Gospel artist Kirk Franklin joined the Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae on Lecrae’s podcast for a conversation that touched on topics such as purity culture, the challenges of the music industry, and Franklin’s thoughts on some of the controversies he has faced this year.
“I want people to know that I’m OK and I accept the criticism and the judgment,” Franklin told Lecrae, referring to criticism he received after his performance in Jamaica earlier this year. “I think it’s people’s right as believers to judge.” But he added, “I think the challenge is that in modern Christianity there is not a biblical-centric judgment, but a Christian-cultural judgment. It’s never about redeeming, it’s about crucifying.”
“What’s the goal?” asked Franklin. “Because here’s the thing: I, Kirk, want to know when I’m doing something wrong… So I welcome people telling me when I’m dancing too much in a certain way. Say something. You can say something.”
Kirk Franklin: “I’m trying to do better”
Kirk Franklin is a well-known gospel artist and choir director who, as Lecrae told him in an interview, receive 31 Grammy nominations – not including his 20 Grammy wins and other awards, including BET Awards and numerous GMA Dove Awards. Lecrae is a award-winning artist yourself, His accolades include four Grammys, nine Grammy nominations, and several BET Awards and Dove Awards.
In particular, Franklin announced in 2019 that he would Dove Awardsas well as the Gospel Music Association (GMA) and Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) after his comments on racial tensions were cut from two acceptance speeches. Lecrae supported his decision, saying, “I only came because you came. You know I’m out.” A GMA spokesman said Franklin’s speech was cut because the entire broadcast had to be shortened due to time constraints.
Franklin He was criticized for his performance at a Christian festival in Jamaica in April this year. The artist, who wore a tank top and shorts, received negative comments for his clothing and the way he danced. Critics accused him of behavior that did not glorify God.
Later that year, Franklin received further criticism for Implementation in the White House for Juneteenth; During the performance, he brought Vice President Kamala Harris onto the stage.
Lecrae and Franklin, who are friends, addressed the controversy surrounding Franklin’s dancing and clothing at the beginning and end of their conversation. “I was like, the guy’s in Jamaica,” Lecrae said. “I don’t know what he should be wearing in Jamaica.” However, the hip-hop artist acknowledged that people “have a perception and mindset that says, ‘Hey, you’re representing Jesus. You can’t dress like a civilian.'”
“For my own soul’s sake, I never want to get to a point where people can’t check me and challenge me,” Franklin said. “I want people to do that because I understand how careless pursuing Jesus in 2024 can be for all of us. That’s because it’s tough out here. It’s very tough out here.”
