The soundtrack for the remake of “The Color Purple,” announced Monday via Warner Bros. Pictures and gamma., features a beautiful bevy of Black talent including Mary J. Blige, Megan Thee Stallion and Jennifer Hudson.
Alicia Keys’ “Lifeline” is the lead single to the soundtrack of the film, which will release Christmas Day.
gamma. Co-founder and CEO Larry Jackson stated in a press release:
“I am so immensely proud that the filmmakers and Warner Bros. Pictures chose us to collaborate on a hugely cultural album that musically brings to life this reimagined classic. The Color Purple, in its many iterations, is unquestionably hallowed ground in Black culture. Just as film director Blitz Bazawule has done a spectacular job in taking the film to another level artistically, we, too, wanted to bring an equally adventurous, creative take to this expanded soundtrack. Complementing the fabulously infectious musical moments of the new film, we wanted to further celebrate the stories of the film’s protagonists with additional current, contemporary songs that thematically spoke to their relatable experiences and struggles.”
Jackson continued:
“And deeply influenced by the great, iconic R&B/pop soundtracks of the 1990s, I’ve always wanted to make an ‘Inspired By’ soundtrack that had cultural legends and new artists of a genre come together for a piece of art that defines a moment in time. I feel great pride in what the team at gamma. has creatively achieved with The Color Purple (Music From And Inspired By) and I hope everyone else enjoys what I feel is the BEST R&B soundtrack since some of the most iconic ones of the ‘90s!””
Other artists on the soundtrack include Jorja Smith, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Coco Jones, H.E.R., Mary Mary, Usher, Fantasia Barrino and Missy Elliott.
In addition, fans will hear songs performed in the film by stars Barrino, Taraji P. Henson and Danielle Brooks. The album is executive produced by the one and only Quincy Jones as well as Scott Sanders.
Jones and Sanders also produced the film and worked together to create the Tony-winning Broadway musical. “The Color Purple (Music From And Inspired By)“ will be available for purchase and streaming on Dec. 15.