An introspective Kirk Franklin is no longer apologizing with 'I Am What I Am' album

NEW YORK (AP) — Gospel legend Kirk Franklin is getting tired of defending his musical decisions.He isn’t apologetic for praying with Chris Brown and Usher before a recent concert, a moment that drew social media criticism.He isn’t sorry for teaming up with GloRilla for his 14th studio album, “I Am What I Am," despite the explicit content of her music catalog.What Franklin is is a 56-year-old, 20-time Grammy winner who overcame a tumultuous childhood after being adopted at 4 to achieve a rarefied fame in music and collaborate with a mix of artists — whether they’re associated with piety or not.“Why do you think historically there’s always this challenge with what I do and who I am?” asked Franklin, questioning what he describes as an elitist, holier-than-thou attitude among some gospel music fans. “It's far beyond my understanding.”Franklin says his decision to pray for Usher and Brown, R&B megastars known for their sexually charged music and performances, was a simple one: because they