This project is as close as it gets to having a true, bona fide masterpiece. The artistic genius of Kirk Franklin weaves through each of the 17 songs included on this gem. The title of this project, The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin, says it all. Musically speaking, he has been born again. The project effectively mixes live tracks recorded in Houston, TX, in early 2001, with some stellar studio tracks. Many naysayers have unjustly criticized Franklin for departing the successful formula of this self-titled debut project, which included the mega-hit "Why We Sing." Well, in that regards, he has returned to the traditional/contemporary-flavored mix of his early work, only with a more progressive feel. Franklin has never been noted or recognized for his singing ability, a fact that he readily recognizes, sticking ever closely to his spoken-word rap. He relies on his talented background vocalist, along with the all-star list of special guests, to take care of the vocal chores. Featured throughout are such artists as Donnie McClurkin, Crystal Lewis, Jackie Velazquez, Shirley Caesar, Richard Smallwood, the late Willie Neal Johnson, Yolanda Adams, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, among others, with the latter joining Franklin on the track "911." There is also a hidden bonus track entitled "J Train," featuring Franklin and DC Talk's Tobymac. The true brilliance of Kirk Franklin shines again. ~ Tim A. Smith, All Music Guide
Willie Neal Johnson (Performer), Richard Smallwood (Piano), Grant Green (Assistant Engineer), John Gray (Vocals (Background)), Eric Darken (Percussion), Crystal Lewis (Performer), Yolanda Adams (Performer), Papa San (Performer), Mark Baldwin (Guitar (Acoustic)), Mark Baldwin (Guitar (Electric)), Terry Baker (Drums), Lloyd Barry (Horn Arrangements), Lloyd Barry (String Arrangements), Kirk Franklin (Producer), Kirk Franklin (Main Performer), Kirk Franklin (Executive Producer), Carl Gorodetzky (String Conductor), Michael Hanson (Engineer), Sanchez Harley (Producer), Sanchez Harley (Assistant Engineer), Jim Horn (Sax (Alto)), Jim Horn (Sax (Baritone)), David Huntsinger (Piano), John Jaszcz (Mixing), Brent King (Engineer), Donnie McClurkin (Performer), Chris McDonald (Trombone), Chris McDonald (String Arrangements), Mark Nevers (Engineer), Herb Powers (Mastering), Michelle Robinson (Vocals), Doug Sarrett (Engineer), Keith Taylor (Bass), Alvin Slaughter (Performer), Tamela Mann (Vocals (Background)), Bobby Sparks (Arranger), Bobby Sparks (Keyboards), Bobby Sparks (Organ (Hammond)), Bobby Sparks (Producer), Bobby Sparks (Assistant Producer), Eric Dawkins (Vocals (Background)), Michael Robinson (Piano), Jaci Velasquez (Performer), Vinnie Ciesielski (Trumpet), M. Robinson (Arranger), Mario Castellanos (Photography), Dexter Simmons (Mixing), Dan Wilburn (Engineer), Chris Godbey (Producer), Chris Godbey (Engineer), Chris Godbey (Digital Editing), Chris Godbey (Assistant Engineer), Chris Godbey (Mixing), Chris Godbey (Assistant Producer), Vicki Mack Lataillade (Executive Producer), Vicki Mack Lataillade (Project Coordinator), Todd Parsnow (Guitar (Acoustic)), Todd Parsnow (Guitar), Monica Bacon (Project Coordinator), Myron Butler (Arranger), Myron Butler (Vocals), Myron Butler (Vocals (Background)), Shaun Martin (Arranger), Shaun Martin (Keyboards), Shanika Leeks (Arranger), Shanika Leeks (Vocals), Claude Lataillade (Executive Producer), Wendy Jones (Art Direction), Joyce Hill (Vocals), Angel Taylor (Vocals (Background)), Gerald Wright (Production Coordination), Quintin Ware (Trumpet), Hal Fitzgerald (Engineer), Jana Bell (Vocals), Diana Gray (Production Assistant), Ashley Guilbert (Vocals), Ashley Guilbert (Vocals (Background)), Jessie Hurst (Executive Producer), Jessie Hurst (Production Coordination), Jessie Hurst (Project Coordinator), Sheila Ingram (Vocals), Brandon Kizer (Vocals), Frank Lawson (Vocals), Candy West (Vocals), Candy West (Vocals (Background)), Joy Willis (Vocals), Timothy Powell (Engineer), Daphanie Wright (Vocals), Donald Wright (Vocals), tobyMac (Performer), Nathan Young (Vocals), Reed Hall (Media Consultant), Robinson, Donna (Photography), Faith Anderson (Vocals)
