Kirk Franklin Defends Collaboration with Kanye West: 'He is My Brother'

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Feb 16, 2016

Kirk Franklin Defends Collaboration with Kanye West: 'He is My Brother'

Gospel musician Kirk Franklin is receiving backlash from fans after collaborating with rapper Kanye West on his new album “The Life of Pablo.” The album contains explicit language throughout, though West claims the title refers to the apostle Paul. 

According to Relevant Magazine, Franklin defended his decision to work with West via Facebook.

Franklin wrote, “Kanye is not me. I am not him. He is my brother I am proud to do life with. No sprints, but Marathons; like most of us are on.”  

He continued, “I will not turn my back on my brother. I will love him, prayerfully grow with him. However long he'll have me, and however long the race takes. To a lot of my Christian family, I'm sorry he's not good enough, Christian enough, or running at your pace...and as I read some of your comments, neither am I. That won't stop me from running. Pray we win.”

The duo also appeared on “Saturday Night Live” to perform tracks from the new album. The song “Ultra Light Beams” ends with a prayer. 

Franklin prayed, “Father this prayer’s for everybody that feels like giving up. This prayer’s for everybody who feels like they’re not good enough. Everybody that said ‘I’m sorry’ too many times. Jesus that’s why I’m glad you came to give us eternal life. I’m so glad about it!”

Publication date: February 16, 2016



Kirk Franklin Defends Collaboration with Kanye West: 'He is My Brother'