Gospel music icon Kirk Franklin has extended his record on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart as his collaboration with Memphis rapper GloRilla, “This Time,” reaches No. 1. The achievement gives Franklin his 10th chart-topping song on the ranking, adding another milestone to his career while highlighting the growing connection between gospel and contemporary hip-hop.
According to Billboard, “This Time” becomes Franklin’s record-extending 10th No. 1 on the Hot Gospel Songs chart. The collaboration combines Franklin’s choir-driven gospel sound with GloRilla’s Southern rap delivery, creating a track centered on faith, perseverance, and gratitude. The song also incorporates a sample of Mandrill’s “Children of the Sun,” a recording famously sampled in Shawty Lo’s “Dey Know.”
The single previews Franklin’s upcoming double album, I Am What I Am, scheduled for release on October 30th, 2026. The 14-track project is divided between contemporary and traditional gospel selections. Franklin and GloRilla previously collaborated on “Rain Down on Me,” which also featured Maverick City Music and won the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award at the 2025 BET Awards. Their latest collaboration builds on that partnership while introducing Franklin’s music to listeners across multiple genres.
Franklin’s latest Billboard achievement reinforces his lasting influence in gospel music while demonstrating how collaborations with younger hip-hop artists can connect generations of listeners through messages of faith.
