I love a good playlist, I mean hit for hit. I keep the music from the I 99’ & 00’s in business and heavy rotation from R&B, Soul, & Gospel. Along with the best era of music in my opinion of the 60’s - 80’s I feel like these were the times for good music, completely unmatched in my opinion. The music was art, connection, a vibe full of soul, nothing like it. I have to admit I used to sneak listening to anything else other than gospel.
There is something about music when you can play a song that stirs up your nostalgia. With press of play instantly it feels like a hot summer day at my grandmas house. It’s getting my hair pressed on Saturday night getting ready for church. It’s feels like the family BBQ, reaching down in the ice packed cooler for those Jewel branded pops. Wishing I was old enough to be in the adult conversation. Those songs remind me when I would keep a heartbroken song on repeat weeping hoping for a different outcome with that raggedy boy, who wasn’t NEVER worth it! Music & books have always been a way to escape for me. Gospel especially in my adulthood I am reminded of the bops.
The KING of bop creations is Unc Kirk Franklin. Say what you wanna about him he is the GOAT. Back in the day he came on the scene ruffling the feathers of the church folks even though he was wearing oversized suits and singing about Jesus. It’s clear church folks aint never happy then and now. Unc is never ever to rest from the lips of those with criticism I guess thats what happens when you do what you were created to do. Recently after being awarded the Ultimate Icon along with winning the Gospel Album of the Year (from BET) again the church folks were tight. Now Unc is not without a tight outfit and a shimmy…I mean let the man live goodness. Again none of this has stopped him being a producer, arranger, writer and we know isn’t a singer…he told us that. He has consistently made an impact on the culture, the lives of church kids, the culture and many generations, hence the award.
Most times I ignore the commentary this was one I couldn’t resist throwing in my perspective of it all. Not sure if it was the Icon award or him winning the Gospel song of the year with Glorilla, featuring Unc Kirk, Kierra Sheard, Maverick City & Chandler Moore that got the people HOT. Did you see all those GOSPEL / CCM folks I mentioned…no smoke for them just all of it for Unc Kirk.
These rants got me to thinking. It baffled me to hear so many people say that we need to acknowledge / celebrate other gospel artist. Fair, if you feel we should do that then YOU go ahead and create something worth us celebrating. Do the hard work that makes the impact with generations of people. Create music that hits the hearts and souls of the people. Create music that we feel beyond this moment. Create the music that will spark our nostalgia to overflow at the sound of a the first note played. Create the space to celebrate who you believe we should celebrate. Create the environment where the seed you plant will grow beyond you.
I get it there are many things we want to see done differently. Sure, you don’t think gospel and hip hop artist should be aligned, working together etc. You think Gospel music has gone too far, there is no standard, okay. After all of that my question remains what have YOU done? Is there someone who see things differently because of the work you are doing? Is the music you are creating / singing lasting beyond you. Listen I am never the one to sit in the seat of judgement life just shouldn’t be lived in that way. We all have to find a way limit the judgements we have. Replace it with the personal work we do ourselves. If you believe its easy to do then YOU DO IT.
Until you do maybe you take a beat and HUSH! Just in case you need something to listen to while you are hushing…I created a Unc Kirk playlist. This is a reminder that Unc Kirk been HIM. Enjoy….
