Kendrick Lamar’s work on the “Black Panther” soundtrack will mark the first time he’s written and produced for an album. (Rick Kern/Getty Images for Samsung)
Ever the hip-hop representation of unapologetic Blackness, rapper Kendrick Lamar is cementing that with his contribution to the “Black Panther” soundtrack. Marvel announced Thursday, Jan. 4 that the “DNA” rapper will produce “Black Panther: The Album” for the film many see as a celebration of Black empowerment.
Lamar will produce the soundtrack with Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, Chief Executive Officer of the record label Top Dawg Entertainment, where Lamar is signed.
“Marvel Studios’ ‘Black Panther’ is amazing, from its cast to its director,” Lamar said in a statement. “The magnitude of this film showcases a great marriage of art and culture. I’m truly honored to contribute my knowledge of producing sound and writing music alongside [director] Ryan [Coogler] and Marvel’s vision.”
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The rapper will work with Tiffith and Coogler to craft original music specifically for the movie, which is a first for the Marvel comic universe. Another first? Lamar, who today dropped the soundtrack’s lead single, “All the Stars” with SZA, will curate, produce, write, perform and curate for a major theatrical release.
“I am honored to be working with such an incredible artist whose work has been so inspirational, and whose artistic themes align with those we explore in the film,” said Coogler, who personally chose Lamar for the job. “I can’t wait for the world to hear what Kendrick and TDE have in store.”
“Working on such a powerful movie is a great opportunity,” Tiffith added. “We’re always working on new goals at TDE, so teaming up with Disney, Marvel Studios and the ‘Black Panther’ film makes perfect sense.”
“Black Panther: The Album” will be released Friday, Feb. 9. “Black Panther,” starring Chadwick Boseman in the titular role, will be released in theaters Friday, Feb. 16.
