Take 'Em to Church!: Kirk Franklin

When it comes to marrying the worlds of soul, hip hop and gospel music, Kirk Franklin is the man. Throughout his career as a gospel musician and choir director, he's not only dominated the gospel charts but also left an indelible mark on the pop charts as well. Through his independent projects as well as works with gospel groups The Family and God's Property, he has successfully brought gospel into the secular world in both a tasteful and fun manner time and time again. The gospel legend didn't acquire these skills overnight. Here's a look at the rise of Kirk Franklin. 

(Photo: Mark Mainz/Getty Images for NAACP)