Music superstar Rihanna dropped the first of her two songs forBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreverprior to the film’s full soundtrack release, thus marking the end of a long hiatus for the Barbadian singer.
Marvel Studios and Rihanna herself had teased the track this past week, with the artist attendingBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever’sred carpet premiere in what’s quickly become the latest development in her career following news of her scheduled appearance as Super Bowl LVII’s main act.Wakanda Forever’sfirst trailers played a cover of Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry” by Nigerian artist Tems, as well as Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”, with the rapper being a natural fit after featuring prominently in the firstBlack Panther’ssoundtrack.
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Rihanna’s first contribution is titled “Lift Me Up”, her first song in six years after the release of her last album, 2016’sAnti, but with the impending drop of a second song forWakanda Forever, her fans will be pleased they’re getting a double Rihanna ballad dose. This lead single will be included in the movie’s official soundtrack album,Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - Music From and Inspired By, set to become available for sale on November 4, courtesy of Roc Nation Records/Def Jam Recordings/Hollywood Records. As for the song, it’s simply better to give it a proper listen.
Director Ryan Coogler praised Rihanna’s music for his film, saying it’s a perfect fit, especially since the singer gave birth this year to her and A$AP Rocky’s first child, as the theme of motherhood so clearly present in the lyrics is so important inWakanda Forever. The film’s soundtrack album was produced by Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson, Archie Davis and Dave Jordan, with Göransson’s accompanyingBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever - Original Scorecoming out on the same day the movie premieres globally.
Thanks to early impressions ofWakanda Forever, it’s become known that Rihanna’s two songs will play when the movie’s credits start to roll, which include only one mid-credits scene for MCU die-hards, and “Lift Me Up” sounds like the perfect coda. Fantasticmusic was a key inBlack Panther’ssuccessas both Kendrick Lamar’s curated album and Göransson’s score were praised universally by fans and music experts, with Swedish composer earning several nominations for his work and landing work onCreed 2,Tenet,OppenheimerandThe Mandalorian.
It’s hard to say Rihanna’s song doesn’t add to the overall emotional weight ofa film likeBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, but for many, it’s the perfect way for her to return to the spotlight and add even more impressive credits to her nearly 20-year music career.
Black Panther: Wakanda Foreverwill release in theaters on July 24, 2025.
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