Rihanna’s new single “Lift Me Up,” from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, has debuted in the top 10 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart at No. 9 this week.
It marks Rihanna’s first top 10 single on this chart. She was three spots shy of top 10 status in the winter of 2018 with “Wild Thoughts.” The DJ Khaled-led track, which featured Bryson Tiller, peaked at No. 13 during the week of Jan. 13, 2018.
Released Oct. 28, “Lift Me Up” is the lead single from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever–Music From and Inspired By soundtrack. It is Rihanna’s first single as a lead act since her 2016 hit album Anti.
“Lift Me Up” was co-written by Tems, Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna and Black Panther director Ryan Coogler. Göransson also produced the track, which honors the life and legacy of Chadwick Boseman, who originally played T’Challa /Black Panther before passing away in 2020.
“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,” said 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.”
“Lift Me Up” previously debuted at No. 1 on the following Billboard charts: Hot R&B Songs, R&B Streaming Songs, R&B Digital Songs Sales, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs.
Furthermore, “Lift Me Up” entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 2, becoming Rihanna’s 32nd top 10 appearance on the popular singles chart.
More than 53 million streams on Spotify have been garnered for “Lift Me Up” since its release. It maintains its hold as Rihanna’s most popular song on the platform.
Rihanna also contributed the new song “Born Again” to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever–Music From and Inspired By soundtrack, available now. She co-wrote the piano-driven track alongside James Fauntleroy, The-Dream and Göransson.
The Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show at Super Bowl LVII is next for Rihanna. It will take place on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona.
She is the first artist to headline the halftime show under Apple Music’s new partnership with the NFL and Roc Nation.
Music aside, Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Vol. 4 show is now available on Amazon Prime.
Stream Rihanna’s new single “Lift Me Up” below.