Boldly embracing hip-hop and R&B, Kirk Franklin infuses urban gospel with street-savvy sensibility. A marriage of classic choir voices and high-energy funk, the 2005 hit “Looking for You” is ecstatic proof of his ability to unite church and dance floor, while the lush ballad “Lean On Me,” which spotlights the soulful vocals of Bono and Mary J. Blige, audaciously blends sacred messaging with secular pop. Franklin's arrangements reach for the skies, yet the fan favorite “He Will Take the Pain Away" reveals his humble spirituality and deep love for simple praise music.