I grew up listening to a lot of “gospel” music.
The majority of that was Kirk Franklin, mainly due to my older brother who brought a lot Kirk’s stuff home for us to blast on the hifi (as they were called) whenever we got the opportunity.
In fact we – mainly my brother – were so into Franklin’s music he earned himself the nickname “Kirk” among his peers.
Looking back, those Kirk Franklin & GP (God’s People) cassette tapes saved my life. They brought me closer to Jesus in an incredible way.
Kirk was relevant to me as a pre-teen and teenager and remains even more relevant now as a young adult.
He has managed to preach the gospel in a way that showed many that “church should be enjoyed not endured”, as one of my pastors would say.
And that’s the truth.
I recall one of Franklin’s tracks in his The Nu Nation Project album, in 1998 where – at the beginning – he reminds us why he does what he does:
“Young people there’s nothing wrong with dancing for Jesus…”
A simple statement that seems laughable today, yet carried great meaning and freedom for many young people that were grappling with their faith and religion back in those days – myself included.
And now Kirk remains committed to that cause.
Apart from his recent collaborations with Chance the Rapper and Kanye West on Chance’s latest album, Coloring Book, and Yeezy’s The Life of Pablo, Kirk has been in the studio working on his own stuff alongside Pharrell Williams.
Pharrell needs no introduction.
Kirk and Pharrell have remixed the song 123 Victory, which is on Kirk’s latest album, Losing My Religion.
The two speak about the creative process in making 123 Victory (Remix) on Beats 1.
The song is an absolute banger and is a mile better than the original. Bopping your head is a non-negotiable – in fact, it is inevitable.
The track is available on iTunes/Apple Music depending on what you prefer.
Listening to the track I was reminded why Kirk was able to help a young Christian boy figure out his salvation and see Jesus past religion.
Besides being the musical genius that he is, Kirk has an incredible heart, which is evident in his music.
Pharrell and other artists will testify to this.
Thank you Kirk for being one of the first through the wall. Yes, the wall. To do what you have done consistently over the years took courage – you no doubt had to bash through the wall. But you did it anyway. You were obedient when it was least convenient. You were transparent, even when it hurt. But it is because you saw beyond yourself and into the future.
Your ministry has impacted millions the world over.
And I love that you have worked with tens of artists from various walks of life. I have no doubt they agreed to work with you because they felt comfortable enough around you to trust you like a brother, father, and friend.
Instead of bashing people with the Bible, you have simply lived out what it says.
Friends, give the new track a listen.
Be encouraged, things may be difficult today, but in Jesus, we have the (123) Victory!