Franklin Defends GloRilla After Critics Question Her Holiness
The Grammy-winning songwriter argues that religious communities often exclude artists based on their secular backgrounds rather than their faith.
By Takeshi Davidson ·
Kirk Franklin faced a wave of criticism that reportedly left his collaborator GloRilla feeling 'heartbroken.' The Grammy-winning gospel musician spoke out on October 27 to address the backlash surrounding their joint work. He argued that the reaction from some religious circles went beyond standard artistic critique and struck at the core of who is permitted to participate in gospel music.
The controversy centers on the track 'This Time,' an inspirational song featuring both artists. Some religious listeners questioned whether the Memphis rapper was sufficiently holy or connected to church culture to record with Franklin. Critics pointed to her secular music catalog and public image as evidence that she was an inappropriate partner for a gospel record. Franklin rejected this logic during an interview on Big Boy’s Neighborhood.
Franklin stated that he was not attempting to change GloRilla’s musical identity or introduce her to a new audience. He emphasized that she already has an established career in hip-hop. Instead, the two artists collaborated on a record with a specific inspirational message. He expressed frustration that the focus remained on her appearance and secular background rather than the content of the song. He noted that the criticism hurt him personally because GloRilla told him the response was painful to hear.
The two artists have a history of working together. They previously collaborated on 'Rain Down on Me,' a track that also featured Maverick City Music. That record won the 2025 BET Award for Best Gospel/Inspirational. The award demonstrated that audiences were receptive to the blend of gospel and hip-hop. However, the crossover continued to spark discussions about the boundaries between sacred and secular music.
GloRilla has spoken publicly about her upbringing in a religious household. In a prior interview with GQ, she described how her family restricted access to secular music. She recalled secretly listening to artists such as Lil Wayne and Drake by downloading songs onto a PlayStation. Her siblings participated in these private listening sessions. This background illustrates a common experience among people raised in strict religious environments, where children often develop musical interests outside of church teachings.
Franklin’s defense touches on a long-standing debate within Christian communities. Some believers argue that gospel music carries a sacred responsibility. They believe artists who publicly represent Christianity should demonstrate consistency between their message and their lifestyle. Others argue that the gospel is meant to reach people where they are. From that perspective, rejecting someone because of their musical background could discourage them from exploring faith. The disagreement has divided listeners who follow both artists.
The core of Franklin’s argument is that salvation comes through grace and faith, not through maintaining a perfect public persona. He believes religious communities should be careful about deciding who is worthy of participating in conversations about faith. He cited the biblical principle that God judges hearts, not appearances. This view suggests that an artist’s entire spiritual life cannot be determined by a music catalog. He urged listeners to look beyond outward appearances when evaluating an artist's connection to God.
Critics of the collaboration maintain that gospel artists must reflect the values they sing about. They worry that partnerships with secular stars blur the distinction between worship and entertainment. Franklin has spent much of his career blending gospel with contemporary sounds from hip-hop and R&B. He has consistently pushed back against the idea that gospel music must remain separated from popular culture. Supporters of his approach believe these partnerships help gospel music reach people who might not regularly attend church.
