“Whether it's Kendrick Lamar or J. Cole or Common there are a lot of artists, especially rappers, who come from a background with a faith-based substance, and it's time for that substance to be celebrated and appreciated.”

American gospel singer and record producer

Kirk Dewayne Franklin is an American gospel singer, rapper, songwriter, composer, record producer, and choir director. He is known for helping shape contemporary urban gospel and for leading groups such as the Family, God’s Property, and One Nation Crew (1NC) early in his career. Franklin has won 20 Grammy Awards, and Variety has described him as the “Reigning King of Urban Gospel.” He is also one of the inaugural inductees into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame. His work spans performance, writing, production, and choir leadership.