Gospel singer Kirk Franklin, whose latest album Losing My Religion was released in November 2015 in South Africa, has been criticized for collaborating with Kanye West in his new album, The Life of Pablo.
The Life of Pablo was previewed early in February on livestream on Tidal, with over 20 million viewers. The album has received mixed reviews from publications such as The New York Times, who have said the album lacks “the cool rage of “Yeezus,” his previous album.
In superstar-style, Kanye, has hit back on Twitter, saying “white publications” should stop reviewing “black music” they do not understand. He said that the perspectives do not know what it means “to be the grandson of ex slaves and make it this far.”
https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/699374499414691840?ref_src=twsrc^tfw
Sadly, Kanye’s comment may ring true, as none of the writers of the reviews mentioned are black. This is according to Huffington Post.
Meanwhile, Kirk Franklin has defended his collaboration with Kanye, on the opening track titled, “Ultralight Beam,” arguing that his Christian duty is to love everyone, whether sinner or saint. He wrote on Instagram,
Kanye is not me. I am not him. He is my brother I am proud to do life with. No sprints, but Marathons; like most of us are on. Before one song was released, I was crucified because my brother asked me to take picture. Again ‘no Kanye, you’re not good enough’? No. That is a dangerous message I believe we send the world when our posture is they have to meet certain requirements before they are worthy to kiss the ring. It says people are not redeemable, forgivable or candidates for grace. That my friend is religios. I will not turn my back on my brother. I will love him, prayerfully grow with him. However long he’ll have me, and however long the race takes. To a lot of my Christian family, I’m sorry he’s not good enough, Christian enough, or running at your pace…and as I read some of your comments, neither am i. that won’t stop me from running. Pray we win.
Afropolitan Explosiv caught up with Pastor J J Mbatha, a local member of the clergy in order to get his take on the matter. Here’s what he had to say:
I don’t see a problem in Franklin collaborating with Kanye. He must just be watchful that his own tongue doesn’t blaspheme God, but its fine to collaborate. The Holy Spirit will help the one who is Christian to win over the one who is not. Because if Kanye was unable to work with Christians, that would be a sign of his own woundedness. But the fact that he initiated this collaboration means there is an inkling of hope.
Pastor Mbatha continued:
Christ came from heaven being holy, and he kept his holiness while he was living amongst sinners. If we are emulators of Jesus Christ then it is important that we work with sinners. It doesn’t matter what kind of sinners, but continue to work with them hand-in-hand, and even eat with them from the same dish. Because Jesus Christ worked with Judas Iscariot, despite knowing that he was a sinner (a money theif). In fact Judas stole money, and Jesus knew, but showed no problem in working with him. Instead he waited for him to take his time, until Judas eventually committed suicide.
What we must do is to pray that Franklin is not tempted in the process.
Afropolitan Explosiv in-house writer.
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