Information reaching Kossyderrickent has it that TEMS has writing credit on Rihanna’s comeback single, “Lift Me Up”.
Rihanna has officially announced “Lift Me Up,” her first new single as a lead artist since 2016. It’ll appear on the soundtrack to the new Marvel movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Rihanna co-wrote “Lift Me Up” with Tems, producer Ludwig Göransson, and director Ryan Coogler. According to a press release, the artists wrote the single “as a tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Chadwick Boseman,” the star of the first Black Panther film who died in 2020 at the age of 43.
In a press statement, Tems said, “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. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them.” She continued, “Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”
The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack will get released on November 4. The next week, on November 11, Ludwig Göransson’s original score for the film will be issued by Hollywood Records.
“Lift Me Up” is Rihanna’s first new solo song since the 2016 Star Trek Beyond track “Sledgehammer.” More recently, she’s collaborated on music with Future (“Selfish”), N.E.R.D. (“Lemon”), DJ Khaled (“Wild Thoughts”), Kendrick Lamar (“Loyalty.”), and PartyNextDoor (“Believe It”). She also co-starred in the music video for “D.M.B.” with A$AP Rocky, the father of her child.
Rihanna’s most recent studio album is 2016’s Anti. Read Pitchfork’s feature “How Rihanna Became the Most Stylish Pop Star of Her Generation.”
Today (Oct. 26), Rihanna took to social media to reveal a teaser of her new single “Lift Me Up.” As it’s only 15 seconds long, the short clip leaves many questions on its style and subject matter, heavily speculated to match the African-oriented roots heard on 2018’s Black Panther: The Album. Despite this, the vibrant hum heard at the beginning does more than well to raise the heightened excitement about the release.
A press release accompanying said teaser does provide additional details on “Lift Me Up,” which is making landfall through Rih’s Westbury Road outlet in partnership with Roc Nation, Def Jam, and Hollywood Records. It’s also revealed that the “Umbrella” star wrote the track alongside decorated composer Ludwig Göransson, Wakanda Forever director Ryan Coogler, and Nigerian singer Tems, the last of whom continues to sale off the release of her critically acclaimed EP If Orange Was a Place. Tems further explained how the collaboration came to fruition:
“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. 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.”
Press play on the teaser for Rihanna‘s “Lift Me Up” below, which officially arrives this Friday (Oct. 28). Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By drops Nov. 4.
