The Color Purple soundtrack will include songs from the cast along with some of the biggest names in R&B and hip hop.
The album arrives on Dec. 15, and features music from Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige, Megan Thee Stallion, Jennifer Hudson, Keyshia Cole, Jorja Smith, Coco Jones, Ciara, Mary Mary, a duet by Usher and H.E.R., and a special remix by Missy Elliott.
The release comes from Warner Bros. Pictures, WaterTower Music and gamma, and is inspired by the film, according to the official press release.
The soundtrack’s lead single — “Lifeline” written and co-produced by Alicia Keys — was released on Monday, Nov. 27.
Related Story: Fantasia Initially Declined Role in ‘The Color Purple’ Remake
The track that plays over the end credits was written and produced by The-Dream, and is performed by Fantasia — who stars in the movie musical as Celie, a woman in the South who is physically and sexually abused. Fantasia also played the role in the original Broadway version of The Color Purple.
The film’s cast members Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Taraji P. Henson, and Halle Bailey are featured on the album as well.
Quincy Jones, Scott Sanders and gamma founder/CEO Larry Jackson produced the soundtrack.
“I am so immensely proud that the filmmakers and Warner Bros. Pictures chose us to collaborate on a hugely cultural album that musically brings to life this reimagined classic,” Jackson said in a statement. “Complementing the fabulously infectious musical moments of the new film, we wanted to further celebrate the stories of the film’s protagonists with additional current, contemporary songs that thematically spoke to their relatable experiences and struggles.”
Jones and Sanders co-produced the film alongside Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg.
The movie is based on the novel of the same name by author Alice Walker. Originally published in 1982, the book earned a Pulitzer Prize and later became a film directed by Steven Spielberg in 1985.
In the original movie adaptation, Whoopi Goldberg starred as Celie. Oprah Winfrey portrayed Sofia, Margaret Avery played Shug, and Akosua Busia portrayed Nettie.
Blitz Bazawule directed the new movie, which is described as bringing “a bold new take” on the story. Marcus Gardley wrote the screenplay.
The Color Purple arrives in theaters on Christmas day.
