Soul Train Awards 2023: 5 Collaborative Tracks by Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin That Uplift and Inspire
When it comes to powerful gospel music, what comes to mind for many is Kirk Franklin’s uplifting songs. From his 1998 prominent song, “Revolution,” to his 2011 song, “I Smile,” Franklin has spent over 30 years encouraging fans to keep the faith and the path to righteousness. He also has bridged the gap between hip-hop and gospel, captivating hip-hop and gospel lovers alike.
Suppose you’ve followed Franklin throughout his career. In that case, it should surprise no one that Kirk would collaborate with Grammy-winning music collective Maverick City Music in 2022 for a hopeful live album titled “Kingdom Book One.”
The Grammy award-winning album also raised awareness of the injustices of mass incarceration. The artists even recorded the album at the Everglades Correctional Institution in Miami-Dade, Florida, alongside over 1,000 inmates.
In honor of the upcoming Soul Train Awards 2023, we reflect on Franklin and Maverick City Music’s 5 top collaborative tracks that aim to elevate the spirit.
Bless Me
“Bless Me” is the second single from Kingdom Book One and aims to inspire with a catchy tune reminiscent of a drum line and pep rally aura. The track makes Christians and non-Christians want to leave their seats and sing along. The singers praise God, asking Him to bless them so that they and everyone else around them can have everything they need. Franklin empowers the group by singing that when Jehovah is by his side, he shall live and not die and even calls him his friend. As Franklin goes into high gear towards the middle of the track, the voices around him get louder and louder, praising God and giving listeners an extra boost in faith.
Kingdom ft Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore
The first single released from Kingdom Book One, “Kingdom,” features Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore from Maverick Music City. The singers, along with the Mav City Gospel Choir, let listeners know if they ever wonder what Heaven looks like, it seems like everyone is encouraging people that they, too, can access the keys to the kingdom. Throughout the song, they call out, “All hail King Jesus!” and “The Kingdom is here.”
Fear Is Not in My Future
In the lead single of Kingdom Book One featuring Brandon Lake and Chandler Moore, the singers tell their listeners the struggles they are going through do not define them or their story. Whether heartbreak or sickness, a new day is always on the horizon. Toward the end of the track, Kirk preaches to fans that every struggle and insecurity can be overcome through prayer. The emotional record was nominated for a Grammy Award for “Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song” at the 2023 Grammy Awards.
Jealous
In the tear-jerking ballad featuring Chandler Moore and Lizzie Morgan, the singers open up about how it breaks God’s heart when they fall from their faith. The collaborators encourage fans to continue worshipping God and walking the right path.
Talkin Bout (Love)
In the soulful “Talkin Bout (Love),” featuring Chandler Moore and Lizzie Morgan, the singers belt out how God’s love is patient, kind, and the core of real love. They praise God for showing them what it feels to be unconditionally loved and how no other love compares. Like many of the other tracks on Kingdom Book One, the track aims to inspire gospel listeners that no matter what they are going through in their lives, they can always get back up and gain faith again through prayer and His undying love.
Soul Train Awards 2023: 5 Collaborative Tracks by Maverick City Music
When it comes to powerful gospel music, what comes to mind for many is Kirk Franklin’s uplifting songs.