Gospel music legend Kirk Franklin has officially released his highly anticipated new album, I Am What I Am, bringing together gospel, hip-hop, Afrobeats and contemporary music across a 14-track project.
Released on October 30, 2026, the album is a special double-project featuring seven studio recordings and seven live performances. It also brings an interesting lineup of guest appearances, including Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Davido, American rapper GloRilla, Jelly Roll and Tobe Nwigwe.
Davido, GloRilla, Jelly Roll and More Feature on the Album
One of the biggest talking points is Davido’s appearance on “Hope In You,” marking an exciting gospel collaboration between the Nigerian superstar and Kirk Franklin.
Other studio collaborations include “Free Me Tonight” featuring Jelly Roll, “This Time” featuring GloRilla and “It Gets Better” with Tobe Nwigwe.
The album also features previously released records such as “Able” and “Do It Again,” alongside “Stay.”
A Double Album Blending Studio Music and Live Gospel
Beyond its contemporary collaborations, I Am What I Am dedicates seven tracks to live gospel performances, bringing the atmosphere of church worship into the project.
The live section includes “Someday,” “It Is Well,” “Welcome In,” “Thank You For Everything” featuring gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard, “Holy,” “Beautiful Thorns” and “Time” featuring Tim Rogers.
The project reflects Franklin’s long-standing approach to bringing different musical influences together while keeping his Christian faith at the centre of his music.
Kirk Franklin – ‘I Am What I Am’ Tracklist
-
Free Me Tonight (feat. Jelly Roll)
-
This Time (feat. GloRilla)
-
Hope In You (with Davido)
-
It Gets Better (with Tobe Nwigwe)
-
Able
-
Do It Again
-
Stay
-
Someday (Live)
-
It Is Well (Live)
-
Welcome In (Live)
-
Thank You For Everything (Live) (with Karen Clark Sheard)
-
Holy (Live)
-
Beautiful Thorns (Live)
-
Time (Live) (with Tim Rogers)
With I Am What I Am, Kirk Franklin delivers a project that connects contemporary music with traditional gospel worship, while bringing together artists from different musical backgrounds.
Listen to ‘I Am What I Am’ by Kirk Franklin