Today, Kirk Franklin released a blockbuster short film revealing the dark truth of his paternity entitled, “Father’s Day: A Kirk Franklin Story. In the film, Franklin is not a top selling, platinum certified arena filling artist. He’s a man in search of himself. “Where did I come from?” and “Who am I?” are questions that bring men to their an early end when unanswered. Kirk Franklin, the man accused of not only taking gospel music “too far but further than ever imagined lays bare the soul shattering pain of an unresolved paternity search.
Simultaneously, the film chronicles his journey of completing his 13th album while also coming to terms with the painful truth of his identity and paternity. At one point, the search for truth preempts recording as he traces the whispers from Riverside to nearby in Arlington to find the man he can safely call his father. Through a series of fateful events, Kirk Franklin discovers that the man he knew as his father was not and that there may be some truth to the rumors circulating throughout Fort Worth and the “Riverside” community. These rumors asserted that the man we would all come to later know as Rick Hubbard may be his father.
Mr. Hubbard proactively took a paternity test and sent the results to Franklin who then took a paternity test to match against Hubbard’s. The test confirmed paternity but brought more questions than closure. Franklin then discovered another barrier to understanding was trying to resolve his strained relationship with his mother. She was in no mood to make the situation better and remained defiant in denial of the results.
Kirk Franklin has been very transparent about his paternity journey and this short film takes us the deepest into the heart and mind of one of the world’s most electrifying entertainers in any genre. With “Losing My Religion,” Franklin revisited his catalog and journey through “Twenty Years in One Night” and an unmatched amalgam of world-class talent. With “Father’s Day” Franklin’s 13th album, he punctuates the parasitical identity crisis that has been a part of his 30 year journey, woven into each lyric, phase and phrase.
“Father’s Day” as an album and short film both matter because sonship matters to Kirk Franklin and it always has. Unlike many men who have compartmentalized the existential crisis created by paternal absenteeism, Kirk’s transparency reveals the innate desire of sons for their fathers and the deep pain experienced because the desire never truly goes away. Not even when you have spiritual fathers who fill in the gap like Dr. Tony Evans. I’ll never forget watching Kirk literally sitting at Dr. Evans’ feet asking questions and inquiring about subjects later addressed in “Losing My Religion.”
Kirk Franklin performs in Dallas during his “Twenty Years in One Night” concert. Franklin combined 20 years of hits in one concert tour, performing with an incredible lineup of singers and musicians. Photo Credit: Fred Willis, SoulProsper Media Group
Reflecting on the aftermath of meeting his father, Kirk says, “He didn’t even know he had a son and I didn’t even know I had a father.” He went on to say, “I was that close to having a daddy. I wanted a daddy so bad!” Franklin discovered that his father lives close to his studio and that his youngest son played with one of his neighbors at a nearby house.
This ordeal wouldn’t be complete without meeting with his mother, so through his aunt Sandra, he met with his estranged mother, Debra for the first time in 23 years. Unfortunately, closure wasn’t gained and he made a painful decision in the wake of their second meeting which included both his mother and father. The harsh reality of Kirk Franklin’s story is that he spent majority of his life without either parent, though both of them were alive and never truly far from him, at all. He said of this endeavor, “I don’t want anybody being able to have a conversation about this except for me.” If you’ve ever been the subject of questionable paternity, you know exactly what he means by that.
Regardless of your station in life, you’re never more than the reduction of an illegitimate child when you’re the topic of those clandestine conversations. Knowing this, it’s no wonder that you become as he stated, “...indoctrinated in trauma that you become institutionalized in your trauma.“
While closing one chapter, there was yet another to bring closure to. Franklin’s strained relationship with his oldest son, Kerrion was also brought to a resolution in this short film. After two years, the two men not only loved on each other but relished the revelation that changed everything about their relationship. Tearfully, Kerrion confessed that “this is the only thing that I need that’s been missing from my life. There’s nothing I ask God for every single day I wake up. I have everything I want except you and my grandfather.”
