The wait is over.
After over six years, Rihanna makes her triumphant return with “Lift Me Up”, the lead single off the soundtrack to the motion picture film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Written by Tems, Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna and Ryan Coogler, Ri Ri keeps her spirits high on the heartfelt ballad, which is dedicated to late actor, Chadwick Boseman, who portrayed Black Panther throughout the Marvel Studio Films.
“Burning in a hopeless dream / Hold me when you go to sleep,” Ri Ri sings. “Keep me in the warmth of your love / When you depart, keep me safe / Safe and sound.”
“After speaking with Ryan and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life,” says Tems. “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.”
This marks Rihanna’s first solo music since 2016’s critically-acclaimed album, Anti, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts. Since then, she’s collaborated with DJ Khaled, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell, and PARTYNEXTDOOR.The billionaire business mogul and new mother is scheduled to perform at Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By drops November 4. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters November 11.