BY: Alexis Eichelberger

Last year, Beyonce released the album The Lion King: The Gift. The soundtrack album accompanied the live-action recreation of the classic Disney animated film, in which Queen B starred as Nala. To create it, she assembled a coalition of celebrated Black artists from the U.S. and several upcoming African songwriters and producers. It captures the majesty of the legend of King Simba and celebrates the vivid and beautiful history of Africa.

Now, one year later, she’s released her visual interpretation of the moving music she created. Black is King was released exclusively on Disney+ on July 31. It follows a young king on his very Lion King-inspired journey from exile to self-discovery. The vivid, colorful, almost overwhelming visuals are set against the musical backdrop of The Gift. Along with the film, a deluxe version of the album containing three new tracks was also released.

Here’s a breakdown of some of our favorite musical moments from Black Is King.

ALREADY (feat. Shatta Wale and Major Lazer)

The same day that Black Is King premiered, Beyonce released a music video for the track “ALREADY.” Much like the film, it’s a non-stop barrage of stunning shots. Tribal dress and body paint blends with sleek and luxurious designer looks. Dance sequences make it difficult to tell whose limbs belong to whom. Beyonce herself stuns from the center stage throughout. The song itself is also a blend of chanting vocals and bright electronic beats that make stillness a near impossibility. 

 

MY POWER (feat. Nija, Busiswa, Yemi Alade, Tierra Whack, Moonchild Sanelly, DJ Lag)

This track is featured in the trailer for Black is King and features a full ensemble of rising American and African stars. Nija has collaborated with the Carters for past productions and Tierra Whack is an up-and-coming American rapper. Busiswa, Moonchild Sanella and DJ Lag all hail from South Africa, while Yemi Alade is a famous Afropop artist from Nigeria. The rhythmic song includes lyrics in both English and African dialects.

FIND YOUR WAY BACK – MELO X REMIX

This remix was one of the three new tracks featured on the deluxe version of The Gift released in coordination with the film. The original is a groovy melody that beckons us home. This reinterpretation by DJ and producer MeLo X  has a more massive bass and layered non-English vocals that give the track a unique sonic texture.

 

BLACK PARADE

The original cut and extended versions of “BLACK PARADE” round out the three new additions to The Gift. They are both, at their core, Beyonce songs. Her blend of pop and R&B is prominent and carries the track, as does the celebratory message of self-love. Both are instrumental masterpieces, with a chorus of instruments and artful percussion. The songs are the perfect end to a phenomenal album.