
Many athletes have a musical playlist that gets them pumping before the big game. If you’re like me, you have quite a few playlists that you use to get your mind right for work. Not that we need a playlist to get us excited about the Black Panther movie, we are more than hyped. But, to make sure you head into the theaters with the right mind set, here’s the official playlist for Black Panther as you head to the sold out theaters.
James Brown – Gonna Have a Funky Good Time – Hope the theaters have shook insurance cause it’s about to be rocking in there.
Sister Sledge – We Are Family – This movie is like a reunion of the African Diaspora, one big global happy family, yes we are.
Stevie Wonder – Livin’ for the (Chi) City (with Common) – This song just screams black life and this remix by Amerigo Gazaway is everything.
Sheila E – Yes We Can Can – Obama said it and here’s more proof. If you don’t walk out of this movie thinking Yes We Can about stuff in your life, there’s no hope for you. I like how they added the extra Can at the end for good measure. That’s so black. And to make it more black, Angela Davis is featured.
Funkadelic – One Nation – One nation under a groove and that nation is Wakanda.
James Brown – Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud – No commentary necessary. And shout out to Chadwick for his excellent performance as JB.
DJ Khaled – All I Do Is Win Remix – If this ain’t winning I don’t know what is.
Migos – Bad and Boujee – This will be the only time I admit to being Boujee cause I know I won’t be alone.
PJ Morton – Everything’s Gonna Be Alright – This gospel-tinged, hand clapping, foot stomping song represents the spiritual experience we’re gonna have. Anytime something negative happens, we’ll think about this movie and start singing, everything’s gonna be alright.
Angie Stone – Brotha – ’cause the brothas will feel celebrated like never before as the hero and not the thug.
Chaka Khan – I’m Every Woman – Just from the clip of seeing the sista warrior snatch off her wig and handle business, I’m feeling like I got superpowers.
Shalamar – A Night to Remember – I’ve never been this excited to see a movie. It’s reminiscent of waiting for a Michael Jackson video to drop. It will be a night to remember.
Beyoncé- Run the World – Who run the world? Girls! and they are called Dora Milaje, the Wakandan female warriors.
The Jacksons – Can You Feel It – Have you seen this video? Doesn’t it just make you feel royal? On top of the world?
Park Hyo Shin – Beautiful Day – Yes it is a beautiful day to see that much black excellence on film and behind the scenes.
Steel Pulse – Worth His Weight in Gold – That’s the official title of the song in reference to Marcus Garvey, but we call it, Rally round the Flag, rally round the red, gold, black and green. Have you gotten your African attire ready?
Gil-Scott Heron – The Revolution will not be televised – We know what you meant brotha, but times have changed. The revolution has been televised and it’s called Black Panther. Get yo popcorn family.
Additions:
Prince – Purple Rain– of course this is an obvious choice by Purple Royalty. Since his death, it’s not always easy listening to his music which is why it wasn’t on the original list. If they play this at the end of the movie, I envision hands swaying with lighters or more likely these days the flashlight from a smartphone.
Solange –F.U.B.U. – For Us By Us – cause representation matters.
Black Panther family, what other songs would you add to this list? Add it to the list on Spotify.
Wakanda Forever! (I think I’m gonna sign all my work emails with this.)