#ICYMI: Michael B. Jordan Explains Why Kendrick Lamar is “The Essence”of Black Panther

If you’ve followed news from the world of entertainment even in the slightest while we were away, then you already know that Marvel Studios’ Black Panther has made history with the 5th largest opening in box office history. Pulling in an estimated $192 million domestically on President’s Day weekend.  The king of Wakanda rests comfortably between two Marvel franchise leaders, Avengers at number 4, and its sequel, Avengers Age of Ultron at number 6, representing the watershed moment that longtime fans, and the black community as a whole have been waiting for. This rare success is thanks to many very talented people recognizing the moment and giving their all.  Surprising no one, Marve/Disney has Kendrick Lamar and Aftermath/Interscope’s TDE crew to thank for BP’s absolutely fantastic musical contribution.  To fans of the hip hop genre, the release of Lamar’s carefully curated soundtrack to Black Panther has been praised by everyone since its release on Feb 9th, including the film’s star studded cast.  

In case you missed it, co-star Michael B. Jordan gushed to Billboard about the “transcendent project” while attending a red carpet event for the NBA’s celebrity  All-star game,

“I think it’s amazing,” Jordan told Billboard. “It’s doing really well. The fact that TDE and Kendrick got behind it and really curated the album, I think we were extremely lucky for that. He’s the voice of the people right now. His message and what he brings to the table and who Kendrick is, is the essence of what a Black Panther is. For him to be a part of the movie and soundtrack is really, really important to us.”

“He’s a true artist and he’s a collaborator,” Jordan said. “He saw the movie and got inspired. A lot of the songs are inspired by the film. It’s a big collaboration. So, that’s how it kind of works. You get artists from all walks of life to come together and create this one thing, it’s beautiful.”

Jordan’s, favorite songs from Lamar’s Panther album include, “Paramedic,” “King’s Dead” and  “Pray” featuring The Weeknd. “All The Stars” by Kendrick Lamar and Sza served as the album’s lead single.  The Black Panther album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 with approximetly 150 thousand units sold.

Related media:

SOB X RBE –

“Paramedic” (explicit)

From Black Panther The Album

TDE/Aftermath/Interscope Records

“King’s Dead” (explicit)

From Black Panther The Album

TDE/Aftermath/Interscope Records