Singles tease upcoming ‘Black Panther’ album release

By Amanda Bazil

The most epic superhero movie of the year seems like it’s going to have an even more spectacular album to match. It’s packed with many of the best rappers in the game to date: 2 Chainz, Future, Vince Staples, Anderson .Paak, Sacramento Spitter Mozzy and Vallejo, Calif. crew SOB x RBE, ScHoolboy Q., Khalid, Swae Lee, Jorja Smith, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock and Zacari.

The pre-release revealed the three songs that shed insight into just how lit the album will be:

1. Kendrick Lamar- “All the Stars” (ft. SZA)

The first single, which dropped Jan. 4, features a collaboration with Kendrick Lamar and SZA to create an airy sound that embodies the struggling spirit of love.  

Produced by Al Shux and Sounwave, the track begins with a slow, pulsing tempo in which Kendrick’s ghostly vocals linger over. SZA then rips through into the chorus, her voice taking on heights that bring you along for the ride. Her unique and sensual style truly shines here. Bringing it back to Kendrick, the rapper’s usual poetic style unfolds, and then transitions back to his daunting yet alluring sound. The rapper and singer’s contrasting natures in the song magically compliments each other; Kendrick’s slight angst and wanting to know what his love wants and where his love stands supports SZA’s hopes for a future with her beloved. The drumming continues to ensue, and then SZA erupts back into the chorus, beautifully dramatic and powerful, until the two clashing sounds intertwine into melodic bliss.

2. Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Future, and James Blake – “King’s Dead”

Out of the three prereleases, this one’s probably the most radical and is bound to get you hyped.

Producers Teddy Walton and Mike WiLL Made-It were sure to add a beat so intense you can only imagine the kind of scene it was chosen for. Although every verse slightly differs depending on the rapper and his style, each verse carries the same kind of attitude that is proudly unapologetic. Kendrick begins and not only side steps any disrespect, but dishes back his own, reminding you that you’re not ready for what’s coming, but it’s coming anyway.

This energy is present all throughout the remainder of the track, only to be amplified by Jay Rock and Future. Towards the end a complete change in tempo simmers down the pace and Kendrick unleashes a verbal attack absent of even a moment to breathe. He even gives a shout out to King Killmonger, a valuable character you’ll soon learn about in black panther if you did not know already.  

3. The Weeknd- Pray for Me (ft. Kendrick Lamar)

If a single sentence can sum up the meaning of this song, it’d be this: a resurgence of life, but at a cost that might require sacrifice.

Although that might’ve sounded a bit melancholic, as The Weekend begins to sing, the tempo begins to rise, and determination seeps through as instruments blare into the chorus. This is a song of triumph and might easily serve as the song that plays when you think that the end is near but end up surprised when an unexpected turnout makes its way through. Kendrick’s bars explain the pain that can engulf the single soul and the souls of many and finishes off by saying what must be done.

Perfectly fitted for a marvel movie, it’s all so sad, yet heroic.