Beyoncé Graces Us With ‘The Lion King: The Gift.’ Stream It Here

Mike Nied | July 19, 2019 2:08 am

UPDATE: Beyoncé expanded her “SPIRIT” video to include “BIGGER.” Watch the visual masterpiece below.

It’s here! Today (July 19) is the day Disney’s update on The Lion King races into theaters. More importantly, Beyoncé celebrated by unveiling The Lion King: The Gift. And the title is not an exaggeration. This truly is a gift, and we should be eternally grateful. The living legend (who voices Nala in the film) graced this week’s New Music Friday with a wealth of material. “This soundtrack is a love letter to Africa,” she said in an interview earlier this week. It also features a star-studded list of global collaborators.

We’re still diving into the tracklist, which includes 14 songs and almost as many interludes. However, one of the instant standouts is a JAY-Z and Childish Gambino collab called “MOOD 4 EVA.” Co-produced alongside DJ Khaled, it’s a danceable anthem lush with memorable lines. “I got my cup up to the heavens. Another night I won’t remember, promise this my mood forever,” Queen Bey proclaims. Another obvious must-hear is the Blue Ivy Carter-assisted “BROWN SKIN GIRL.”

The mother-daughter moment features an empowering chorus and additional vocals from SAINt JHN and WizKid. Equally moving is the opener “BIGGER.” And that’s barely scratching the surface. Beyoncé links up with Kendrick Lamar on “NILE” and joins Salatiel and Pharrell Williams on “Water.” Major Lazer offers a production assist on “ALREADY,” and, of course, you cannot forget “SPIRIT.” The soaring power ballad arrived earlier this month and should be an instant frontrunner for the Best Original Song Oscar.

Dive into the tracklist below and see what else speaks to you.

What is your favorite song on the album? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!