Christians Shocked That GloRilla’s Explicit Rap Debut Features Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore

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Screengrab from YouTube / @theofficialGloRilla

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When “Glorious,” the debut album from secular rapper GloRilla, dropped on Friday (Oct. 11), some Christians were shocked to see a collaboration with gospel musicians. The song “Rain Down on Me”—which features Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Kierra Sheard, and Chandler Moore—is sandwiched between other tracks with explicit lyrics.

Some fans applauded the project, saying it could sow seeds of faith in listeners’ hearts. Others criticized the appearance of Christians working so closely with “sinners.” Franklin, Moore, and Maverick City previously faced backlash for collaborating with secular artists.

RELATED: ‘I’ll Do Better’—Kirk Franklin Tells Lecrae He’s Willing To Be Challenged About His Actions

GloRilla’s Rap Song Asks God To Rain Down Blessings

GloRilla, whose real name is Gloria Hallelujah Woods, goes by glorillapimp on social media. The 25-year-old native of Memphis, Tennessee, grew up a Christian home, sang in the church choir, and was homeschooled until high school.

On the “Tamron Hall Show” earlier this year, the rapper said she initially planned to become a gospel singer and that she and her mother pray for each other. “I always have to put God first in whatever I do,” said GloRilla, and not let “too much negativity get to me.”

Lyrics to “Rain Down on Me,” which features the gospel artists, ask God for protection from enemies plus a downpour of blessings. The first verse begins:

Feelin’ like I’m God’s favoritе,
and that’s the best feeling evеr.

Rain down on me, Father God,
I won’t use an umbrella. (Rain down on me.)

Forgive the ones who play with me,
apparently, they don’t know no better.

At times, I don’t know who to trust,
I randomly rebuke the devil.

It’s hard to talk about my blessings,
they be sayin’ I’m actin’ cocky.

Always and forever humble,
they just don’t wanna see me pop it.

Five feet and I’m praisin’ you
with every inch up in my body.

So I pray you watch my back,
along with those who say they got it.

Watch over my family, Lord,
and watch over all of my partners.

And even though he hate me, Lord,
watch over my baby father.

Watch over my haters,
they the ones that make me go the hardest.

I just want us all to win,
I just want us all to prosper.
Thank You, Lord.

In the bridge, GloRilla sings:

I know I’m a sinner, Lord,
and I know I might sin again.

So thank You for not givin’ up
and still givin’ me the strength to win.

Protect me from the evil
that I can’t see with my eyes.

And if it’s any blessing-blockers ’round me,
help me cut them ties. In Jesus’ name.

On another song, “Glo’s Prayer,” the rapper asks for God’s guidance about how to leave a man. “Prayin’ to the Lord to get this [expletive] off my mind,” she sings.

Fans React to Gospel Artists’ Collab With GloRilla

On social media, fans shared mixed reactions to Christian artists participating in an expletive-filled album. One wondered if it was a prank, while another wrote, “I dunno if this is what the Bible meant by being set apart.” Someone asked, “How is Maverick City on the same album as Sexxy Red? Like what are we doing?”

RELATED: Kirk Franklin and Chandler Moore Join Will Smith for Live Performance at the BET Awards

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Stephanie Martin
Stephanie Martin, a freelance writer and editor in Denver, has spent her entire 30-year journalism career in Christian publishing. She loves the Word and words, is a binge reader and grammar nut, and is fanatic (as her family can attest) about Jeopardy! and pro football.

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