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Rebirth of Kirk Franklin

Rebirth means to be revived or to change one’s beliefs. Whatever has happened to Kirk Franklin has both the religious and secular community listening. The project entitled "The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin" landed at number 4 on the Billboard Top-200. And when we see a Christian disc perform so well, it makes you wonder whether or not there is any compromise in the message.

Well, I purchased the CD when it first arrived in Christian bookstores (well before it sold platinum numbers). When I listened to it, I made my decision that Kirk is the most gifted gospel songwriter of this age. When the DVD concert by the same title was released, I was simply blown away. Call it "rebirth", "renewal", re-whatever, something special is happening in the life of this artist, and it lives in his music.

Franklin uses R&B, worship and traditional gospel to boldly and unabashedly delivers honor and adoration to Jesus Christ. If you hear it on gospel or pop stations, you will hear the bold proclamation of Jesus as Lord. On "Caught Up", Franklin waits patiently for Jesus’ return, and anticipates being with Him forever. "Hosanna" speaks of the sacrifice Jesus paid on Calvary ("The price You paid gives us life brand new / Hosanna forever, we worship You"). "Brighter Day" and "My Life, My Love, My All" are both deeply felt love songs to the Savior. "911" features an eye-opening conversation with Bishop T.D. Jakes about God’s presence during tragedy, and "Lookin Out for Me" celebrates a God that loves and care for us.

If you purchase the DVD, you will witness extremely talented singers, Shirley Caesar and the late Willie O’Neal as well as Franklin at his best. This multi-platinum artist is on fire for Jesus Christ. The "Rebirth" is almost 80 minutes of all the praise and worship you need to have church. It’s something that urban gospel lovers can get excited about.

Edmund Brown