ve never done a double album before,” Franklin continued, explaining that the project includes seven studio recordings showcasing a different side of his artistry alongside music recorded live in a church setting.
As he jokingly put it, “I need a little gravy on my God.”
Kirk Franklin Gets Personal About Criticism, Faith And His Humanity
The listening session began with a Jelly Roll-assisted track that introduced the project through an extended spoken-word delivery layered over a soulful chorus.
Source: Lauryn Bass / @itslaurynbass
Driven by heavy bass and building drums, the song gradually unfolded into a powerful musical introduction, with a memorable melody reminiscent of the familiar refrain, “I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord.”
Following the selection, the evening’s host, Crystal Renee Hayslett, asked Franklin what was on his heart when he created the record.
His response revealed just how much public criticism has influenced his perspective throughout his career.
“I’ve been trying to explain myself for the last 33 years,” Franklin said, reflecting on an interview with Salt and drawing comparisons between the criticism she experienced decades ago and the scrutiny surrounding rapper GloRilla today. “This felt like the right opportunity to let people know that I listen and I hear everything that is being said. I am aware. This is my humanity.”
Franklin emphasized that despite the expectations surrounding his public image, he is still navigating life like everyone else.
“I’m doing the best I can with what I’ve been given,” he continued, describing music as an essential part of maintaining his sanity.
He also referenced GloRilla’s perspective on faith, recalling her argument that if rocks and mountains can praise God, she should be able to do the same.
From Traditional Gospel To Mental Health, Franklin Explores New Musical Territory
While the opening track introduced Franklin’s vulnerability, the next selection delivered the nostalgic gospel sound that has made him a household name.
Led by a powerful choir, the song featured several upward key changes, handclapping moments and affirmations of hope, including the lyrics, “Someday I’ll be better, someday I’ll be free, I won’t stop believing.”
Franklin could hardly remain seated as the recording played. He stood, lifted his hands, recited the lyrics and eventually began dancing and interacting with the audience.
By the song’s conclusion, attendees were shouting in approval and rose for a standing ovation.
“I did that on purpose because I wanted something that people connected with,” Franklin explained.
The energy shifted again with “It Gets Better,” an upbeat, piano-driven collaboration featuring Christian music artist TobyMac.
The song opens with a gentle reminder to extend yourself grace: “Please be kind to yourself just a little bit.”
Despite its energetic arrangement, soaring soprano vocals and uplifting key change, the record carries a deeper message about mental health.
“That song was my attempt to find a space to talk about mental health,” Franklin explained. “I’ve had my own journey with anxiety and depression.”
He also addressed how certain religious environments can create lasting emotional wounds.
“Living up to the religious standards can create psychological trauma,” Franklin said, recalling how young women in his childhood church could be publicly shamed for becoming pregnant while the men involved escaped similar accountability.
“Can you imagine the trauma?” he asked.
Kirk Franklin Brings Church To The Listening Room
The playback continued with “It Is Well,” featuring gospel singer Isaac Carree, who was also in attendance.
Recorded with a live audience, the selection opened with crowd cheers before electric guitar, bass and drums established an infectious rhythm.
Its arrangement offered plenty of opportunities for listeners to clap along, while an extended vamp brought the song to an explosive finish.
Franklin revealed that the record was dedicated to someone he knew who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, adding another personal layer to the uplifting performance.
Another standout selection found Franklin embracing the sounds of the Church of God in Christ and Pentecostal worship traditions.
“This is my COGIC,” he joked. “This is my attempt to try to be like y’all. This is my first time trying to write a song like this.”
Complete with horns, organ, a quick tempo and enough rhythmic energy for tambourines and praise dancing, the song brought a distinctly traditional church feel to the room.
The repeated affirmation “I got time” became a central moment as the choir’s soprano, alto and tenor sections delivered their own responses.
Davido Joins Kirk Franklin For An Afrobeats-Inspired Collaboration
Among the evening’s final selections was “Hope in You,” a collaboration with Afrobeats superstar Davido.
Expected to arrive as a single alongside the album’s Oct. 30 release, the track blended Franklin’s gospel influences with a contemporary Afrobeats sound.
A steady bass rhythm anchored the uplifting production, while Davido delivered a melodic verse and joined the choir on the chorus.
The combination of modern vocal effects, catchy melodies and danceable instrumentation gave the record a youthful appeal without abandoning its faith-centered message.
With two selections from the project already available to listeners, the Atlanta playback provided an early introduction to several additional songs and the musical range Franklin is exploring.
Kirk Franklin Encourages Emerging Artists To Choose Authenticity Over Trends
After the music concluded, Franklin opened the floor for an audience Q&A, offering insight into the album’s title and advice for aspiring musicians.
According to Franklin, I AM WHAT I AM speaks for itself, reflecting his willingness to embrace his identity rather than continuously explain it to others.
When asked what emerging artists should prioritize while establishing their careers, he encouraged them to resist the pressure to follow what is popular.
“More than anything, there’s a level of authenticity that you can’t be afraid to show in a time where people stay close to what is safe,” Franklin said. “You have to be risky for your own sake. You don’t wanna make something that may work a little bit but now you’re stuck making something that isn’t you. That is a creative hell.”
His advice ultimately centered on building a career that remains true to the person creating the music.
“Start off very true and build your audience slow. Don’t ride the trends because you don’t know when they’re coming.”
The evening wrapped shortly after 9 p.m., with Franklin remaining on-site to take photos and connect with fans and attendees.
For an artist whose music has accompanied generations through worship, celebration and personal hardship, the listening session offered more than a preview of another gospel album. It provided a glimpse into the humanity behind a voice that has helped shape contemporary gospel music for over three decades.
With I AM WHAT I AM arriving Oct. 30, Franklin is making it clear that after 33 years in the industry, he still has more of himself to share.
For listeners curious: he’s letting the music do the explaining.
