Kirk Franklin: The Fight Of My Life

Kirk Franklin's latest release is titled Fight Of My Life, and as the world continues to take its residents into stressful places and heights once never imagined, it's safe to say the title resonates with almost everyone. When you listen to the gospel offerings Kirk Franklin serves up, you wonder is his sound hip-hop, pop or R&B because this sure ain't the church music your grandma used to listen to. As he has proven time and time again, the only box he fits into is the one that he's sold millions of CDs from when they're shipped from his label. When it comes to the music he produces, Kirk Franklin is a standout; and lyrically it's clear his relationship with God is one he takes very seriously. Without having the ability to "truly" sing, Kirk Franklin compensates by making great songs and does a first-rate job at rhyming. He keeps it simplistic and self-revealing, all at the same time. When you look at him as an artist, his honesty about his struggles in life is what gives him the "it" factor.

The Fight Of My Life embodies everything Kirk Franklin's fans have come to expect from him. His songs have melodies that can bring you to tears, and his beats carry so much heat that as you embark on each day, you're ready to meet any challenges that may come your way. The first single, "Declaration," is inspirational and challenges you to take a stand in evolving into a new you. The song samples the Kenny Loggins chart-topping hit, "This Is It," giving Franklin that continuous crossover appeal. Track two, "Little Boy," serves as a call to parents. Though the lyrics seem to target the little boys and girls who have fallen prey to the over-sexed and blinged-out state of our current society, the song really reiterates the fact that "it all starts at home." Teaming up with the gospel legend Rance Allen on "Little Boy," Kirk Franklin does a great job of bridging the gap between the old and the new school.

In an open letter to God, "Help Me Believe" addresses Kirk's struggles with his faith. Accompanied by soothing piano keys, the singers chosen for this song do a great job; not only are they one with the song, it's as if the song was written with their voices in mind. Choosing not to subscribe to any type of gimmick gives Kirk Franklin an edge. A product of the hip-hop generation himself, Kirk Franklin is in a lot of ways likeminded with the audiences he's trying to reach. Being in tune with the short attention span of his peers and their children, he zeros in on the newfound urban interest in Rock 'N Roll culture on "I Am God," featuring Tobymac (formerly of the Christian music group DC Talk). Never neglecting his overall goal of spreading the message of Jesus through song, it's clear Kirk Franklin's fans are getting the type of music he would enjoy even if he was not a God-fearing man. With his crossover appeal on both gospel and urban-rhythmic radio, the hip-hop-infused "Jesus" is sure to break onto playlists in the very near future.

The Fight Of My Life is a great CD from beginning to end; Kirk Franklin understands the business of making music and doesn't disappoint. As he encourages his listeners to keep up the fight, he should do the same. If you love good music no matter the genre, add Kirk Franklin to your library, and who knows, the lyrics may give you that extra push you need to make it through another day.

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