This article is part of a series in celebration of a new, dynamic voice in Black America: the NUBIANO Exchange. Brace yourself for the NUBIANO experience. 
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 34 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?]"
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