September 9, 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
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.”
Kirk Franklin 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.
I would love to see Kirk develop artists on Fo Yo Soul instead of these partnerships.