Alicia Keys & Kendrick Lamar’s “It’s On Again”: Hear The Pharrell-Produced ‘Spider-Man 2’ Track

Carl Williott | March 31, 2014 9:27 am

Alicia Keys announced earlier this month that she linked up with Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell and Hans Zimmer for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 soundtrack cut “It’s On Again,” and now she has premiered the song. And, wow, it’s a delightful head-scratcher.

It starts with Lamar storming out of the gate, foaming at the mouth over a wall of colossal guitars, which continues the streak of rock-infused rants we heard on the “Radioactive” remix and “Backwards.” (Who would’ve thought K-Dot, of all MCs, would try to lead a new rap-rock revival?) But then the song takes an abrupt shift for Keys’ part, a nouveau disco breeze of piano and strings that’s much more in line with the rest of Pharrell’s recent work.

For the single edit, Lamar’s intro is backed with pianos instead of guitars, making for a smoother transition to the rest of the song.  Hear both versions below.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 soundtrack is out April 22, and the movie hits theaters May 2.

Get an eyeful of even more pop music coverage, from artist interviews to exclusive performances, on Idolator’s YouTube channel.