Kirk Franklin Becomes First Artist To Score 15 No. 1 Albums On Billboard Top Gospel Albums Chart
Kirk Franklin Becomes First Artist To Score 15 No. 1 Albums On Billboard Top Gospel Albums Chart. Kirk Franklin has added another remarkable achievement to his already decorated career, with his latest double album, I Am What I Am, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. The milestone marks his 15th chart-topping project, extending his record as the artist with the most No. 1 albums in the history of the chart.
Released on October 30 through Fo Yo Soul/TRIBL/Uptown, I Am What I Am is Kirk Franklin‘s first-ever double album. The 14-track project offers two distinct listening experiences, with seven contemporary studio recordings complemented by seven live performances captured in a church setting.
The studio portion brings together an impressive lineup of collaborators, reflecting Franklin’s continued willingness to explore different sounds while remaining rooted in gospel music. His collaboration with GloRilla on “This Time” has already made its own mark, debuting at No. 1 on the Hot Gospel Songs chart. The achievement gives Franklin his 10th chart-topper on the chart, the most by any artist since its launch in 2005.
Other notable collaborations on the album include Jelly Roll on “Free Me Tonight,” Afrobeats superstar Davido on “Hope In You,” and Tobe Nwigwe on “It Gets Better.”
On the live side, Franklin takes listeners back to the heart of traditional gospel, delivering choir-driven performances recorded in Fort Worth. The disc also features gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard alongside Tim Rogers on “Thank You for Everything.”
Franklin’s latest achievement further strengthens a chart legacy that stretches back more than three decades. He first topped the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart in 1993 with Kirk Franklin and the Family, while his 2023 project Father’s Day secured his 14th No. 1. Now, I Am What I Am takes that record to 15.
Beyond the numbers, the album’s title carries a deeply personal message. Franklin has previously spoken about the criticism surrounding his musical direction and willingness to collaborate with artists outside traditional gospel circles. Rather than backing down from those conversations, the project embraces his identity and the creative journey that has defined his career.
After more than 30 years in music, 20 Grammy Awards, multiple platinum-selling projects and countless contributions to contemporary gospel, Franklin continues to push boundaries while reaching new audiences. His latest chart achievement is another testament to his enduring influence on gospel music.
I Am What I Am is available now on all major streaming platforms.
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