This article is part of a BlogCritics [ http://blogcritics.org ] series in celebration of a new, dynamic voice in Black America: the NUBIANO Exchange [ http://www.thenubianoproject.com ]. Brace yourself for the NUBIANO experience.

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Although a few years shy of 40, Kirk Franklin, over the past 14 years, has managed to interest a younger (and culturally diverse) generation in the music ministry.

While decried by some elders, for his contemporary (read: secular) approach to music-ministering, Kirk Franklin must be given credit for bringing much-needed exposure to the oft-hidden gospel music industry and inspiring newer, younger "musical ministers" like Tye Tribbett & G.A. and Tonex & the Peculiar People. How can one forget his mainstream performance of "Lean On Me" with Bono, Mary J. Blige, Crystal Lewis, Tamela Mann, Dalon Collins, and the late, great Gerald Levert at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards?

If you've forgotten Franklin's influence, though, here's a brief re-cap: (1) his debut album, Kirk Franklin & the Family, spent 100 weeks on the gospel charts, becoming the first gospel debut album to garner platinum sales; (2) every CD in his music catalog — nine releases in total — has peaked at #1 on Billboard's Top Gospel Album chart; (3) as of the close of 2007, he has been the recipient of five Grammy awards and fifteen Stellar awards; and (4) he has six platinum and/or multi-platinum albums to his credit — an incredible feat for an artist of any genre!

While having gospel roots, Kirk Franklin has expanded his international reach and mainstream appeal, over the years — dabbling more recently, in his newest effort, the Fight of My Life, with rock ("I Am God" with tobyMac), jazz ("Chains") and hip-hop tinged, R&B ("Still in Love"). Old fans of Kirk have no need to shy away from his new record though, as his experimentations tend to be hits, instead of misses, especially since they are etched between the classic pieces that we are accustomed to: "He Will Supply," "It Would Take All Day," and "The Last Jesus."

Kirk's experimentations — while taking some getting used to (for traditional gospel lovers) — offer many of the highlights on this non-conventional, spirit-filled album.

"I Am God" is a rock production with guest vocals provided by tobyMac that all Christians, no matter their walk in life, can relate to. The chorus, simply put, is for us to "Be still and know [He] is God." In verse three, Kirk and tobyMac make the following testimony: "Lord, Your ways are not my ways / Everything You don't explain / And some things I don't wanna change / So You keep breaking me / It's like I'm fighting for my life / You hit me with another right / I feel like Jacob in the night / Won't stop till You bless me / My flesh and my will / It's Yours now to kill I / Present myself to You / But living sacrifices move [can I get up now?]"

Another one of Kirk's experimentation, "Chains," is a jazz production with lead vocals provided by Melonie Daniels, Nikki Ross, and Sheri Jones-Moffett that is reminiscent of Donnie McClurkin's "Great is Thy Mercy." The first movement makes the following testimony: "Chains / That try to bind me / Chains / That won't let me go / Chains / They keep me from trying / Chains / Please loose your stronghold / Chains / Though I try to surrender / Chains / Yet and still, I remember / Who the Son sets free is truly free indeed / Lord, free me from these chains."

Sonically, "Still in Love" sounds like it could've been played at a roller-disco, let alone a traditional Baptist church. Nevertheless, it has the bounce, energy, and innocence of youth — even including an exhortation (from Franklin) for the listener to "put their roller skates on." Despite the departure from his more reverent (read: non-secular) masterpieces, Franklin testifies: "Together we've been through hard times / But Jesus I'm still in love with You / I've had many loves in my life / But Jesus You make it feel brand new / You know it's hard for me to believe that You love me no matter what I do / So how I live, I hope You can see / That I'm in love with You."

A cursory listen of the Fight of My Life will assure fans, old and new alike, of Franklin's musical genius and knack for writing. On deeper inspection (and a closer read of the CD's lyric book), however, the power behind his testimonies will bring tears to your eyes — knowing that God had to be present as Kirk's lyrics poured onto the page. Despite the powerful lyrics, it must be said that the magic of Franklin's music ministry has always lied in his selection of talented singers that propel his God-sent melodies straight to heaven.

Quite fittingly, the Fight of My Life ends with the introspective "The Last Jesus." Chorus II states: "If we say we love Jesus / But they can't see our Jesus / Tell me what's the use if they can't see Jesus in you and me? / No more excuses / We give it all away / Because we may be the only Jesus they see."

No matter one's take on Kirk Franklin's collective body of work (or which choir — Kirk Franklin & the Family, Nu Nation, God's Property or 1NC: One Nation Crew — helped deliver his best performances), it is undeniable that his music ministry has been touched by God — giving the gospel music industry a wide assortment of music that any music lover (Christian or non-Christian) can enjoy.

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by Clayton Perry | http://www.thenubianoproject.com | crperry84@gmail.com

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This article was originally posted in BlogCritics Magazine on December 28, 2007: http://blogcritics.org/archives/2007/12/28/105556.php