But for pop icon Rihanna, it was as if she’d never left.
“Lift Me Up” marked Rihanna’s first solo release in nearly six years.
As soon as RiRi posted a snippet of the song on Instagram, social media went ablaze.
During this scene (spoiler), King T’Challa’s secret son is introduced to the world.
“Lift Me Up” is the soundtrack to this emotional moment.
The song was co-written by Ryan Coogler and Ludwig Goransson.
Coogler also directed the first Black Panther film, while Goransson composed the soundtrack (perGenius).
Coogler toldEntertainment Weeklythat due to grief, he didn’t even know if he could make the Marvel sequel.
In “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” King T’Challa’s family and kingdom suffer after he passes.
For the kingdom of Wakanda, things don’t look up until T’Challa’s sister Shuri embraces his legacy.
This unique perspective is what drew Rihanna to accept the offer to record the song.
“It’s her experience with loss in there, and her being a mother.
She’s a new person now.
[Parenthood] changes you to your core.
I hear it in her voice.
It’s her, but it’s a new her.”
The businesswoman has been open about howpregnancy has changed her relationshipsand outlook on life.
Fans could have never imagined that motherhood would push Rihanna back toward music.
In the final chorus, she sings: “Lift me up in your arms.
We need light, we need love.”
