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.
DISCOGRAPHY
Kirk Franklin & the Family (1993) peaked at #58 on the Billboard 200 on May 20, 1995. It became the first gospel debut to be certified platinum (1,000,000 copies sold) and featured the breakout hit "Why We Sing."
Kirk Franklin & the Family Christmas (1995) peaked at #60 on the Billboard 200. The album has been certified gold (500,000 copies sold) within 14 weeks, in its initial distribution, and featured the non-conventional, hip-hop experimentation "Jesus is the Reason for the Season."
Whatcha Lookin' 4 (1995) peaked at #23 on the Billboard 200. The album has been certified platinum (1,000,000 copies sold) and featured his signature hit "Melodies from Heaven." In 1996, Whatcha Lookin' 4 went on to receive the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album.
God's Property (1997) peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200 #3. The album has been certified triple-platinum (3,000,000 copies sold) and featured "Stomp," which received heavy rotation on mainstream music stations like MTV and BET. In 1997, God's Property went on to receive the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album by Choir or Chorus.
The Nu Nation Project (1998) peaked at #7 on the Billboard 200. The album has been certified double-platinum (2,000,000 copies sold) and featured "Lean on Me," which featured R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige, Bono of U2 and Crystal Lewis. In 1998, the Nu Nation Project went on to receive the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album.
Kirk Franklin presents 1NC (2000) peaked at #58 on the Billboard 200. It is the only studio album in Franklin's catalog that failed to receive gold or platinum certification from the RIAA. Nevertheless, the album's lead single, "Nobody," generated moderate airplay.
Article comments