Father’s Day on the calendar has passed, but October 6, 2023 is a day many will be looking forward to as Kirk Franklin tackles sonship from a new, possibly healed perspective. After watching “Father’s Day: A Kirk Franklin Story,” what are your thoughts? Do you think this will convince men and women to reach out to their estranged fathers and mothers or for them to finally accept the children they’ve denied for years?Watch and share your feedback with us.
Marvin Sapp has a new radio single, and it is a song that he just debuted on TV ONE’S Urban One Honors. Written by Sapp along with Jarmone Davis, Christopher Leach and Aaron Lindsey, “You Kept Me” is the follow-up to “All in Your Hands,” which reached #1 at Gospel radio and earned a nomination for the 54th NAACP Image Awards in the Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song category.
“You Kept Me” shines as a gorgeous ballad, offering a thank-you to God for keeping us through the highs and lows of life. “One of the emotions in this season of emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic is thankfulness and gratitude to God simply for keeping us in tact – health wise, emotionally, financially, all of it. Many people did not come out on the other side of this, we did because God kept us. You Kept Me reflects our gratitude for that,” says Sapp.
“When I first heard ‘You Kept Me,’ I knew Marvin Sapp’s iconic voice would be perfect for the song. As the producer, co-writer and musician on the song, I knew that our charge was to help explain the faithfulness of God and allow listeners to feel encouraged and blessed by the message of the lyrics,” says Lindsey. “I hope that people feel this message, even within the song’s craftsmanship. Every detail that we added – every inversion, every inflection, every arrangement, every choice – was to communicate that no matter where you are in your life, God is right there with you and will never leave you nor forsake you.”
“You Kept Me” is the second single from Sapp’s 14th album, Substance (Elev8/ThirtyTigers), which is available now everywhere digital music is sold.
Kisha Grandy’s new album “Epitome” is out now, and it features amazing vocals from the hidden gem. The album begins with a snippet of The Clark Sisters classic, “Endow Me” which sets the tone for the album and Grandy’s big vocals.
The first full-length song of the album is “The Pursuit” an urban gospel jam. Grandy said of this track that she wanted to show her range and for those expecting it, that she has more than a gospel squall. This was one of the first songs completed on the project and like many of the songs, has relatable elements. “The Pursuit” touches the journey for Grandy’s pursuit of a music career, saying “I dreamed of this moment happening for me, but I didn’t think it come to pass since it’s been so long.
“I decided to pursue jazz, but a lady came to me and told me I would meet a guy I didn’t know that would do my entire project” (speaking of the father and son team of KJ Productions).
The next song on the album is “Fully Committed” another urban jam which Kisha says she feels the songwriter knew her in a former life and wrote about it. “Life has been challenging so, I’ve had issues with commitment…it’s personal to me. Totally easy recording this song because it’s me, it’s my life.” Adding to the conversation of Grandy’s range, this song features more of her robust lower vocal range.
“You Did It” is the first single from the album and what many listeners may already be familiar with from the “Epitome” project. Grandy says the song resonated with what she had gone through and is now walking into. “God did it when I thought it wouldn’t happen!”
She started at St Paul MBC and continues to sing each song like it’s her last time. Her voice, still easily recognizable after many years away from major artist attention, Grandy is back with the same power singing a new song. “I don’t know how to sing any other way. When I sing, I have to give it my all!”
Kisha Grandy Photo By: Kauwaune Burton
Since “The Family” was suddenly disbanded on the road and an era of gospel music came crashing down with little to no fanfare, Kisha Grandy has been everywhere. She’s been on stages and made an unforgettable name for herself as Vianne Griffin in “I Can Do Bad All By Myself”. She has seen so much and has taken in all the sights and sounds of an ever-evolving entertainment industry that makes little room for growing artists. But, Kisha Grandy is no growing artist. She’s an industry veteran, assuming her place where she has always belonged.
After experiencing the crushing blow of a dream that came crashing down with no recourse or recompense, it has been a long road to recover any semblance of industry potency but, Kisha Grandy is here in this moment, full circle! Kisha Grandy epitomizes the determination and willpower needed to last and survive the seasons of volatility in an ever-evolving entertainment industry.
