Kingdom Book One is a collaborative live album by Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin. The album was released on June 17, 2022, via Tribl Records, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and RCA Inspiration.[1] The album features appearances by Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, Brandon Lake, Lizzie Morgan, Dante Bowe (in his last appearance before his dismissal from the group later that year), Maryanne J. George, and Ryan Ofei.[2] The album serves to raise awareness on the injustice of mass incarceration.[3] The deluxe edition of the album was released on July 22, 2022.[4]
| Kingdom Book One | ||||
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| Live album by | ||||
| Released | June 17, 2022 | |||
| Recorded | March 2022 | |||
| Venue | Everglades Correctional Institution, Miami-Dade, Florida, US | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 93:17 | |||
| Label |
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| Producer |
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| Maverick City Music chronology | ||||
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| Kirk Franklin chronology | ||||
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The album was supported by the release of "Kingdom" and "Bless Me" as promotional singles. "Kingdom" peaked at number 17 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart, and number six on the Hot Gospel Songs chart. "Bless Me" peaked at number 19 on the Hot Christian Songs chart, and number eight on the Hot Gospel Songs chart. To promote the album, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin will embark on the Kingdom Tour, which is set to span cities across the United States.[5]
Kingdom Book One debuted at number two on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart and the Top Gospel Albums chart in the United States, and at number five on the Official Charts' Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart in the United Kingdom. The album received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album at the 2023 Grammy Awards.[6]
Background
editIn March 2022, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin announced that they will be embarking on the Kingdom Tour, with a collaboration album titled Kingdom initially set to be released by the artists following the conclusion of the tour.[7] On May 20, 2022, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin announced that they will release a collaborative album titled Kingdom Book One on June 17, 2022.[8]
The artists recorded the album at the Everglades Correctional Institution in Miami-Dade, Florida, with 1,300 inmates participating in the recording of the album.[9] The recording serves to spotlight the injustices around mass incarceration.[10] Maverick City Music founder Tony Brown asserted that this is an issue which primarily affects black and brown people and that issues affecting these communities would take precedence in their music as the group matures in their artistry.[11] Brown shared that he hoped the album would encourage people to proactively address it in ways such as donating to organizations fighting mass incarceration and volunteering in adversely affected communities.[12]
On July 18, 2022, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin announced that they will be releasing the deluxe edition of Kingdom Book One on July 22.[13] The deluxe edition of the album features nine new songs that were recorded while they were on tour.[14]
Release and promotion
editPromotional singles
editOn May 20, 2022, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin released "Kingdom" featuring Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore as the first promotional single from the album, accompanied with its music video, while concurrently availing the album for digital pre-order.[15] "Kingdom" peaked at number 17 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart,[16] and number six on the Hot Gospel Songs chart.[17]
On June 3, 2022, "Bless Me" was released by Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin as the second promotional single from the album, accompanied with its music video.[18] "Bless Me" peaked at number 19 on the Hot Christian Songs chart,[16] and number eight on the Hot Gospel Songs chart.[17]
On July 15, 2022, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin released "Exodus" and "The Name" featuring Brandon Lake and Maryanne J. George as promotional singles from Kingdom Book One (Deluxe), concurrently availing the album for digital pre-order.[19]
Other songs
editOn June 17, 2022, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin released the music video of "Fear Is Not My Future" featuring Brandon Lake and Chandler Moore, filmed at Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.[20] The music video's release is in remembrance of the Charleston church shooting which occurred at the church seven years prior on June 17, 2015.[20] "Fear Is Not My Future" peaked at number 26 on the Hot Christian Songs chart,[16] and number 11 on the Hot Gospel Songs chart.[17]
On June 29, 2022, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin released the music video of "The One You Love" featuring Brandon Lake, Dante Bowe and Chandler Moore, filmed at Everglades Correctional Institution in Miami-Dade, Florida.[21]
On July 12, 2022, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin released the music video of "Why We Sing" featuring Brandon Lake, filmed at Everglades Correctional Institution in Miami-Dade, Florida.[22]
Performances
