KIRK FRANKLIN'S 'I AM WHAT I AM' — OCTOBER 30 RELEASE DATE, TRACKLIST & DETAILS

Gospel legend Kirk Franklin is gearing up to release his 14th full-length solo album, I Am What I Am, on Friday, October 30, 2026. The upcoming project, announced through his new partnership with Uptown Records in conjunction with Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and TRIBL Music Group, marks an exciting new chapter for the gospel icon.

Spread across two discs, the 14-song set will be his first-ever double album. The lead single "This Time" featuring GloRilla sets the tone for the project, which arrives via Uptown Records — the label where Kirk Franklin launched his solo career — in conjunction with Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and TRIBL Music Group.

Album Facts

Album: I Am What I Am
Artist: Kirk Franklin
Release Date: October 30, 2026 (announced)
Label: Uptown Records (with Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and TRIBL Music Group)
Tracks: 14, across two discs (first double album)
First Single: "Thank You For Everything" feat. Karen Clark Sheard
Lead Single: "This Time" feat. GloRilla

Confirmed Tracks & Features

So far, the confirmed songs on I Am What I Am include "This Time" featuring GloRilla, "Hope In You" featuring Davido, "Free Me Tonight" featuring Jelly Roll and "Thank You For Everything" featuring Karen Clark Sheard. Each collaboration brings a different sound to the double album, from gospel and Afrobeats to country-tinged soul.

Further track titles have not been confirmed — the full tracklist will be updated here on release.

The 'This Time' Single

"This Time" was released on September 25, 2026 as the lead single from the album. The track interpolates Mandrill's "Children of the Sun," blending Kirk Franklin's signature gospel sound with a fresh, modern edge.

The official music video, directed by Devon Libran, was released on October 2, 2026. The single debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart dated October 10, 2026 — Kirk Franklin's 10th No. 1 on the ranking, making him the first artist to reach that milestone.

Watch the Official Video

Looking for more new music? Check out our coverage of the Fresh album — Lil Baby, the Radio Gidi album — Kizz Daniel and the A*POP album — Tyla for more tracklists and release-date details.

FAQs

When is I Am What I Am released?
The album is scheduled for release on Friday, October 30, 2026, via Uptown Records in conjunction with Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and TRIBL Music Group.

How many tracks are on I Am What I Am?
The album features 14 songs spread across two discs, making it Kirk Franklin's first-ever double album.

Who is featured on the album?
Confirmed collaborators include GloRilla, Davido, Jelly Roll and Karen Clark Sheard. Further features have not been announced.

What is "This Time" about?
"This Time" is the lead single featuring GloRilla, released September 25, 2026. It interpolates Mandrill's "Children of the Sun" and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Gospel Songs chart.