Kirk Franklin Created A Mainstream Intersection Of Hip Hop And Gospel Music

Source: 2020 Soul Train Awards / Getty

Kirk Franklin and Lil Baby are releasing a new single “We Win” from the soundtrack of the upcoming, reimagined film Space Jam: A New Legacy starring LeBron James. Franklin released a snippet from the track and revealed its production from the legendary Just Blaze. The Internet is in awe of the potential of this new single. While others feel, Kirk Franklin may have taken “gospel music a little too far.” Nonetheless, this short snippet sounds like the beginning of a soundtrack to be remembered and celebrated.

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It makes us reminisce on how Kirk Franklin created a mainstream intersection between Hip Hop and Gospel music years ago. He has pushed the boundaries of secular music in ways that have caused controversy in the Gospel community while making way for younger generations to prosper. There are no bounds for Kirk Franklin when it comes to preaching the good gospel, so this new track alongside Lil Baby and Just Blaze comes as no surprise to his day one fans.

For Franklin, it’s not just the music that is inspired by Hip Hop and Black culture. It’s also his early fashion choices in the ’90s when his career began to flourish. The conscious visual aesthetic for his music videos leaned into and helped further create popular culture as we know it.

Be sure to stream Kirk Franklin and Lil Baby’s “We Win” tomorrow from the Space Jam: A New Legacy soundtrack. Unless, of course, you believe he’s taken it a little too far. Then we would advise you to miss the good word today. Otherwise, let’s take a look at some of Kirk Franklin’s classic Gospel, yet not so Gospel, hits over the years that have an obvious musical influence from the genres of Hip Hop and R&B.

1. Do You Want A Revolution?

The beginning of trap gospel. 

2. STOMP

“For those of you who think Gospel music has gone too far. You think we’ve gotten too radical with our message.”

3. Don't Give Up

Not Kirk’s first rodeo at movie soundtracks. This song was featured in the iconic film Don’t Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood.

4. Declaration (This Is It!)

From his use of sampling on the production to the mix of sounds, this song is heavily inspired by the times and Hip Hop culture. 

5. Melodies From Heaven

More R&B chord progressions here, but still a secular take on the Gospel genre.