Kirk Franklin has never eaten lemon pepper wings in 25 years of avoiding soul food

Kirk Franklin, a gospel musician with a career spanning more than three decades, has abstained from fried foods, fast food, soda, and traditional soul food for approximately 25 years. The 56-year-old artist disclosed these habits during an appearance on Kandi Burruss’ Speak On It podcast. He stated that he has never consumed a lemon pepper chicken wing, a staple of Southern cuisine, in his lifetime.

Franklin explained that his dietary choices are part of his everyday routine. He described himself as having an extreme personality, which drives his approach to food and structure. The artist mentioned that he occasionally allows himself exceptions, or cheat days, where he might eat a hamburger or French fries. He estimated that he consumes French fries only twice a year. Franklin also noted that he has maintained this lifestyle for decades, distinguishing it from temporary dieting.

During the conversation, Kandi Burruss expressed surprise at Franklin's avoidance of lemon pepper wings. She suggested that while she could give up certain foods for a few months, making it a permanent decision was a different matter. Franklin joked that listeners might want to revoke his Black card for not eating soul food. He acknowledged the cultural weight of these foods, noting that they represent family gatherings, celebrations, and memories. However, he maintained that cultural traditions do not have to dictate every individual's personal diet.

Franklin discussed his personal experiences with OCD and ADHD while describing his disciplined approach to eating. He clarified that these conditions provide context for his personality but do not necessarily determine his eating habits. He emphasized that he has found a routine he prefers and has stuck with it for years. The interview also touched on his musical influences, where he named Andraé Crouch, Thomas Whitfield, John P. Kee, and Walter Hawkins as his personal Mount Rushmore of gospel music.

The artist highlighted the influence of Michael Jackson on his creative process. Franklin told Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson that his recording studio serves as a tribute to the King of Pop. This connection is further solidified by Andraé Crouch, one of Franklin's primary influences, who worked on several Michael Jackson recordings, including Man in the Mirror and Will You Be There. Franklin's career, which began with Kirk Franklin and the Family in the 1990s, has blended traditional gospel with contemporary production, incorporating elements of R&B, hip-hop, and pop.

His songs, such as Stomp, Revolution, and Imagine Me, helped introduce his sound to audiences beyond traditional gospel radio. Initially, some listeners questioned his musical approach, but he became one of the most recognizable crossover artists in the genre. His ability to maintain consistency in both his musical output and personal habits has been a defining feature of his career. The revelation about his diet has sparked conversation among fans about the balance between personal preference and cultural tradition.

Franklin's comments reflect a long-term commitment to a specific lifestyle. He has avoided the foods many people enjoy at family gatherings and cookouts for a quarter-century. While some view his discipline with respect, others find the exclusion of iconic dishes like fried chicken and lemon pepper wings surprising. The artist continues to perform and record, maintaining the blend of traditional and contemporary styles that defined his early career.

His dietary choices remain a personal decision rather than a universal prescription. He has noted that nutrition is complex, involving portion sizes, preparation methods, and individual health needs. Franklin's routine illustrates how long-term consistency can shape an individual's lifestyle. He remains active in the music industry, continuing to release work that reflects his diverse musical influences and personal dedication.