editOn June 20, 2022, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin performed "Kingdom" on The View in commemoration of Juneteenth.[23] The performance, which featured Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, and Brandon Lake, was aired on ABC.[24] On June 23, 2022, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin performed "Kingdom" on their Tiny Desk Concert performance as part of NPR Music's commemoration of Black Music Month.[25] On June 26, 2022, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin did a live televised performance of "Kingdom" and "Melodies From Heaven" at the 2022 BET Awards.[26] On July 6, 2022, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin performed "Kingdom" on NBC's Today Show.[27] On July 15, 2022, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin performed "Kingdom" on Fox & Friends as part of the All-American Summer Concert Series at Fox Square.[28] On August 30, 2022, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin released a live performance video of "Bless Me" filmed at Vevo Studio through Kirk Franklin's YouTube channel.[29]
Touring
editOn March 11, 2022, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin announced that they will embark on the Kingdom Tour.[30] The tour featured Jonathan McReynolds and Housefires accompanying them as special guests.[31] The tour commenced at FTX Arena in Miami on June 1, 2022, and concluded at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, Illinois on August 7, 2022.[32] The final four performances on the tour were called "Kingdom Nights" and featured Tamela Mann as a special guest.[33]
On September 1, 2022, Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin announced a 14-date extension of the Kingdom Tour.[34] The new tour extension began on November 3, 2022, at the Barclays Center in New York City, and concluded on November 22, 2022, at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas.[35]
Reception
editCritical response
edit| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| 365 Days of Inspiring Media | 5/5[36] |
| The Journal of Gospel Music |  [37] |
In a positive review for the Journal of Gospel Music, Robert Marovich said "The act of remembrance implicit in singing Kirk Franklin catalog songs is the troupe's way of reminding listeners that the inmates, like the songs, must not be forgotten."[37] Joshua Andre in his 365 Days of Inspiring Media review opined that "as a whole, this is a near-flawless, powerful, and well-constructed album, with the concept of going into the prisons and recording live in the prisons, being inspiring, impacting, confronting, and encouraging. Kingdom Book One isn't a sanitised album. But it doesn't have to be. Maverick City Music's goal is to win souls for Jesus- and I think they might have done that with this release. A stellar album and a project that will be timeless, Kirk needs to be congratulated, as do everyone else involved."[36] Reviewing for Others Magazine, Jared Proellocks wrote: "This is not necessarily an album of songs to be replicated in a congregational worship setting but a vulnerable declaration of praise and love to God."[38]
Accolades
edit| Year | Organization | Award | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Grammy Awards | Best Gospel Album | Won | |
| NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album | |||
| GMA Dove Awards | Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year | Pending |
Commercial performance
editKingdom Book One debuted at number 151 on the Billboard 200, including number 2 on the Top Christian Albums[42] and Top Gospel Albums charts[43] with 8,000 album-equivalent units.[44]
In the UK, the album debuted on the OCC's Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart at number 5.[45]
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Kingdom" (featuring Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore) |
| 9:26 |
| 2. | "Fear Is Not My Future" (featuring Brandon Lake and Chandler Moore) |
| 10:25 |
| 3. | "Bless Me" | Franklin | 4:32 |
| 4. | "Jealous" (featuring Chandler Moore and Lizzie Morgan) |
| 14:51 |
| 5. | "Talkin Bout (Love)" (featuring Chandler Moore and Lizzie Morgan) |
| 6:03 |
| 6. | "The One You Love" (featuring Brandon Lake, Dante Bowe, Chandler Moore) |
| 10:47 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "My Life Is in Your Hands" (featuring Chandler Moore) | Franklin | 7:01 |
| 2. | "Melodies From Heaven" (featuring Chandler Moore and Maryanne J. George) | Franklin | 3:22 |
| 3. | "I Smile" (featuring Lizzie Morgan) |
| 3:30 |
| 4. | "Why We Sing" (featuring Brandon Lake) | Franklin | 3:45 |
| 5. | "Take Me Back" (featuring Dante Bowe, Chandler Moore, Ryan Ofei) |
| 19:34 |
| Total length: | 93:17 | ||
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 12. | "Kingdom" (featuring Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore) | 9:26 |
| 13. | "Fear Is Not My Future" (featuring Brandon Lake and Chandler Moore) | 17:40 |
| 14. | "Bless Me" | 4:34 |
| 15. | "Jealous" (featuring Chandler Moore and Lizzie Morgan) | 14:52 |
| 16. | "Talkin Bout (Love)" (featuring Chandler Moore and Lizzie Morgan) | 6:06 |
| 17. | "The One You Love" (featuring Brandon Lake, Dante Bowe, Chandler Moore) | 10:45 |
| 18. | "My Life Is in Your Hands" (featuring Chandler Moore) | 7:00 |
| 19. | "Melodies From Heaven" (featuring Chandler Moore and Maryanne J. George) | 3:20 |
| 20. | "I Smile" (featuring Lizzie Morgan) | 3:23 |
| 21. | "Why We Sing" (featuring Brandon Lake) | 3:41 |
| 22. | "Take Me Back" (featuring Dante Bowe, Chandler Moore, Ryan Ofei) | 19:31 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Kingdom Book One Interlude" | Kirk Franklin | 1:00 |
| 2. | "Kingdom" (featuring Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore) | 9:26 | |
| 3. | "Fear Is Not My Future" (featuring Brandon Lake and Chandler Moore) | 10:25 | |
| 4. | "Bless Me" | 4:32 | |
| 5. | "Jealous" (featuring Chandler Moore and Lizzie Morgan) | 14:51 | |
| 6. | "Talkin Bout (Love)" (featuring Chandler Moore and Lizzie Morgan) | 6:03 | |
| 7. | "The One You Love" (featuring Brandon Lake, Dante Bowe, Chandler Moore) | 10:47 | |
