| Written by Carine Lee, Youth Speak News,
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Views : 612  |
 The music of Kirk Franklin is unlike the genre of music commonly associated with the church.
The multi-Grammy Award winner presents a blend of rock, rap, R&B and hip-hop in his productions while remaining true to his gospel roots. His previous success includes Hero, which won the 2007 Stellar Awards CD of the year.
As composer, lead and chorus singer in his latest release, The Fight of My Life, Franklin communicates his personal struggles navigating the increasingly secular world as a child of God.
The album’s theme, based on Romans 7:21, expresses the personal tug-of-war today’s youth continue to experience.
Franklin’s struggle with sin is an echo of St Augustine of Hippo’s famous prayer “Give me chastity and continence, only not yet.”
Through his lyrics, Franklin warns youth that Christian values are being eroded by the norms of the perverse world.
He reminds young girls of the importance of chastity in “Little Boy,” featuring Rance Allen and Isaac Carree: “But let him see yo’ mind, not the crack of yo’ behind.”
The album agitates the listener into facing personal challenges in life.
Alternating between confessions and self-reflection questions, Franklin leads the listener into the frame of mind of “the fighter.”
In the track simply titled “Jesus,” Franklin tells of his difficulties growing up in a poor family: “When I had nothing, had to struggle, and was up to no good/ Jesus/ The reason I’m still breathing is ’cause/ Jesus.”
Franklin also addresses the pressures faced by young people, especially those often putdown by others: “They said I wasn’t gon’ make it Kirk/ I know how that sound/ It’s only by His grace I can say ‘look at me now.’ ”
However, not all is dour and grim. The Fight of My Life contains songs of hope. It is filled with messages of God’s promise, like “Though your vessel be empty, He will supply.”
Almost like a testimony to listeners, “You are listening to the sounds of a brotha who should be dead right now/But I’m so glad God didn’t give up on me,” Franklin’s honesty is possibly what appeals to today’s generation that is sensitive to slush.
Those who listen to this album should have an appreciation of street language and a mishmash of sounds.
With use of heavy bass and beats, the angst and confusion of life’s experiences are conveyed.
However, the lyrics of the talented songwriter are often overshadowed by the booming music.
Franklin rounds up “the fight” reiterating God’s promise that “Jesus Christ can (help) and He does” if we let go and let God in.
(Lee, 21, studies communications at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver.)
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