Rihanna – “Lift Me Up”
Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” in tribute of Chadwick Boseman
Rihanna just announced the title of her title track for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”. The song “Lift Me Up” will be released October 28th, with the full soundtrack being available November 4th.
According to Variety, the song was written by Tems, Rihanna, the movie’s director Ryan Coogler as well as the score’s producer Ludwig Göransson. The latter also produced the song. As reported, it is in tribute to the life and legacy of Chadwick Boseman. Boseman played King T’Challa in the first movie and died of cancer in 2020.
As revealed in a press release, Tems wrote the song “after speaking with Ryan and hearing his direction for the film and the song.” She continues: “I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them. Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”
Rihanna announced the title and posted a little preview of her humming via a post on all her social media. Rihanna’s own Westbury Road label is releasing the song in partnership with Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings and Hollywood Records.
Tems is a huge Rihanna fan
Tems first met Rihanna at her SavageX Show Vol. 3 premiere in New York City (Sep 22, 2021). Talking to GQ Magazine in September 2022, she still remembered that meeting: “She was like, ‘You need to be that bitch that you know you are.’” Both artists share mutual respect, as Rihanna was spotted listening to her hit single “Essence” multiple times before (even during her brand’s show in 2021).
Tems even told the same magazine that a Rihanna collaboration “is gonna happen”…
