We Speak Indie Artist
Kendrick Lamar and The Weeknd release new track, “Pray For Me” From The Movie Black Panther Soundtrack
The anticipation for Black Panther couldn’t be higher. Ryan Coogler’s film is breaking presales records left and right, while his cast, led by Chadwick Boseman, is putting all other stars to shame on the red carpet.Kendrick Lamar’s done his part to stoke those flames, dropping songs here and there from the soundtrack he’s curated. The latest track from Lamar features the Weeknd, who wonders who will “Pray For Me.”
Lamar’s bars about a “sacrifice for the greater good” and The Weeknd’s melancholy hook are a reminder that for all the Afrofuturist badassery that Black Panther has in store for us, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) is still conflicted about his ascension to the throne and what he’ll have to do to defend it.
The Black Panther soundtrack drops February 9, just one week ahead of the film’s debut.
North London’s 4t9 isn’t just stepping into the UK rap scene – he’s kicking the door wide open with his debut single, “Freedom”. Blending hard-hitting drill beats with motivational lyricism, 4t9’s arrival feels bold, intentional, and impossible to ignore. While drill music often leans on themes of street life and bravado, “Freedom” carves out its own lane, focusing on self-belief, focus, and determination.
From the opening bars, 4t9’s delivery is sharp and direct. His tone carries a hunger that feels authentic, as he weaves between gritty observations and personal affirmations. The hook – “It’s been about freedom, it’s been about racks” – becomes a powerful mantra, embodying 4t9’s belief in chasing success on his own terms. There’s no reliance on empty bravado here; instead, 4t9 taps into the mindset of someone who’s faced challenges but refuses to let them define his path.
His verses showcase a knack for clever wordplay. Lines like “In Paris riding the metro / I’ve been wavy from the get-go / I still compete and I get gold / That’s the 9 on me like Crespo” highlight his ability to blend cultural references with sharp storytelling. He paints pictures of grind and grit, but it’s always laced with a forward-thinking attitude.
The track’s production matches this energy, with a brooding instrumental that balances dark, rolling basslines with crisp percussion. It’s the kind of beat that demands attention, creating the perfect backdrop for 4t9’s powerful delivery. Meanwhile, the track’s structure keeps momentum high, with the hook acting as a grounding point that ties the themes together.
Adding to the track’s impact is its visually striking music video, directed by ODXC. The visuals mirror the song’s intensity, capturing 4t9’s commanding presence as he delivers each bar with conviction. The sleek visuals, combined with the track’s unrelenting energy, make “Freedom” feel like a real statement piece.
With this debut release, 4t9 shows he’s not here to follow trends – he’s here to create his own lane. His blend of raw authenticity, sharp lyricism, and motivational energy makes this debut impossible to overlook. If “Freedom” is just the starting point, there’s no telling how far 4t9’s ambition will take him.
-
We Speak Hip-Hop1 week agoDC Wordsmith Dumi Right Delivers New Maxi Single “Tell Em” & “Inside, Outside”
-
We Speak Actors6 days agoInterview with Leonid Andronov, author of ‘First Draft Survival Guide’
-
We Speak Music6 days agoRising Stars Roundup: Ant Cee, Apollo Forbes, and More
-
We Speak Music1 week ago
Michele Ducci to make long-awaited live return to the UK, supporting Is Tropical at New River Studios in London on the 9th of April.