Beyonce To Release ‘The Lion King: The Gift’ Album
Beyonce will release a new compilation album titled The Lion King: The Gift in support of The Lion King.
According to Vibe, Beyonce is executive producing the album while also releasing new music on the project.
The compilation album will serve as a companion to the main Lion King soundtrack. The film’s official soundtrack mainly consists of songs from the animated film, alongside a new single from Elton John and Tim Rice, who wrote the songs for the original 1994 movie.
“This is sonic cinema,” said Beyoncé. “This is a new experience of storytelling. I wanted to do more than find a collection of songs that were inspired by the film. It is a mixture of genres and collaboration that isn’t one sound. It is influenced by everything from R&B, pop, hip hop and Afro Beat.”
“I wanted to put everyone on their own journey to link the storyline,” the “Love On Top” singer continued. “Each song was written to reflect the film’s storytelling that gives the listener a chance to imagine their own imagery while listening to a new contemporary interpretation. It was important that the music was not only performed by the most interesting and talented artists but also produced by the best African producers. Authenticity and heart were important to me.”
Last night (July 9), Beyonce debuted her new single “Spirit” from the album (listen above). The new track is written and produced by Beyonce alongside IIya and Labrinth. The breathtaking song not only appears on The Gift but also on the official soundtrack for The Lion King. The Gift will be released on Friday, July 19.
Glennisha Morgan is a Detroit-bred multimedia journalist and writer. She writes about intersectionality, hip-hop, pop culture, queer issues, race, feminism, and her truth. Follow her on Twitter.
