Movies

You Won’t Believe How Kendrick Lamar Surprised Black Panther’s Ryan Coogler with a Full Album

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One significant factor that made “Black Panther” noteworthy was its groundbreaking nature. It marked the debut of Marvel’s first black superhero leading his own film on the big screen, delivering one of Chadwick Boseman’s finest performances. Yet, it’s crucial to acknowledge that this Marvel production boasted one of the most iconic Black movie soundtracks ever made. Interestingly, director Ryan Coogler mentioned that the album was an unexpected gift from Kendrick Lamar.

In Ryan Coogler’s interview with Complex Music, he spoke with basketball player LeBron James about how he was a young director taking on a challenging movie like Black Panther (which is streaming on your Disney+ subscription). One nice surprise that came from making the movie was when rapper Kendrick Lamar went above and beyond for his musical contribution. He and his manager, Dave Free, delivered the filmmaker not just one song for the movie but an entire soundtrack:

Initially, Kendrick Lamar was scheduled to work on a song. Later, he and Dave Free dropped by to check out some footage, and then left. A few weeks after that, they reached out and invited me to listen to their new music. To my surprise, they had completed an entire album.

It’s quite surprising! It’s evident that the Pulitzer Prize winner was deeply moved by the themes in Black Panther – like ancestry, self-discovery, and the intricacies of power. This emotion sparked within him the creation of one of the best hip-hop soundtracks ever made.

It wasn’t surprising that he might have been initially apprehensive about directing the iconic superhero movie, given the importance of accurately portraying its complex themes of nation, self, and culture, as well as the unique pressures associated with Marvel’s first superhero film featuring a primarily Black cast. However, considering Coogler’s exceptional skill as a director, I had confidence that he would create an exceptional movie that both audiences and critics would appreciate.

On Disney+, you can stream the Black Panther series for just $9.99 per month with their new ad-supported plan. If you prefer an ad-free experience, it’s $15.99 monthly, or save 16% by pre-paying $159.99 annually to enjoy a year of uninterrupted streaming. Check out the deal now!

Listening to the Black Panther soundtrack feels like being welcomed into the realm of Wakanda and T’Challa’s journey, bearing the burden of a legacy his father once shouldered. Unlike the victorious melodies common in Superman or Batman films, the Black Panther soundtrack aimed to reflect the movie’s profound themes through its selection of songs.

Songs such as “All the Stars” and “Pray For Me” beautifully capture the challenges of meeting expectations and the costs of leadership. The soundtrack also seamlessly integrates African tunes to reflect the environment of Wakanda, with tracks like “Seasons” featuring lyrics sung in Zulu. T’Challah’s internal struggles are not only portrayed visually but also audibly through each meticulously produced song.

It’s evident that Kendrick Lamar held Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther in high regard, and he expressed interest in portraying the character of Killmonger in the sequel, although Killmonger was killed off in the original film. However, it’s important to note that while Lamar didn’t appear on screen, his music played a significant part in the Oscar-nominated movie.

As a movie reviewer, let me tell you, I was simply blown away by the soundtrack of “Black Panther.” Critics couldn’t get enough of it, and when it hit the charts, it soared to the top spot on the US Billboard 200. The mastermind behind this musical marvel is none other than Kendrick Lamar, who not only created an album that complemented the film perfectly but also crafted a powerful artistic statement that transcended the confines of the silver screen.

The soundtrack’s success was further solidified when it won two prestigious Grammy Awards – one for Best Score and another for Best Rap Performance with the track “King’s Dead.” It’s incredible to think about how a movie can inspire such a profound work of art, proving once again that creativity knows no bounds.

When Ryan Coogler assumed he’d receive only one track from Kendrick Lamar for Black Panther, he was instead presented with an entire album. The esteemed rapper and Dave Free skillfully assembled a soundtrack that encapsulated the essence, tension, and heart of the Marvel Cinematic Universe film, pushing boundaries on what a superhero movie’s sound could be.

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2025-04-29 19:15

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