Kirk Franklin Partners with Relaunched Uptown Records
Kirk Franklin has signed with Uptown Records in a partnership involving his Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and TRIBL Music Group. The 20-time Grammy winner will release a music video for his single 'Thank You for Everything' featuring Karen Clark Sheard. Uptown's roster includes Yung Miami and G Herbo.
The announcement, made on Monday, formalizes a collaboration between Franklin's Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and TRIBL Music Group with the newly revived Uptown label. The deal coincides with the release of a fresh music video for his single "Thank You for Everything," which features vocalist Karen Clark Sheard.
Beyond Franklin, the relaunched Uptown imprint currently lists a diverse roster including rappers Yung Miami, G Herbo, and Trap Dickey, alongside 9B Meechie and producer ATL Jacob. The partnership was jointly announced by the companies, with several executives pictured alongside Franklin.
This cross-genre alliance could broaden gospel music's reach within mainstream hip-hop and R&B circles. By pairing a legendary gospel figure with a revived urban label, the partnership may expose Franklin's audience to new listeners while bringing spiritual themes to a secular platform. It could also signal a strategic move for Uptown to diversify its commercial appeal, potentially influencing how other legacy labels integrate faith-based artists into their rosters.