Ryan Coogler, the director of the Marvel hit film Black Panther, revealed a surprising twist behind the movie’s soundtrack creation involving none other than music sensation Kendrick Lamar. Initially slated to contribute a single track, Lamar took it upon himself to compose an entire album, much to Coogler’s pleasant surprise.
In an engaging interview with LeBron James for Interview magazine, Coogler recounted how Lamar and his collaborator Dave Free watched early footage of Black Panther. Shortly after, they returned with a complete album. Coogler reflected on his amazement, saying, “There were a few moments where I’d be like, ‘Oh man, this shit is getting crazy.'” The director was impressed by how each song was intricately tied to the themes and narrative of the film.
Coogler’s admiration for Kendrick Lamar didn’t begin with Black Panther. He had been a fan of Lamar’s music since his early mixtape days, diligently seeking to collaborate with him. Coogler explained to NPR in 2018 that he connected with Lamar and Anthony ‘Top Dawg’ Tiffith, expressing how much Lamar’s music resonated with him. They both discussed potential collaborations, hoping to find the right project. Marvel, fully supportive of Lamar’s artistry, welcomed his extensive involvement.
“To Marvel’s credit, they really supported the idea of getting some songs from him,” Coogler noted. Lamar initially intended to provide a few tracks, but upon engaging with the film’s vision, he outdid expectations, leading to the development of a complete 14-track album. The soundtrack, curated by Lamar, not only featured his vocals extensively but also included contributions from prominent artists such as Future, Travis Scott, The Weeknd, SZA, and 2 Chainz. It spawned hits like “All the Stars,” “King’s Dead,” and “Pray For Me,” each aligning seamlessly with the narrative and mood of Black Panther.
The unexpected and immersive contribution from Kendrick Lamar not only elevated the film’s auditory experience but also highlighted the collaborative synergy between music and cinema. This collaboration marked a significant milestone in Coogler’s filmmaking journey, as he reflected on the intense yet fulfilling process of bringing Black Panther to life alongside remarkable talents like Kendrick Lamar. The project’s success further solidified the bonds between these creative realms, hinting at the potential for future groundbreaking partnerships.
