Kirk Franklin Defends His Friendship With Kanye West: ‘He Is My Brother’

Kanye West’s new album, The Life of Pablo, has rubbed people the wrong way -- particularly outside of the secular community. Gospel star Kirk Franklin is a contributor on the project and some Christians feel that it wasn’t a good look for him. Franklin, however, disagrees.

On Sunday (Feb. 14), Franklin went on his Instagram page to defend his friendship with Yeezy and his appearance on the TLOP track, “Ultra Light Beam.” The pair performed the spiritual song on Saturday Night Live over the weekend along with Kelly Price, The-Dream and a gospel choir.

"Kanye is not me. I am not him. He is my brother I am proud to do life with," he said. He later added, "I will not turn my back on my brother. I will love him, prayerfully grow with him. However long he'll have me, and however long the race takes."

"To a lot of my Christian family, I'm sorry he's not good enough, Christian enough, or running at your pace," he continued. "And as I read some of your comments, neither am I. That won't stop me from running. Pray we win."

Although West's content on TLOP is a little abrasive, the mercurial rapper-producer always had a spiritual bent to him; beginning with his Grammy-winning 2005 single, "Jesus Walks," and now with "Ultra Light Beams" and "Father Stretch My Hands" on TLOP.

As the good book says, "let he who hath no sin cast the first stone." We are all imperfect -- not even Kirk or Kanye -- so let the brothers create G.O.O.D. music for the masses.

What do you think? Is Kirk Franklin wrong for collaborating with Kanye West? Tell us in the comments below.