You’ll feelThe Lion Kinglove tonight!
BeyoncedroppedThe Lion King: The Gift, an album accompanying the anticipated reboot of the beloved 1994 Disney classic on Friday.The album — which is separate from the movie’s official soundtrack — featuresKendrick Lamar,Pharrell Williamsand Wiz Kid, as well as her husbandJAY-Z.
Making the release a real family affair, the singer and rapper’s 7-year-old daughterBlue Ivyeven has a writing credit on the song “Brown Skin Girl.”
Beyoncé’s costarDonald Glover, who plays Simba in the film, also appears on the album as his musical alter ego, Childish Gambino. The song, “Mood 4 Eva,’ also features JAY-Z and is available asan extended track on TIDAL.
The Giftshowcases Beyoncé’s iconic voice on musical tracks that are interspersed with “interludes” from characters from the movie, including Mufasa, Nala, Simba, Scar, Timon and Pumbaa.
Dave Benett/WireImage
Fans who can’t wait to hear the new renditions of songs from the original, like “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” can hear those on the movie’s official soundtrack.
Calling the album “a love letter to Africa,” the mother of three, 37, toldABC News, “I wanted to make sure we found the best talent from Africa, and not just use some of the sounds and did my interpretation of it. I wanted it to be authentic to what is beautiful about the music in Africa.”
The release ofThe Giftcomes days after she premiered themusic videoof the first single “Spirit,” which is also featured in the film.
Disney
The full cast of the photorealistic animation was revealed back in 2017 — Queen B voice’s Nala opposite Glover as Simba.Chiwetel Ejioforplays the villainous Scar andAlfre Woodardbrings Simba’s mom Sarabi to life.James Earl Jonesalso returns as Simba’s father, Mufasa (who he voiced in the original 1994 animated movie).
This marks the follow-up to Beyoncé’s other surprise album:Homecoming, the live version of her historic 2018 Coachella performance. It’s also one of the only promotional projects the notoriously private pop star has done ahead ofThe Lion King‘s release.
Kwaku Alston/Disney
In a series of photos posted to her Instagram, the “Lemonade” singer looked flawless in a jumpsuit ensemble with a lion’s mane attachment and a long gold train.
The post also included a rare video of Blue Ivy singing along to “The Circle of Life” from the originalLion King.
The Lion Kingis in theaters now.
source: people.com
