How Kendrick Lamar Turned a Single Song Request Into the Entire Black Panther Soundtrack

Sometimes, overachieving creates magic—and Kendrick Lamar proved that in a major way.

According to director Ryan Coogler, the Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper was originally only meant to contribute one song to Marvel’s Black Panther soundtrack. But what started as a simple collaboration turned into a full-blown sonic universe.

In a recent interview with LeBron James for Interview magazine, Coogler shared the behind-the-scenes surprise. “Kendrick and Dave Free came to see a bit of the footage,” he said. “They bounced. A few weeks later, they called me to come listen… and boom—there was a whole album.”

Each track on the project was laced with references to the movie’s themes, characters, and energy. “I’m like, ‘Man, this dude just wrote all this?’” Coogler recalled, still amazed.

The Black Panther album, released in 2018, became a cultural force. It was more than just a soundtrack—it was a celebration of Black excellence through sound. Featuring chart-toppers like All the Stars, King’s Dead, and Pray For Me, the project brought together an all-star lineup including SZA, Travis Scott, Future, The Weeknd, and more.

Kendrick’s passion project wasn’t planned—it was inspired. And that inspiration helped shape a moment in film and music history.

And word on the street? He might be cooking up something new for Marvel’s upcoming Captain America movie. 👀