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Olivia Rodrigo Strikers Gold Again with “GUTS”

September 29, 2023

After a long two year wait since the release of her first breakout album “Sour”, Olivia Rodrigo is back with her sophomore album, “GUTS.” Olivia Rodrigo has been a revelation in the music...

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Boys Planet: Where Are They Now?

September 29, 2023

Throughout the show, the trainees trained rap, dance, and vocal skills through a variety of battles. On April 20, 2023, the nine members of ZEROBASEONE (ZB1) were announced....

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Lil Tecca's Tec: Album Review

September 27, 2023

The highly awaited sophomore album from Lil Tecca, the 21-year-old hip-hop sensation, is called "TEC," and it's safe to say that it demonstrates the artist's development and professional maturity...

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"Slime You Out": Drake and SZA's Lyrical Alchemy

September 27, 2023

Drake and SZA, has recently swept the globe with their most recent single, "Slime You Out." This unique and intriguing song has already attracted a lot of attention...

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Laufey: The Jazz Sensation Reigniting the Genre's Flame

September 25, 2023

What sets Laufey apart is her unique fusion of jazz, folk, and pop elements, creating a sound that resonates with both jazz enthusiasts and a younger audience...

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Introducing JYP And Republic Records American Girl Group: VCHA

September 25, 2023

For the past few months, K-pop fans have turned to the new reality competition that is America 2 Korea (A2K). The show’s premise involves contestants earning “stones” ...

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BTS To Renew Contracts With Big Hit Music

September 22, 2023

In a move that’s sure to thrill ARMYs around the world, all seven BTS members have officially committed to renewing their contracts with BigHit Music and HYBE...

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The New Era of SM Entertainment: The Debut of RIIZE

September 22, 2023

Alongside RCA Records in the States, SM Entertainment’s newest boy group, RIIZE, is showing enormous promise in the growing music market...

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How to Write Songs Like Sia

September 22, 2023

n the world of music, there are few artists as enigmatic and prolific as Sia. While her distinctive voice and captivating performances have earned her a well-deserved spot in the limelight...

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How to Reinvent Your Sound Like The Weeknd & Taylor Swift

September 22, 2023

So how have the two superstars managed to stay dominant in the industry throughout their long careers? The answer lies within their artist direction– they both have the ability to evolve their....

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MTV VMAs 2023

September 13, 2023

After nearly four hours of must-see performances, a surprise guest appearance, record-breaking award victories, and an epic celebration of hip-hop's 50th anniversary, MTV's greatest music event came..

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Daniel Caesar's "Never Enough": Vulnerability and Soulful Songwriting

September 15, 2023

Daniel Caesar's latest album, "Never Enough," stands as a testament to his ability to bare his soul through his music. With every track, he delves into the depths of vulnerability, crafting....

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GloRilla Goes Gospel: Why Her Kirk Franklin Collab Is Causing a Ruckus

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When Memphis rapper GloRilla's October 2024 debut album Glorious, one track left everyone talking;  "Rain Down on Me," featuring gospel heavyweights Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard, and Chandler Moore.The fusion has sparked intense discussion, and it's the only clean song on an otherwise explicit album.

Church Crowd Shocked, Fans Split

Several Christian critics condemned the collaboration as sacrilege.

“These ‘Christian’ gospel artists need to stop compromising... Kirk Franklin, Kierra Sheard & Maverick City Music being on GloRilla’s album is wild.”

The outrage was especially pronounced among Nigerian Christians, who saw it as absurd and a mockery, for ministry leaders to appear alongside artists known for explicit content.

Yet, defenders countered with compassion:

“People in the church got mad because Glo made a song ft Kirk… She grew up in the church… The judgment is why so many people walk away from the church.”

Fan Forum Take: Divided but Intrigued

On Reddit, fans on both sides voiced strong opinions:

“I really do not understand the backlash at all... Anytime a secular artist makes a Christian song it should be embraced because it will reach the people that need it.”

Others called out the move as jarring:

“The religious turn on Side B was unexpected... That track… felt super corny.”

What does this mean for the Industry

  • Gospel Meets Mainstream Hip-Hop

Gospel musicians are increasingly stepping into secular fields, and vice versa. Rain Down on Me, however, is among the most audacious examples to date.

  •  Faith Outside the Pulpit

Raised in a church and continuing to share her faith on social media, GloRilla treads carefully, striking a balance between unrepentant rap bravado and spiritual sincerity.

  • Changing the Boundaries of Genre

The move demonstrates how contemporary music is not compartmentalized but rather fluid. The influence of gospel is spreading beyond choir rooms and into widely consumed albums.

  • Spotlight on Artist Responsibility

Collaborations like this ask: Are artists accountable for messaging beyond their verses? And can bridges built through music reshape conversations?

Final Take 

GloRilla’s “Rain Down on Me” isn’t just a song, some see faith compromised. Others see hope extended. Either way, GloRilla just changed the game.

GloRilla Goes Gospel: Why Her Kirk Franklin Collab Is Causing a Ruckusglorilla-goes-gospel-why-her-kirk-franklin-collab-is-causing-a-ruckusLienor KatasAug 11, 2025When Memphis rapper GloRilla's October 2024 debut album Glorious, one track left everyone talking; "Rain Down on Me," featuring gospel heavyweights Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra...