Rihanna is back. The singer drops music and video for “Lift Me Up” from WAKANDA.
IT’S OFFICIAL: NEARLY seven years after releasing her album ANTI, Rihanna has returned to music with the release of “Lift Me Up,” her musical contribution to the movie, Black Panther.
In the realm of contemporary pop music, Rihanna stands as a beacon of both artistic innovation and cultural influence. With each release, she manages to captivate audiences worldwide, effortlessly blending genres and pushing the boundaries of conventional sound. One such track that embodies her musical prowess and resonates deeply with listeners is the soul-stirring anthem “Lift Me Up.”
From the moment the haunting melody begins, “Lift Me Up” takes the listener on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. The lyrics, infused with raw emotion and vulnerability, speak to the universal desire to rise above life’s challenges and find strength in adversity. Rihanna’s impassioned delivery adds depth and authenticity to the message, making it resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.
Beyond its lyrical content, “Lift Me Up” is also a testament to Rihanna’s evolution as an artist. Throughout her career, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of pop music, seamlessly blending elements of R&B, hip-hop, and dancehall to create her own signature sound. With “Lift Me Up,” she demonstrates a newfound maturity and introspection, showcasing her growth as both a vocalist and a storyteller.
The track permits Rihanna’s impressive vocals to shine as she is backed by a piano and minimal string instruments. The emotionally powerful song serves as a tribute to the life of the late Chadwick Boseman who happened to be a lead role in the movie. An instrumental version was also released on Friday.
“Lift me up/Hold me down/Keep me close /Safe and sound,” she sings as the song opens. “Burning in a hopeless dream/Hold me when you go to sleep.”
In the music video for the track, which was released Friday afternoon, Rihanna stands on a beach at sunset before clips from Wakanda Forever flash across the screen.
The track was co-written by Rihanna, Tems, Ludwig Göransson, and Black panther’s director, Ryan Coogler.
“After a conversation 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,” Tems said in a statement. “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,” Tems added.
Rihanna teased the track on Thursday afternoon, sharing the single cover art — a grayscale closeup of her face with a strand of hair covering her mug — on Thursday afternoon. The art features the song’s title and her name in South African Xhosa language, which is used by the characters in Wakanda.
The post’s caption was simple: “tonight… MIDNIGHT EST. #LiftMeUp.”
As Rihanna continues to push the boundaries of pop music, “Lift Me Up” remains a timeless anthem of empowerment and resilience for generations to come.
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