God’s Property

God's Property

“For those of you who think gospel music has gone too far, or that we’ve gotten too radical with our message, I’ve got news for you. You ain’t seen nothing yet!” — Kirk Franklin

Straight outta Dallas and keeping the faith, the fine art of contemporary Gospel music in all its inspirational, cutting edge glory is personified on the new GOD’S PROPERTY FROM KIRK FRANKLIN’S NU NATION album. The album is on B-Rite Records, a new joint venture label deal with Interscope Records. The project was produced by Grammy winning gospel superstar Kirk Franklin, Buster and Shavoni (WHATCHA LOOKIN’ 4 and KIRK FRANKLIN’S CHRISTMAS) and Kevin Bond (KIRK FRANKLIN AND THE FAMILY). Once again, these talented producers help complete the vision. Its rafter rattling lead single, “Stomp,” is remixed by Big Yam and features a prime guest rhyme from Cheryl James a.k.a.. Salt of rap’s Salt N’ Pepa fame. It’s a unique gospel/hip-hop hybrid that is the perfect recipe for a hit.

“GOD’S PROPERTY FROM KIRK FRANKLIN’S NU NATION bridges musical as well as spiritual gaps, praising the Creator, while creating new mass appeal for Christian Music,” says Claude Lataillade, President/CEO of B-Rite Records. Other outstanding album examples include: “Up Above My Head,” a syncopated, harmonically appealing jazz inspired gem; “Send It Down,” a blissful, Franklin-esque praise song celebrating God’s omnipotence: “Love,” a spiritually motivating call and response track that knocks on Heaven’s door; “Sweet Spirit,” a beautiful gospel ballad that reaches out and touches one’s soul; “You’re The Only One,” a serious hip-hop edged message about Black youth turning form players to prayers: “My Life Is In His Hands,” self explanatory in message and first featured on Spike Lee’s “Get On The Bus” movie soundtrack; and “Faith,” a strong “get your praise on” song that lifts your spirit and, like the entire album, never lets it down.

At the forefront of today’s gospel music, Kirk Franklin, best known for his platinum success with The Family, has broken down many musical barriers since he exploded on the international scene. In the process, he’s achieved unprecedented success and become gospel’s #1 renaissance man. His first album, KIRK FRANKLIN AND THE FAMILY, was certified platinum, a gospel milestone. His critically acclaimed follow-up CD, 1996’s WHATCHA LOOKIN’ 4, is at 900,000 (and counting) copies sold. As astute in business as well as music, Franklin’s Fo Yo Soul company banner has a multi-year production deal with B-Rite Records.

Founded in 1992 by Linda Searight, the God’s Property organization centers around high moral standards with emphasis on education and achievement through artistic expression and performance. Ranging in age from 16 to 26, and under the brilliant direction of Robert Searight from its inception, the choir (often at risk, inner-city based young people) are accompanied by an incredible five piece band. Their repertoire ranges from spirituals, to praise song, to traditional and contemporary gospel. Franklin, of course, has expanded their voices and vision.

The God’s Property/Kirk Franklin relationship goes way back, and beyond the recording studio, where he often works out new material with the choir. He’s appeared with God’s Property on The Late Show with David Letterman, while the choir itself performed with mega-pop star Celine Dion at the encore of the media acclaimed “Call The Man/Power of the Dream” concert in Dallas, and on The 10th Annual Essence Awards with Stevie Wonder.

Mutually motivated by their shared belief in God and ability to express it through music, fellowship and faith, Kirk Franklin and God’s Property are on their way to making gospel history. That was most recently demonstrated by the almost instant success of “Stomp,” a bonafide urban and gospel hit. Furthermore, its video, featuring a special guest appearance by Cheryl “Salt” James, simultaneously went into heavy rotation on BET and The Box. MTV also added the video, making it the first gospel video ever that the channel has played.

The table is set. The time is now. With Franklin at the production helm, and the choir’s 50 strong, harmonic voices pumping up the vocal volume with His anointed Word, GOD’S PROPERTY FROM KIRK FRANKLIN’S NU NATION is one of the finest, most innovative gospel albums of this or any other year.


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