Kirk Franklin has signed a new partnership with Uptown Records, bringing the 20-time Grammy-winning gospel superstar into the relaunched label’s increasingly diverse roster.

The partnership brings together Franklin’s Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, TRIBL Music Group and Uptown Records, marking a new chapter for the gospel icon as the historic label continues expanding beyond its traditional hip-hop and R&B roots.

Franklin welcomed the move, describing his arrival at Uptown as an honour and expressing excitement about working with the team on the music ahead.

“To be a part of the Uptown family is a genuine honor,” Franklin said, adding that he feels energized by the team’s enthusiasm and support.

A New Home for Gospel’s Biggest Name

The partnership gives Uptown a major presence in gospel music through one of the genre’s most influential artists.

Franklin has spent more than three decades reshaping contemporary gospel by blending traditional church music with elements of hip-hop, R&B and pop. His influence has extended well beyond the gospel market, helping introduce faith-based music to audiences that might not traditionally listen to the genre.

Natina Nimene, an Uptown executive and EVP of Urban Audience & Artist Relations at the Republic Collective, praised Franklin’s contribution to music and culture.

She described his impact as transformational and said the label was honoured that Franklin had chosen Uptown as a partner for his next chapter and the body of work he has planned.

Uptown Is Building a Diverse New Roster

Franklin’s arrival comes at an interesting moment for Uptown Records.

Originally founded by the late Andre Harrell in 1986, the label became one of the defining forces in hip-hop and R&B, helping establish artists including Mary J. Blige, Jodeci and Heavy D.

The label was relaunched in 2026 under the Republic Collective, with a new roster that includes Yung Miami, G Herbo, Trap Dickey, 9B Meechie and producer ATL Jacob.

Adding Franklin gives the revived label a major gospel presence while reinforcing its broader strategy of bringing different corners of Black music and culture under one umbrella.

‘Thank You for Everything’ Marks the Beginning

The partnership is arriving alongside Franklin’s latest single, “Thank You for Everything,” featuring gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard of the Clark Sisters.

The song was released through Fo Yo Soul Recordings and TRIBL Music Group under an exclusive licence to Uptown Records.

The collaboration brings together two highly respected figures in gospel music, with Franklin writing and producing the track alongside co-producer Adam Blackstone.

A music video for the song was also released to coincide with the announcement of the Uptown partnership.

Franklin Is Still Looking Ahead

Despite his decades-long career, Franklin has continued to approach each project as an opportunity to reinvent himself.

The singer, songwriter and producer has won 20 Grammy Awards and remains one of the most commercially and culturally influential figures in contemporary gospel. His ability to cross musical boundaries has also led to collaborations with artists outside the gospel world, including Chance the Rapper, Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, Wyclef Jean and GloRilla.

The new Uptown partnership could therefore create another avenue for Franklin to connect gospel music with a wider contemporary audience.

For TRIBL, the deal also provides an opportunity to amplify Franklin’s next phase while preserving the relationship with Fo Yo Soul. Phil Thornton, EVP of TRIBL Music Group, said the company is proud to collaborate with Franklin and Uptown to celebrate his legacy while helping amplify the music and vision still ahead.

A Significant Signing for Uptown

Franklin’s signing represents more than another addition to Uptown’s roster. It demonstrates how the relaunched label is broadening its identity while staying connected to the musical culture that made it famous.

With one of gospel’s biggest stars now joining a roster that spans hip-hop, R&B and contemporary urban music, Uptown’s new era is becoming increasingly difficult to define by a single genre.

And for Kirk Franklin, the partnership opens another chapter in a career that has consistently pushed gospel beyond its traditional boundaries.

The next era of Kirk Franklin’s music now has a new home at Uptown Records.