Kirk Franklin Calls Kanye West "One Of The Greatest Artists Of All Time"

BY Erika Marie 2.2K Views
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Kirk Franklin, Kanye West, Gospel
The music icon praised West while explaining why there should never be a Mt. Rushmore of Gospel.

There have been quite a few discussions about Mt. Rushmores of Music in recent months, but lists that haven't yet gone viral are those including gospel artists. According to Kirk Franklin, only one face should be on the Mt. Rushmore of Gospel, and we can all take a wild guess as to who that could be. While out and about, Franklin was stopped by fans and the paparazzi, and for a moment, a TMZ cameraman was able to field a few questions before the Grammy winner was pulled away.

TMZ wanted to know Franklin's thoughts about Kanye West entering and dominating the gospel arena. "Well, first of all, anybody can do gospel music," said Franklin encouragingly. "It's because gospel music is for any of God's children, man. And [if] anybody think that there's a monopoly on the gospel, that's a very arrogant mindset."

The paparazzo wanted to know if Kanye deserved placement on the Mt. Rushmore of Gospel because Franklin would certainly be on it. "I shouldn't be," he answered. "It shouldn't be no Mt. Rushmore of gospel music." The music icon was being rushed off by his team, but he squeezed in a few praises regarding West's efforts.

"I just think he's one of the greatest artists of all time," he added. "He's an incredible artist." Although his team was trying to get him into his awaiting vehicle, Franklin made sure to pose for pictures, shake hands, and answer questions. Check out the clip below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.