Kirk Franklin stopped by The Angie Martinez Show for a conversation that went far beyond music.
During the interview, the gospel icon opened up about his faith, family, healing, creativity, collaborating with artists outside of gospel music and even his experience with ADHD. He also shared details about his upcoming first-ever double album, which is set to arrive October 30.
Kirk Franklin Announces His First-Ever Double Album:
Franklin revealed that his next project will be a double album featuring seven live church songs and seven studio songs, bringing together live worship and contemporary collaborations.
He confirmed an October 30 release date and revealed that Karen Clark Sheard will be among the artists featured on the project, while teasing additional surprise collaborations.
Why Kirk Franklin Loves Working Outside of Gospel Music:
Franklin also explained why he enjoys collaborating with rappers and other artists outside traditional Christian spaces.
According to Franklin, Christians can spend too much time "preaching to the converted." Rather than entering different creative spaces to judge them, he said he's interested in learning about production, engineering and the creative process.
At one point, Franklin summed up his feelings about remaining inside a creative comfort zone with a memorable line: "The sandbox is boring."
He explained that staying exclusively within Christian circles can limit opportunities for growth and creativity.
Kirk Franklin Gets Candid About Faith, Grace and Healing:
The conversation also turned deeply personal as Franklin reflected on how his understanding of God has changed throughout his life.
Franklin shared that he grew up around a theology centered on the idea that "God is mad at you." As he's gotten older, however, he said he's become increasingly amazed by God's patience and grace.
He also discussed the relationship between pain and purpose, explaining that some of his most powerful work has come from difficult periods in his life.
As Franklin put it, "A healed Kirk will give you a message. A hurting Kirk gave you 'Take Me to the King.'"
Kirk Franklin Opens Up About His Mother and Childhood:
In one of the interview's most vulnerable moments, Franklin spoke about his childhood, adoption, abandonment and his complicated relationship with his biological mother.
The conversation touched on attachment disorder and the emotional impact those early experiences have had on him throughout his life.
Franklin also offered his perspective on forgiveness and rebuilding relationships, explaining that forgiving someone doesn't automatically erase pain or restore trust.
"Forgiveness is free, but trust is hard," Franklin said.
Kirk Franklin Talks About Being Diagnosed With ADHD:
Franklin also spoke openly about being diagnosed with ADHD and how it affects different areas of his life, including conversations, songwriting, creativity and his everyday routine.
He even shared some of the techniques that work for him, including listening to an audiobook while simultaneously reading the book to help himself stay engaged.
Kirk Franklin Shows His Funny Side:
Of course, the conversation wasn't all serious.
Franklin shared the hilarious story of what he did after receiving his first royalty check, which included buying a BMW, adding rims and loud speakers, and playing hip-hop in church parking lots.
He also revealed that his old rap name was "Kid Fresh."
And when the conversation turned to celebrity crushes, Franklin admitted that his is Nia Long, joking that he would probably run away if he ever met her.
The interview wrapped up with a game of "Scripture or Somebody's Auntie?", where the crew had to decide whether familiar sayings actually came from the Bible or sounded more like something somebody's auntie would say.
From new music and creativity to childhood wounds, forgiveness, faith and plenty of laughs, Kirk Franklin's conversation with Angie Martinez offered a personal look at the man behind decades of inspirational music.
Watch the full Kirk Franklin interview with Angie Martinez above, and keep it locked to Power 105.1 for more from The Angie Martinez Show.