Franklin: The Soulful Voice of Modern R&B

Franklin is a dynamic R&B singer and songwriter who emerged from Atlanta's vibrant music scene. His blend of contemporary soul and hip-hop-infused rhythms has earned him a dedicated following and notable chart success.

Early career

Born in 1992 in Atlanta, Georgia, Franklin began singing in church choirs before honing his craft through local open mic nights. His self-released 2015 mixtape, Urban Echoes, caught the attention of several independent labels, leading to a development deal with Solstice Records in 2016.

Breakthrough

Franklin's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with his debut studio album, Midnight Drive, released through Solstice/Atlantic. The album's lead single, "Faded Blue," climbed to number 12 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and was certified gold, selling over 500,000 units.

Key tracks

Faded Blue — This gold-certified single defined his early sound and secured his first major radio play.

Second Chances — A collaboration with producer Cardiak that showcased his nuanced songwriting and emotional depth.

Neon Signs — This track from his second album highlighted a grittier, more experimental production style.

Hold On (feat. Ari Lennox) — A celebrated duet that expanded his audience within the soul and neo-soul communities.

Building on this momentum, Franklin's 2021 sophomore album, City Lights, debuted at number 7 on the Billboard 200. The project featured collaborations with artists like Smino and focused on themes of urban life and personal growth, solidifying his place in the modern R&B landscape.

For fans of Franklin's smooth yet textured approach to R&B, several artists share a similar sonic palette. SiR offers a comparable blend of laid-back vocals and introspective lyrics. Leon Bridges merges classic soul influences with modern production in a parallel manner. 6LACK explores similar moods of melodic hip-hop and contemporary R&B. Lucky Daye pushes the boundaries of the genre with a parallel level of vocal artistry and inventive arrangements.

Franklin's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on urban adult contemporary and modern soul stations. His hits are staples on R&B-focused FM stations and are frequently featured on online radio streams dedicated to independent and emerging soul talent.

Listeners can explore the soulful catalog of Franklin on the radio stations featured here. Tune in to discover his music through the various R&B and soul stations available on onairium.com.