BY BANDINI • JULY 20, 2019

This weekend, The Lion King opens to the masses. Starring the voices of Donald Glover, Beyoncé, Seth Rogen, James Earl Jones, and others, Disney’s 25th-anniversary update on a classic franchise is expected to ring cash registers at box offices everywhere.

In conjunction with the film, Beyoncé is at the helm for Lion King: The Gift, a companion to the cast’s Elton John and Tim Rice soundtrack. Released through Bey’s Parkwood Entertainment, the 27 tracks involve JAY-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Donald Glover (keeping his “Childish Gambino” moniker alive), Pharrell Williams, Blue Ivy Carter, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke’s new artist, SAINt JHN.

A highlight within the collection of songs inspired by various African sounds and styles is “MOOD 4 EVA.” The track unites Bey’, Jay, and Childish Gambino for a moment that stretches beyond the film, and captures the zeitgeist of three media moguls protecting their narrative.

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