Gospel Highlights

As a former entertainment industry executive, Nicole "Faithful" Franklin has enjoyed success working in the music, television and film industries. But after hitting a brick wall a decade ago, she rededicated her life to Christ, left the secular entertainment industry and returned to her gospel roots.

She got a deal with an indie label and recorded songs for her debut album. But, the project was never released. In September 2009, Franklin released her first gospel album, Taking It Back, on her own imprint, Living Waters Records. Check out the seven questions I asked her about the album and her career.

Why is your middle name Faithful?

My artist name is really Faithful but because of trademark issues I had to put my first and last names around it. I did not pick the name. The Lord gave me that name when I wasn't faithful. I was out in the world doing my thing and one night I was praying and the Lord showed me some things about my future. He told me my name would be Faithful. It was kinda like when He told Sarah she'd have a child. She laughed and I remember laughing. I was like what? I'm being so bad right now. I'm hoping you won't strike me down. I remember thinking are you kidding. But it stuck. It was one of those things but when I started stepping into what God has shown me he instantly reminded me of the name. God will show you where he is taking you.



Why did you name your debut album Taking It Back?

I was out in the world doing my thing and working in the industry. The Lord had shown me where he was taking me to and then He gave me that title. It was time for me to take back everything the enemy had stolen -- all the time, energy I had given to the world. He assured me that He was going to give me double.



As a songwriter, how did you select the songs for the album?

I didn't choose these songs. It was like the Lord was downloading these songs to me. I would be driving in my car or walk into my house and the Lord would give me these songs. I knew I was going to do an album. I did my first gospel album with producer Warryn Campbell. I was signed with him. He has Mary Mary on his label. I was with him for about five years but this is my first gospel release. My first album that I did with Warren was totally different. It was straight hip-hop. I rapped on every song. The Lord showed me that I was going to be doing praise and worship. I had never written praise and worship but when it was time to start doing it, it's not like I had to sit down and do it. It was like He was downloading the songs. Most of this album was written in about two weeks.



Was there a specific event or issue that made you realize that you had to leave the secular industry and return to your gospel roots?

No, it wasn't a specific thing. Unfortunately, I have one of those testimonies where I hit a brick wall. It was you either come in or this is it. I was called [into the] ministry when I was very young and I came in for a second [then] I backslid. So, I have a testimony where enough is enough. I hit a brick wall and I was like yes, Lord, yes.


What has been your greatest career reward so far?

There are so many. I would have to say I'm just really humble that God chose to use me. Just being able to win souls for the kingdom, I think that's been the greatest reward.


Any plans to tour?

Yes. I'm going to be on the Gospel School Tour this summer with Da Truth, Canton Jones and Kiki Sheard.


What would your fans be surprised to know about you?

I'm a big sports fanatic. I play a lot of sports. Basketball is my favorite. If it wasn't for music, I'd probably be in the WNBA.

On the Web: NicoleFaithfulFranklin.com