Rihanna released her first single in six years on Thursday night — “Lift Me Up” from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.
The powerful track is a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, who played King T’Challa in Black Panther.
“Lift me up/Hold me down/Keep me close/Safe and sound,” Rihanna sings in the song.
Related Story: ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Stars Hit the Red Carpet for World Premiere (Photos)
The single was written by film composer Ludwig Göransson, the movie’s director Ryan Coogler, Rihanna, and Nigerian artist Tems.
“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,” Tems said in a press release. “Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”
Rihanna teased the single earlier this week, and on Thursday she posted an announcement on social media revealing the song would be released at midnight Eastern.
The single marks her first new solo music since her 2016 album “Anti” was released.
The Savage X Fenty founder made a red carpet return at the film’s premiere on Wednesday, after giving birth to her first child with boyfriend A$AP Rocky. The two joined the film’s cast at the star-studded event in Los Angeles.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever arrives in theaters on Nov. 11.
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