I initially had a different theme planned for this week's Music Mood Board [1], but that was nixed after I watched Beyoncé's Black Is King [2]. Most of the songs featured in the visual album [3] are from Bey's 2019 LP The Lion King: The Gift [4], but, to coincide with the premiere of Black Is King, she blessed us with a deluxe edition of the record. So it's only right that I play the hour-long album on repeat while thinking about the awe-inspiring visuals [5], outfits [6], and beauty looks [7] Bey serves in the Disney+ film [8]. The entire collection of jams is a tour de force, but I have my personal favourites. So keep reading to see which songs I've been blasting loud enough for my whole neighbourhood to hear.
"Nile" by Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar
Lamar is one of my all-time favourite rappers, so you can imagine how hyped I was when this collaboration first came out last year. I was hoping he'd make an appearance in Black Is King, but, in true K-Dot fashion, he remained out of the spotlight. I guess he really is an antisocial extrovert. Still, the part of the film that features this song perfectly matches the track's entrancing sound.
"Mood 4 Eva" by Beyoncé, JAY-Z, and Childish Gambino
The amount of swag that emanates from "Mood 4 Eva" is almost overwhelming, especially after you watch Black Is King and see Beyoncé singing this song in a luxurious mansion. My living room couch that my roommate and I took from the side of a street isn't exactly lavish, but I'll pretend it is while belting "I'm so unbothered!" at the top of my lungs.
(Quick footnote: We took the couch from the sidewalk before the pandemic hit, I promise. This is relatively normal in New York, OK?)
"Brown Skin Girl" by Blue Ivy Carter, Saint Jhn, Wiz Kid, and Beyoncé
Tears streamed down my face when I first heard "Brown Skin Girl" last year because it's such a meaningful ode to Black women [10]. It's a song that I wish I had growing up and struggling with my appearance and sense of self-worth. All of those emotions bubbled right back up when I saw Beyoncé perform this in Black Is King, surrounded by so many beautiful Black girls and women [11]. This will forever be my self-love anthem.
"Already" by Beyoncé, Shatta Wale, and Major Lazer
Whew, this beat and this video . . . *a million chef's kisses.* That's all I have to say about this, TBH.
"My Power" by Nija, Beyoncé, Busiswa, Yemi Alade, Tierra Whack, Moonchild Sanelly, and DJ Lag
If you look up the word "dynamic" in the dictionary, you'll see a screenshot of the "My Power" scene in Black Is King. Between the choreography and cameos of the featured artists [12], it's one of the most energetic, chill-inducing sequences in the film, and it's my absolute favourite part.
"Scar" by 070 Shake and Jessie Reyez
Did I squeal when I saw my girl Jessie Reyez appear in Black Is King? Yes. Did I rap every single word from her verse because it's just that good? Also yes. This is probably one of the more underrated songs on The Lion King: The Gift, but, hopefully, it'll get a little more recognition now.
"Black Parade (Extended Version)" by Beyoncé
Here I was thinking "Black Parade" couldn't get any better than the original or the a capella version [13] — silly me. I should've known Beyoncé would give this Juneteenth jam [14] a zesty marching band-style twist. She knows what the people want!
