UPTOWN RECORDS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH MULTI-GRAMMY� AWARD-WINNING ICON KIRK FRANKLIN
RELEASES MUSIC VIDEO “THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING”
Brandon Amie, Ron Hill, Natina Nimene, Kirk Franklin, Danielle Price Sanders, Phil Thornton
NEWS SOURCE: Cr8 Agency
September 8, 2026
September 8, 2026 — Uptown Records has entered into a partnership with 20x-GRAMMY� Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, and music icon Kirk Franklin in conjunction with Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and TRIBL Music Group — as announced today. The partnership further accelerates the momentum behind the legendary label’s return and ongoing resurgence as Uptown marks its 40th anniversary.
To celebrate the news, Kirk Franklin unveiled the music video for his latest single “Thank You For Everything” featuring gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard of the Clark Sisters. The video made its broadcast debut live on BET Her. Watch the “Thank You For Everything” music video HERE.
Uptown Executive and EVP Urban Audience & Artist Relations REPUBLIC Collective, Natina Nimene, commented on the partnership, “No one has shaped gospel and sustained its influence from one decade to the next quite like Kirk Franklin. His impact is transformational and we are honored that he has entrusted Uptown as his partner for this next chapter and the incredible body of work he has planned.”
Phil Thornton, EVP TRIBL Music Group/Insignia Assets added, “Kirk Franklin’s legacy and impact on music and culture are undeniable. At TRIBL, we’re proud to collaborate with Kirk, Fo Yo Soul and Uptown Records to celebrate that legacy while helping amplify the music and vision still ahead.”
KirkFranklin said, “To be a part of the Uptown family is a genuine honor. I feel energized by the entire team’s enthusiasm and support already. It’s a blessing, and I’m beyond thankful and excited for what the future holds. Let’s make history together!”
Stay tuned for more music soon!
Rooted in Uptown’s legendary legacy while focused on the future, the revitalized label is already making waves with releases and breakout moments from Yung Miami, G Herbo, Trap Dickey, rising artist 9B Meechie, and mega-producer ATL Jacob.
Among the label’s recent success stories, Yung Miami is entering a major new chapter as a solo artist. Her 2026 single “Spend Dat” has become a song of the summer, breakout hit, reaching the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and earning the No. 1 spot on both Rap Airplay and Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay. The track has also generated more than 3 million TikTok creations, reached No. 4 on the TikTok Viral 50, and helped drive more than 200 million total streams across Yung Miami’s music catalog.
With Yung Miami’s solo success adding to the momentum of Uptown’s growing roster, the label continues to build on its historic foundation while championing artists and creators who are shaping what’s next in music and culture.
ABOUT KIRK FRANKLIN
For more than three decades, Kirk Franklin has set the tempo for contemporary gospel music and culture with real reverence and raw truth. His voice, sound, and style have resonated with successive generations uplifted by an uncanny blend of gospel, R&B, soul, hip-hop, and pop. Along the way, he has earned a staggering 20 GRAMMY� Awards, generated billions of streams and views, picked up numerous platinum certifications, and released 21 albums. Moreover, he has amplified his sound and message through collaborating with everyone from Mariah Carey and Justin Timberlake to Chance the Rapper and Demi Lovato. 2023’s Father’s Day notched his 20th GRAMMY� win and housed the #1 hit “All Things. “ 2024 saw him headline the massive The Reunion Tour 2.0, which featured Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond, Clark Sisters, Marvin Sapp, and Kierra Sheard-Kelly. Among a myriad of accolades, his various honors include the Recording Academy‘s Black Music Icon award and the Ultimate IconBET Award. Focused on the next generation, he has shepherded and shared wisdom with rising talent in partnership with Camp Lotus. Most importantly, he gives back at every turn, supporting the likes of Compassion International and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, to name a few. Other ventures range from his own SiriusXM channel Kirk Franklin’s Praise to executive producing BET‘s Kingdom Business and Lifetime‘s Kirk Franklin’s A GospelChristmas. He also debuted his own original online series “Den Of Kings” to an enthusiastic audience in 2025. As always, a greater mission and message drive Kirk as he gives his life to God and inspires faith, resilience, and love with his artistry.
ABOUT UPTOWN RECORDS
Uptown Records is one of the most trusted and influential record companies in the history of hip-hop and R&B. Committed to the pursuit of quality, artist and entrepreneur Andre Harrell originally launched the New York label in 1986. During a banner first decade, its legendary roster consisted of generational artists such as Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, The Notorious B.I.G., Heavy D, and Guy (Teddy Riley), to name a few. Beyond selling tens of millions of units worldwide, its catalog has maintained a place in the zeitgeist by earning streams in the billions over the years. During the 40th anniversary it’s relaunched in 2026 by REPUBLIC Collective, upholding the same standards and mission for a dynamic and diverse stable of 21st century artists, including G Herbo, Yung Miami, ATL Jacob, Trap Dickey, Sunkis, and 9B Meechie, to name a few. Its next era of excellence is underway now.
ABOUT FO YO SOUL ENTERTAINMENT
Established in 2004 by multiple GRAMMY� and Stellar Award-winning artist, songwriter and producer Kirk Franklin, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, Inc. is a full-service entertainment company creating innovative, faith-centered music and content that inspires audiences and impacts culture. Fo Yo Soul has served as the label home for acclaimed Franklin albums including Losing My Religion, Long Live Love and Father’s Day. Through Fo Yo Soul, Franklin continues to blend gospel, R&B, hip-hop and contemporary sounds while expanding the reach of inspirational music and developing projects that connect faith, culture and audiences worldwide.
ABOUT TRIBL MUSIC GROUP
In the short time since its 2020 founding, TRIBL Music Group has revolutionized the Christian, Gospel, and Worship music marketplaces, disrupting the status quo and creating a diverse home for creatives everywhere. The ground-breaking company is home to the breakout collective Maverick City Music, Maverick City M�sica, Kirk Franklin, Travis Greene, Todd Galberth, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine, and more. Boasting billions of global streams and chart-topping radio successes, TRIBL has garnered a seemingly endless array of peer, industry, and consumer-based accolades, including multiple GRAMMY� Awards, BMI and ASCAP Awards, and a Billboard Music Award, an American Music Award, numerous Stellar Awards, and several Dove Award wins TRIBL Record is a division of Insignia Assets, LLC. Learn more at tribl.com.
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For more info on Kirk Franklin, visit the JFH Artists Database.