Following the first single is a strong lead for the album’s next single, “Work It Out.” This funky, upbeat jam is one you can’t sit still to. You got to move to this one, but don’t miss the mastery in the music. There’s a breakdown in the song and an introduction to yet another layer of Kisha Grandy’s magic…scat! Grandy’s scat harkens back to her pursuit of a career as a jazz singer and she does it well. The chant during the chorus of the song title is crowd friendly and is what you will be repeating long after the song is done.
This song was a last-minute addition to the project and quite challenging but Grandy said that she was up for the challenge of adding an uptempo song, so late. All is not lost and much of what Grandy used to complete this song is “the little things” she learned while a member of “The Family” under the tutelage of Kirk Franklin.
Speaking of “The Family”, Kisha tapped “Mother” Sheila Brice to help her on the Hawkins classic, “God Is Standing By”. If you were waiting on a ‘Kisha Grandy song’, this is it. This is good old-school gospel music, what we used to hear in the car on KHVN 970 AM, and sing at church on Sunday morning. That squall you’ve been waiting for all album? You’ll find it, here. If you’re a shoe thrower, start unlacing your kicks now and be prepared to throw more than one!
When asked about the inclusion of “Mother”, Kisha says, “I was ready to record this one and I couldn’t think of anyone else to record this with-the backbone of “The Family,” Mother was always the one with reason.” For her part on the project, “Mother” said, “I asked Kisha, “Are you sure, why me?” People don’t have to be kind and don’t have to be kind to you! I thank God for everything that Kisha has done. Sometimes you think people have forgotten about you.“
Next up on the project is the best of both worlds with “All Because of You” featuring Kelton Je’Von. To sum up this track, let’s just say, ‘trap meets scat.’ Kisha was singing with a jazz group when she began work on the album so they decided to make the scat a part of the song.
Kisha Grandy Photo by: Kauwaune Burton
Back with more of Kisha Grandy’s gospel roots, the project pushes forward with a full, a cappella rendition of the Clark Sisters classic, “Endow Me.” Kisha confesses that she’s channeling one of her influences, Evangelist Dorinda Clark- Cole as she sings with her cousins VAA’DAM. Grandy wanted to pay homage to the first ladies of gospel music and thank them for their influence on singers, musicians, and the gospel industry as a whole. Many of their songs carry intricate harmonies and melodies that aren’t easily replicated but Grandy is satisfied with her offering saying, “I can’t sing like The Clark Sisters, but I put my foot in it!”
In another ‘family reunion’, Grandy teams up with husband-and-wife tandem Pastor Darrell and Latonja Blair for “More Than Ever.” You remember Blair from “The Family” as one of the men contributing to the signature sound. Following a few adlibs from Latonja, the song evolves into a duet with Kisha and Pastor Blair. The refrain echoed throughout the song comes from the scripture 2 Chronicles 7:14. What this track lacks is made up of sheer vocal power! Aside from an a cappella cover of “Endow Me”, this is the only track with no drums. This subtraction adds to the appeal of the song and launches it into contention alongside major mainstream offerings. This song will be on repeat and hopefully on the airwaves, as well. Such a timely song with a timeless message!
“The song resonated with me, and I knew the perfect person to help me call on God was Darrell.”
Get used to seeing Kisha Grandy and Norris J, the two are regular collaborators and have teamed up for the “You Did It” remix. Norris J says it was an easy yes for him, continuing their longstanding kinship as vocalist and lyricist. GRAMMY Award-winning recording and mix engineer, Rickey “Slikk Music” Offord produced the remix adding to his list of credits on the project.
This next one’s for the singers, “For I Know” featuring Terrell Carter. TC doesn’t hold back and brings his signature vocal clarity and acrobatics to the track as the two remind listeners that “it’s gonna get better!” Grandy says that working with Carter was the most challenging because it was hard to keep up with how impeccably he could riff throughout the song. The song is a musical conversation between longtime friends since the Tour of Life in 1996. Grandy says of Carter, “Terrell has always been an intricate person in my life, whenever I call him, he’ll drop whatever he’s doing to see what I want. He’s never forgotten me and I will always be indebted to him.”
