Kirk Franklin says criticism of GloRilla over their gospel collaboration is ‘breaking my heart’

The gospel legend says backlash to their collaboration has been heartbreaking and rejects efforts to police who can talk about faith.

The latest collaboration between Kirk Franklin and GloRilla has drawn criticism from some religious listeners, and Franklin says the ridicule directed at the Memphis rapper has been heartbreaking. The pair released “This Time” in September, continuing an approach Franklin defended in 2016 when he worked with Kanye West.

In an October 27 interview on “Big Boy’s Neighborhood,” Franklin said some critics considered GloRilla “not holy enough or churchy enough” to record with him, Complex reported. “It’s been breaking my heart,” he said, adding that GloRilla had told him she was uncomfortable with the response.

Franklin stressed that GloRilla did not need his help to advance her career. She already had the reach and success of a major hip-hop star, he said, and was not relying on the gospel singer for opportunities.

The backlash has centered on whether GloRilla’s secular rap catalog makes her suitable for a gospel collaboration. Some fans have defended the pairing and praised the song’s message of redemption and resilience. Religious critics, however, have questioned her participation in gospel music.

GloRilla has spoken about growing up in a strict religious household where secular music was prohibited. She recalled that she and her siblings obtained rap CDs and downloaded the songs onto a PlayStation so they could listen to music other than gospel.

Kirk Franklin and GloRilla first collaborated on “Rain Down on Me,” from her 2024 debut album, “Glorious.” Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard and Chandler Moore also performed on the song. It won the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award at the 2025 BET Awards.

Franklin has faced criticism for working with secular artists before, including Ye and Lil Baby. He said he stopped worrying about those objections years ago, but is troubled that GloRilla is now experiencing them. He accused critics of trying to decide “who can and who can’t talk about Jesus.”

“This Time” will appear on Franklin’s upcoming double album, “I Am What I Am,” scheduled for release on October 30. Franklin’s latest defense of GloRilla comes as he prepares to release a project that includes their second collaboration.