BLOG: Let's Let Rap Collectives Handle Movie Soundtracks

While Marvel's Black Panther continues to reel in unfathomable numbers at the box office, its soundtrack continues to do the same, slowly starting to declare it as one of the top albums so far of 2018.

Curated by Top Dawg Entertainment's Kendrick Lamar, the rapper creates a 14 song masterpiece, and while I must admit I haven't seen Black Panther in theaters yet, it is one of the strongest wholistic bodies of work of the year.

The influence of the label is notably there with appearances from SZA, Schoolboy Q, and Ab-Soul, but it's his other features on the film's LP that makes this album a standout from other movie soundtracks.

For starters, Lamar pulls features from some of rap's top tier including Travis Scott, The Weeknd, Future, and 2 Chainz. While this list of names may grant instant respect about a project, it is to many, and certainly to me, an introduction of emerging artists that have given many the nod of approval for this album.

Kendrick's inclusions from British star Jorja Smith to Bay Area's emerging rap group SOB x RBE to former collaborator Zacari gives these rising musicians a platform to display their talents to every Black Panther consumer.

The versatility between pure rap hits (King's Dead) and somber R&B ballads (I Am) allows the listener to experience a movie in itself as the 49 minute album weaves through. Plus, with Lamar's [often un-credited] voice laced into each song, it gives a sense of direction and authority as the songs feel more interconnected than ever.

Kendrick Lamar did a great job with the soundtrack because it feels authentic. It's clear he's a genius and his ability to curate the hottest artists and the best to come is impeccable. The way he and his label were able to create such a wholisitc sonic masterpiece is impressive.

I'm going to be the first to propose that Drake and his OVO label handle the next Fifty Shades movie...