A gospel legend and one of Memphis’ biggest rap stars are joining forces again, and this time, the message comes with a whole lot of energy.

Music fans are getting a new collaboration from two artists who might seem like an unexpected pairing at first glance.

Gospel Meets Memphis

Franklin has spent decades pushing the boundaries of contemporary gospel music, incorporating elements of hip-hop and popular music into his work.

GloRilla, meanwhile, has built her career around Memphis rap and a sound that has made her one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary hip-hop.

Their musical relationship isn’t completely new.

GloRilla previously featured Kirk Franklin on “RAIN DOWN ON ME,” a gospel-centered track from her 2024 album GLORIOUS.

That song also featured Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard and Chandler Moore.

Their new song, “This Time,” is scheduled to arrive Friday, September 25, 2026.

But fans did not have to wait until Friday to get a taste.

Kirk Franklin premiered the new track during an appearance on Joe and Jada with Fat Joe and Jadakiss on September 22.

The premiere gave listeners an early look at a collaboration that blends Franklin’s gospel-rooted sound with GloRilla’s unmistakable hip-hop presence.

And yes — it sounds like a Kirk Franklin record for a new generation.

“This Time” takes that connection in another direction.

An Anthem for the Moment

During a recent interview, Franklin explained that he wanted the new song to feel like an anthem — something people could use as encouragement and even chant to themselves.

That description fits what makes the collaboration stand out.

Rather than treating gospel and hip-hop as completely separate musical worlds, Franklin continues to explore the space where faith, culture and contemporary music overlap.

GloRilla brings another dimension to that conversation.

Her participation also reflects something important about today’s music landscape: gospel influence doesn’t always stay inside traditional church music.

Sometimes it shows up in hip-hop.

Sometimes it shows up in an anthem.

And sometimes it comes through an artist whose audience may not traditionally listen to gospel music.

For Franklin, the collaboration continues a decades-long approach to making gospel accessible to audiences outside traditional church settings.

For GloRilla, it builds on an already-established relationship with gospel music.

Her connection to faith isn’t something completely separate from her music career.

Even the name she was born with — Gloria Hallelujah Woods — carries a religious reference, and her GLORIOUS album included multiple faith-centered moments.

It isn’t simply a gospel artist featuring a rapper.

It is two artists meeting in a musical space they’ve already explored together — but with a different sound and a new message.

Hip-hop can carry testimony.

And an artist can reach someone who might never walk into a church simply by giving them a message they can hear, feel and remember.

Here’s My Personal Prediction…

I could be completely wrong, but after hearing this collaboration and looking at GloRilla’s previous work with Kirk Franklin, I have a hypothesis that one day GloRilla may become a full-time Gospel artist.

I’m not saying that is her plan.

And I’m not presenting it as a fact.

It’s simply my prediction based on what I’m seeing and hearing.

GloRilla has already stepped into Gospel music.

She’s already collaborated with Kirk Franklin.

She’s already incorporated faith-centered material into her music.

Maybe GloRilla will continue balancing hip-hop and Gospel.

Maybe Gospel will simply remain another part of her musical identity.

Or maybe, years from now, we’ll look back at songs like “RAIN DOWN ON ME” and “This Time” and realize they were early signs of where her music was ultimately headed.

Only GloRilla knows that answer.

And if that happens, I think this chapter of her career will be fascinating to look back on.

Sometimes music crosses genres.

Sometimes it crosses generations.

And sometimes it crosses into places you didn’t expect.

This may be one of those moments.

“This Time” Arrives Friday.