| 8. | "My Life Is in Your Hands" (featuring Chandler Moore) | 7:01 | |
| 9. | "Melodies From Heaven" (featuring Chandler Moore and Maryanne J. George) | 3:22 | |
| 10. | "I Smile" (featuring Lizzie Morgan) | 3:30 | |
| 11. | "Why We Sing" (featuring Brandon Lake) | 3:45 | |
| 12. | "Take Me Back" (featuring Dante Bowe, Chandler Moore, Ryan Ofei) | 19:34 | |
| 13. | "Kingdom Book Two Interlude" | Franklin | 0:59 |
| 14. | "Exodus" |
| 3:01 |
| 15. | "I Am" | Franklin | 2:17 |
| 16. | "The Name" (featuring Brandon Lake and Maryanne J. George) | Franklin | 5:08 |
| 17. | "Hold Tight" (featuring Ryan Ellis & Lizzie Morgan) |
| 3:51 |
| 18. | "Conclusions" | Franklin | 4:33 |
| 19. | "God's Got Us" (featuring Chandler Moore) | Franklin | 4:29 |
| 20. | "I Found You" (featuring Chandler Moore and Aaron Moses) |
| 3:34 |
| 21. | "Under the Blood" (featuring Brandon Lake and Chandler Moore) |
| 5:14 |
| 22. | "Can't Nobody" (featuring Ryan Ofei and Maryanne J. George) |
| 5:12 |
| Total length: | 132:35 | ||
Charts
edit
Weekly chartsedit
|
Year-end chartsedit
|
Release history
edit| Region | Date | Version | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | June 17, 2022 | Standard |
|
||
| July 1, 2022 | CD | Provident Label Group | |||
| July 22, 2022 | Deluxe |
|
|
References
edit- ^ Cluver, Ross (June 17, 2022). "Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin Release 'Kingdom Book One' | CCM Magazine". CCM Magazine. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
- ^ Harper, Blessing (May 21, 2022). "Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin Record New Album at a Florida Prison : News : JubileeCast". JubileeCast. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
- ^ Clarks, Jessie (June 17, 2022). "Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin Aiming To Raise Awareness Of Plight Of Mass Incarceration With 'Kingdom Book 1' - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
- ^ Clarks, Jessie (July 23, 2022). "Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin's 'Kingdom Book One Deluxe' Out Now - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
- ^ "JFH News: Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin Announce The 'KINGDOM' TOUR". Jesus Freak Hideout. March 11, 2022. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
- ^ Longs, Herb (November 15, 2022). "Nominations For 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards Unveiled Including CCM & Gospel Categories - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ Farthing, Lydia (March 16, 2022). "Maverick City Music, Kirk Franklin To Embark On The 'Kingdom' Arena Tour - MusicRow.com". Music Row. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
- ^ "JFH News: Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin Collaborate on 11-Track Album Out June 17". Jesus Freak Hideout. May 20, 2022. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
- ^ "Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin to Release 'Kingdom Book 1' June 17 | The Fish Nashville - Nashville, TN". The Fish Nashville. May 20, 2022. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
- ^ Young, Abby (May 20, 2022). "Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin Collaborate On 11-Track Album Out June 17 | Freeccm.com". FreeCCM. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
- ^ "Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin Collaborate on 11-Track 'Kingdom Book 1,' out Friday, June 17 via Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul / RCA Inspiration | Shore Fire Media". Shore Fire Media. May 20, 2022. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
- ^ "Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin Collaborate on 11 Track Album "KINGDOM Book 1" - ENSPIRE Magazine". Enspire Magazine. May 24, 2022. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
- ^ Longs, Herb (July 18, 2022). "Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin 'Kingdom Book One (Deluxe Album)' Coming July 22 - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
- ^ "Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin's Kingdom Book One Deluxe Album Available Digitally on July 22 via Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul Entertainment / RCA Inspiration | Shore Fire Media". Shore Fire Media. July 18, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
- ^ Cluver, Ross (May 20, 2022). "Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin to Release 'Kingdom Book 1' June 17 | CCM Magazine". CCM Magazine. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
- ^ a b c "Maverick City Music". Billboard. Hot Christian Songs Chart History. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
- ^ a b c "Maverick City Music". Billboard. Hot Gospel Songs Chart History. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
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- ^ Cluver, Ross (July 18, 2022). "Mav City & Kirk Franklin 'Kingdom Book One Deluxe' to Drop July 22 | CCM Magazine". CCM Magazine. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
- ^ a b Longs, Herb (June 17, 2022). "Mav City x Kirk Franklin Mark 7th Anniversary Of Mother Emmanuel Tragedy With "Fear Is Not My Future" - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
- ^ Clarks, Jessie (June 29, 2022). "Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin "The One You Love" Music Video - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
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- ^ Morris, Andrea (June 22, 2022). "Christian Artists Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music Bring Spirit-Filled Juneteenth Performance to 'The View' | CBN News". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
- ^ Mohamed, Suraya (June 23, 2022). "Maverick City Music: Tiny Desk Concert : NPR". NPR Music. Retrieved June 23, 2022.
