Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will certainly be an emotional experience for millions of fans around the world. The tragic loss of our beloved king (both onscreen and in real life) Chadwick Boseman and his looming absence in this sequel is something that cannot be ignored. So, it is no surprise that a leading song from the film’s soundtrack will honor Chadwick’s legacy. (And also by extension honors T’Challa in the MCU.) And, it is even more special because it marks the return of Rihanna to music. As we know, fans have been hilariously begging the mogul for more music since 2016. And now, Rihanna’s new song for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever “Lift Me Up” is out in the world. And oh, is it beautiful.
Rihanna dropped the song on October 28, just two weeks before the film’s release. It’s lovely to hear her distinct voice once again as she sings heartfelt lyrics like this:
Burning in a hopeless dream/Hold me when you go to sleep/Keep me in the warmth of your love/When you depart, keep me safe/Safe and sound.
There’s a mix of sadness, hope, and wistfulness in its message. The soothing instrumental alone is one that you’ll want to put on repeat. Of course, Rihanna is one of the writers on the song along with Ryan Coogler, Priscilla Renea, and Ludwig Göransson, who is known for his scores for Black Panther and the Creed franchise. But the most noticeable imprint on Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” is undoubtedly Tems, a Nigerian artist whose signature sound is taking over the US. It’s not shocking that she’s a writer for this song because it sounds a lot like something she would sing.
And it seems Rihanna is finally ready to dive back into music after causally dominating the beauty and fashion industry. We even heard there’s a football game happening during the Rihanna concert next year. (I’m only partially kidding because I do genuinely love football. But I love Rihanna more.)
“Lift Me Up” is available everywhere now, so let Rihanna’s voice carry you into a peaceful place in preparation for Wakanda Forever.