Rihanna Returns with Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Track “Lift Me Up”

The indefinite wait for her ninth album continues, but today (Oct. 28), Rihanna shares her first new solo track since 2016. “Lift Me Up,” the lead single from the soundtrack to Marvel’s forthcoming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, has been released via Rihanna’s own Westbury Road label in partnership with Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings and Hollywood Records.

As a tribute to late Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman, Rihanna co-wrote “Lift Me Up” alongside Nigerian singer/songwriter and producer Tems, Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson and Wakanda Forever director Ryan Coogler. Göransson also produced the song, which was recorded in five different countries.

“After speaking with Ryan and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them,” said Tems in a statement. “Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”