Kirk Franklin-GloRilla Collaboration Sparks Debate Over Her Explicit Music

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A new collaboration between gospel artist Kirk Franklin and mainstream rapper GloRilla has reignited a debate among fans over whether Christian artists should team up with performers whose music is explicit and carries parental warnings.

Franklin and GloRilla teamed up for the new upbeat song, "This Time," a faith-themed track in which the rapper declares herself a “prayer warrior” and “blessed and highly favored.” Released in late September, it is set to appear on Franklin’s upcoming album, "I Am What I Am," and testifies to God’s power and protection.

The two previously collaborated on GloRilla’s 2024 song "Rain Down on Me," which also featured Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard and Chandler Moore. The song stood out on GloRilla’s "Glorious" album as the only track not marked “explicit,” and with one song on the album containing 11 f-words and more than 70 instances of coarse language.

The new Franklin-GloRilla collaboration is receiving plenty of attention for its lyrics and upbeat sound — but it is also igniting debate over whether the partnership represents an opportunity to reach a new audience with a faith-filled message or risks steering listeners toward music with degenerate themes.

Some fans applauded Franklin for partnering with GloRilla, arguing that the collaboration could expose her mainstream audience to a message about God.

“I’m pretty sure more youth stopped and thought about GOD today than they did yesterday!” one person wrote on Franklin’s Instagram page.

“There are millions of people who listen to GloRilla who may otherwise never hear anything about Jesus,” another person wrote. “She has a platform that reaches people the church may never reach.”

But other fans argued that the collaboration could have the opposite effect, potentially directing Christian listeners — particularly younger ones — toward GloRilla’s explicit music and social media content.

“Go on her [Instagram] page —she’s cursing, promoting sex & lust,” one critical fan wrote. “It’s not about being perfect —it’s what you’re producing as your lifestyle. She’s not currently trying to produce the fruits of Christ.”

The operator of the popular “Christ XXL” channel posted a video raising similar concerns, arguing that the potential influence can flow both ways. If people start listening to GloRilla’s music because of the collaboration, he said, “that’s an issue.”

“If people end up going to GloRilla’s page and you see nothing but cheeks, you see her twerking — that's a big issue to me because I don't want to cause anybody else to sin,” the Christ XXL host, who is unnamed, said. Franklin’s Instagram page linked to GloRilla’s page.

“Let's be honest, she already sings songs that promote degeneracy.”

He added: “I’m just concerned about the little ones and people who are liable to fall to temptation or go listen to her music. … Just be careful who you promote. It’s something we all should reflect on.”

Photo Credit: ©UptownRecords - ScreenGrab

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. 

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.