The title track of the album is what Grandy calls “the Kirk Franklin song” alluding to the fact that putting it together reminded her of the way they put songs together while singing with “The Family.” The song closes with more scatting and Grandy’s voice-over summing up the project, “Epitome…that’s me!”
RUFF ENDZ recently released the first single, “Be The One” from the album to rave reviews. The song world premiered exclusively on RollingOut.com. The catchy mid-tempo song was written and produced by David Chance and co-written by Dante Jordan. “The inspiration behind “Be The One” is based on our own experiences and the experiences of most people I know,” mentions David. “When a man has finally found the one lady that he feels is his soulmate or his ride or die, he is willing to put it all on the line for her and will put her worries to rest.” “We hope to help change the narrative with this song in our community to show that men need love and want to be in love too,” shares Dante.
The group also released their second focus track, “Congratulations” from the upcoming “REBIRTH” album exclusively via ThisIsRnB.com. “We thought instead of making your typical break up song, we would write a song like “Congratulations” that shows how two people can successfully move on and be happy for each other.” “Too many times we hear about the drama of break-ups but there are many people who are emotionally mature enough to be happy for their ex. It’s about everyone finding happiness in whatever path they choose in love,” adds Dante.
“The inspiration behind this album was birthed out of our experiences, both personally and professionally. Musically the album embodies elements from the classic era of R&B which we thought were important to preserve but still be able to incorporate a 2021 perspective. We are excited about this project because it’s a true expression of how we really feel as men. We see life as a roller coaster of emotions and “REBIRTH” is a reflection of us riding the emotional ups & downs of life. Each song shares about an emotion that we have experienced and how we dealt with those situations,” adds the group.
“Party Over Here” is a song that celebrates family, friends, and good times. “Sorry” is a song that apologizes to women for their past hurt and relationships. “We thought instead of making your typical break up song, we would write a song like “Congratulations” that shows how two people can successfully move on and be happy for each other,” shares David. Too many times we hear about the drama of break ups but there are many people who are emotionally mature enough to be happy for their ex. It’s about everyone finding happiness in whatever path they choose in love.
Overall, the tone of this album is positive, so it doesn’t matter where you are in your life there is something for you on this album that is sure to satisfy your R&B appetite.
Today, GRAMMY® Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning singer/songwriter, activist, and actress AndraDay shares a fresh and glowing new soul single, “Phone Dies” on WarnerRecords.
Paired with the slick electro-soul production of “PhoneDies” by .Paak, Andra’s vocals radiate a heart-melting warmth. “This must sound crazy, but be my baby,” she coos, letting a brassy fanfare carry her into the chorus. “It’s so amazing, being my baby. I’ll let you feel these vibes until my phone dies.” She can’t stay for too long—but she’ll make sure you have the time of your life.
Before releasing “Phone Dies,” Andra made her feature-acting debut in Lee Daniels’ The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Her critically acclaimed performance as Holiday won the Golden Globe for “Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama” and received a coveted “Best Actress” nomination at the Oscars. For the soundtrack, Andra recorded soul-stirring covers of Holiday’s classics, like “Strange Fruit” and “Lady Sings the Blues,” and the Golden Globe-nominated original, “Tigress & Tweed,” a stormy, piano-driven ballad co-written with neo-soul pioneer Raphael Saadiq.
Andra was also honored at the Critics Choice Association’s third annual Celebration of Black Cinema on February 2 for her work in The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Andra also covered January’s V Magazine, February’s Rolling Out, and W Magazine.
It’s already been a busy year for AndraDay and there’s more to come. Her TV takeover continues with an unfiltered conversation on Desus & Mero (Showtime), an interview with Tiffany Haddish on The Ellen Degeneres Show (NBC) today, a chat and performance of “Phone Dies” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! April 19 (ABC), and a visit with The Real (FOX) on April 20. With a new studio album on the way Andra proves she has no plans of stopping anytime soon.
