Kirk Franklin helped to bring the spiritual message to a younger generation by relating to the styles and sounds of contemporary culture. With 11 albums under his belt, Franklin continues to preach the word and lead others on the right path through music and on the big screen.
Franklin makes a cameo appearance in Queen Latifah’s new film, Joyful Noise. He recently sat down with rolling out magazine to discuss his role in the film, how he handled backlash from traditional gospel singers and the growth of gospel music. –amir shaw
How were you introduced to the film, Joyful Noise?
I was introduced to this movie by the writer and the director Todd Grant. I took a look at the script and they asked me if would I be interested. He also asked if I would write a song for the movie and I told him, “no doubt, I’d be more than happy to.” I went to Texas and attended the recording session. He came down to the session and heard the song for the first time and he liked it. We recorded it last January and filmed it for the movie in March.
You dealt with a lot of backlash from people in the gospel community who were upset because you were adding new age style to gospel music. How did you deal with that situation?
I honestly feel that even though it was painful and tough to hear people were trying to see where my heart was, people didn’t understand because they didn’t know me. And because they didn’t know me, all they could do was assume. I understood that and that people had their precautions and concerns. But I’m just grateful that throughout time people have had a chance to get to know me and trust that my heart is really for the Lord. As flawed as I may be, I’m still a seeker on His journey.
How has gospel music grown and changed over the years?
It depends on what decade you are talking about. Black music was running the streets in the ’90s. Then in the early 2000s, we started to see a shift and a change in worship music. Now we are able to see this emergence of gospel hip-hop and I think that’s a dope move. I just really hope that wherever the culture transitions to, you will see this music still there and still alive and well. Because the people who believe in the message will be there. I really hope this movie shows the mainstream community that it’s alive and well and that it’s for everyone and everybody.
