Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, known simply as Kendrick Lamar, is set to produce and curate the soundtrack for the upcoming film Black Panther. Marvel Studios and TDE recently released details about the rapper's work on the album.
Marvel Studios confirmed that the official soundtrack album for the blockbuster film is going to be a collaboration between Lamar and Billboard Magazine's Executive of the Year, Anthony Tiffith aka Top Dawg. Black Panther: The Album will feature music from and inspired by the Marvel film.
The studios added that film director Ryan Coogler handpicked Lamar to work on the album. Lamar, whom Rolling Stone called as "the greatest rapper alive," and Tiffith will work directly with Coogler in the creation of music that aligns with the theme and needs of the movie.
"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. I can't wait for the world to hear what Kendrick and TDE have in store," Coogler said in an official press release.
This collaboration marks Lamar's first venture into creating, producing, and curating a soundtrack album for a major motion picture. It is also the first time in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) history that Marvel Studios will integrate multiple original recordings created specifically for a film.
Lamar has also released a statement in response to his work on Black Panther: The Album. The "Loyalty" singer expressed his excitement to work on the soundtrack of the film. Lamar is honored to contribute his knowledge of writing music and producing sound alongside Coogler and Marvel's vision. The rapper also praised Black Panther's amazing cast and director and says the film "showcases a great marriage of art and culture."
In line with this announcement, TDE released the lead single for Black Panther: The Album titled "All The Stars." The song features Lamar and his label mate and R&B singer SZA.
Black Panther opens in theaters on Feb. 16. It follows the story of Wakanda's new king T'Challa aka the Black Panther and his efforts to protect his nation from threats and a possible war. Marvel dropped the trailer for the movie in October.
Black Panther made his debut in Captain America: Civil War. Ahead of his appearance in the titular film, he joins forces with the Avengers in defeating the Mad Titan Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War. The film comes out on May 4.
Lamar's Black Panther: The Album is already available for preorder on iTunes.
