Kirk Franklin and GloRilla’s New Faith Anthem Sparks Fierce Debate Over Christian Collaboration with Explicit Artists

Gospel legend Kirk Franklin has ignited a heated debate among fans with his latest collaboration with mainstream rapper GloRilla. The two teamed up for the upbeat, faith-themed song “This Time,” in which GloRilla declares herself a “prayer warrior” and “blessed and highly favored.” Released in late September, the track is set to appear on Franklin’s upcoming album, I Am What I Am, and testifies to God’s power and protection. The collaboration follows their previous work on GloRilla’s 2024 song “Rain Down on Me,” which also featured Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard, and Chandler Moore, and was the only track on her Glorious album not marked “explicit.” While some fans applauded Franklin for partnering with GloRilla, arguing that the collaboration could expose her mainstream audience to a message about God, others expressed deep concern that it could steer Christian listeners—particularly younger ones—toward GloRilla’s explicit music and social media content. “I’m pretty sure more youth stopped and thought about GOD today than they did yesterday!” one supporter wrote on Franklin’s Instagram page. Another added, “There are millions of people who listen to GloRilla who may otherwise never hear anything about Jesus. She has a platform that reaches people the church may never reach.”

However, critics argued that the potential influence can flow both ways. “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 raised similar concerns in a video, stating, “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.” 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.” The debate highlights a broader tension within Christian music: how to balance the mandate to reach the lost with the responsibility to protect the flock. While Franklin has not publicly responded to the criticism, the conversation raises important questions about the boundaries of collaboration, the nature of Christian witness, and the wisdom of partnerships that may blur the lines between sacred and secular. As fans continue to weigh in, the discussion serves as a reminder that the call to be in the world but not of it requires discernment, prayer, and a deep commitment to honoring God in every aspect of ministry.