- ^ Dailey, Hannah (June 27, 2022). "2022 BET Awards: Watch the Performances – Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
- ^ Longs, Herb (July 7, 2022). "Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin Perform "Kingdom" On 'TODAY' Show - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
- ^ Comins, Joshua (July 15, 2022). "Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin drop new Christian music album recorded from Florida prison | Fox News". Fox News. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
- ^ Clarks, Jessie (August 30, 2022). "Kirk Franklin & Maverick City Music "Bless Me" Live From Vevo Studio - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
- ^ "Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin Announce Summer Tour". NewReleaseToday. March 11, 2022. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
- ^ Cluver, Ross (March 14, 2022). "Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin Announce 2022 'Kingdom Tour' | CCM Magazine". CCM Magazine. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
- ^ Clarks, Jessie (May 20, 2022). "Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin Collaborate On 'Kingdom Book 1' Out June 17 - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved May 29, 2022.
- ^ Harper, Blessing (June 17, 2022). "Maverick City Music Release Their New Album with Kirk Franklin & Announce Tour Dates : News : JubileeCast". JubileeCast. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
- ^ Cluver, Ross (September 1, 2022). "Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin 'KINGDOM Tour' Extended | CCM Magazine". CCM Magazine. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
- ^ Clarks, Jessie (September 1, 2022). "Maverick City x Kirk Franklin Extend Record-Breaking Kingdom Tour - TCB". The Christian Beat. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
- ^ a b Andre, Joshua (July 10, 2022). "Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin – Kingdom Book One | 365 Days of Inspiring Media". 365 Days of Inspiring Media. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
- ^ a b Marovich, Robert (June 30, 2022). "Maverick City x Kirk Franklin - Kingdom Book One - The Journal of Gospel Music". The Journal of Gospel Music. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
- ^ Proellocks, Jared (August 27, 2022). "Music Review: Kingdom Book One by Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin | Others Magazine". Others Magazine. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
- ^ Atkinson, Katie (November 15, 2022). "Grammy Nominations 2023: The Full List – Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved November 26, 2022.
- ^ Abraham, Mya (January 12, 2023). "2023 NAACP Image Awards Nominees Announced: See Full List – VIBE.com". Vibe. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
- ^ "2023 Nominees". GMA Dove Awards. August 9, 2023. Archived from the original on August 12, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
- ^ "Top Christian Albums – Billboard". Billboard. June 28, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
- ^ "Top Gospel Albums – Billboard". Billboard. June 28, 2022. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
- ^ Asker, Jim (June 29, 2022). "Maverick City Music, Kirk Franklin Collab Debuts on Christian, Gospel Charts – Billboard". Billboard. Retrieved July 17, 2022.
- ^ a b "Official Christian & Gospel Albums Chart Top 20 | Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company. June 29, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
- ^ a b "Kingdom Book One by Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin on Apple Music". Apple Music. United States. June 17, 2022. Retrieved June 18, 2022.
- ^ "Maverick City Music Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
- ^ "Maverick City Music Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
- ^ "Maverick City Music Chart History (Top Gospel Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
- ^ "Top Christian Albums – Billboard". Billboard. Year-End Chart. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
- ^ "Top Gospel Albums – Billboard". Billboard. Year-End Chart. Retrieved December 4, 2022.
- ^ "Top Christian Albums – Billboard". Billboard. Year-End Chart. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
- ^ "Top Gospel Albums – Billboard". Billboard. Year-End Chart. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
- ^ "Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin - Kingdom Book One - Amazon.com Music". Amazon.com. United States. July 1, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
- ^ "Kingdom Book One (Deluxe) by Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin on Apple Music". Apple Music. United States. July 22, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022.