Review: @CreedMovie Soundtrack

The motion Picture Creed, starring Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone, came out on November 25^th. Jordan plays Apollo Creed’s illegitimate son that wants to make a name for himself as a boxer in Philadelphia and Rocky Balboa (Stallone) helps him do that. Even though we get the same setting as the original Rocky movies, it's a new era that comes with a new sound. I saw the movie and I was not only impressed by the performance, but also by the music in the movie. I was pleasantly surprised to see how hip-hop culture highly influenced the production of it.

Last Breath (Future)- Future raps over the original Rocky theme music that has been remixed. Even though you can tell it was made for the movie, the song sounds like it could have been on his last album.

Check (Meek Mill) - A Philly movie needs to have a Philly rapper. This is one of Meek's most popular songs. It has a speedy rhythm with lyrics that reflect the city it came from.

Intolerant (White Dave) - The beat has elements of pop and hip-hop. Its upbeat tempo makes me think it could be a club banger if it was more popular. But the content is actually deep. Dave references Socrates and says that he needs to finish school. Not so dumbed down after all.

The Fire- (The Roots ft. John Legend)- Of course you have to have the Roots on this soundtrack as well. The Philadelphia native band gives us a chill sound, but with lyrics that say, “Something in my eyes that say I’m so close to having the prize.”  You can see why it's a boxing movie.

Grip (Tessa Thompson) This is one of my favorites. Thompson isn’t only on the soundtrack she is also in the movie. The song is not so much hip hop, as much as it is electric R&B. But it definitely has a enticing sound.

Lord Knows (Meek Mill ft. Tory Lanez) - One of many potential workout songs on here. Combining the classical echoes in the background with heavy trap beat, it may sound weird but you will be motivated to do that extra mile on the treadmill.

Don’t Waste My Time (Krept & Konan) - The same artists that made the song Freak of the Week appear on this album. With angry lyrics and heavy bass, this British rap duo represent for the London hip hop scene.

Let you Know (White Dave ft Clif Soulo and Legendvry) – This track has a funk infused hip hop sound. It’s fun and it’s something you can groove too.

Breathe (Tessa Thompson)- There is a lot of discord in the beginning. The chorus goes “I almost lost my mind.” The conflict in the sound is a reflection of that. Not my favorite, but I can see the artistic reasoning behind it.

Wake Up Everybody (Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes)-  This is a classic! Everyone can probably agree that this is one of the most happy and uplifting songs in American music. It’s a nice change from the new millennial pieces on here.

Bridging the Gap (Nas ft. Olu Dara) – That is what this track does: it “bridges the gap between Blues, Jazz, and Hip-hop” by combining all of them.  Nas pays tribute to all of these older genres of music that have inspired the work that he creates today with help from his father.

Waiting for My Moment (Donald Glover, Jhene Aiko, Vince Staples, Ludwig Goransson)-  Swedish composer Goransson has worked with Glover before on his albums,and also made the score for Fruitvale Station, so he is familiar with Michael B. Jordan and director Ryan Coogler as well. This composition is another workout song and my favorite one. The regal anthem is similar to original rocky theme music with a twist. Jhene Aiko and Donald Glover, harmonize beautifully, while Vince Staples knocks everyone out with vengeful bars and a heavy drum beat. I guess the lead single floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee.

Hail Mary (Tupac)- No they are not mixing sports terms, its 2Pac so it’s obviously deeper than that. Hail Mary is more about faith than sport. Pac tries to ask God, and mother Mary for guidance so he doesn’t get lost in the game; instead he wants to change it. But even if they don’t change, he will die trying.

In the Kitchen (White Dave ft.  Young T, K.E.L.L.S  ) – White Dave echoes Tupac’s opening verse of Hail Mary saying “I ain’t a killer, but don’t push me”. Someone is a fan. But it shares the same sentiment, trying to be an individual artist in an industry that wants you to conform.

Shed You (Tessa Thompson) - This is the last time Thompson is featured on the album. The tempo of the verses and the chorus are starkly different. The versus are slow and sultry, but it leads to a fast paced tempo for the chorus.

Curry Chicken (Joey Bada$$) – The songs starts off with a skits with a bluesy tune in the background, then goes straight into old school D.J. scratches. The song is about his journey to stardom, but he doesn’t forget where he came from referencing his mother and father and how he just wants a curry chicken dinner with them. Ending it all with a pray.

Work Ya Muscle (Earz) - I’m not gonna lie, this song didn't appeal to me. It’s a trap club banger that will get people hype though. So if you’re looking for something to play at a party, you can use this one.

Lord Knows/ Fighting Stronger (Meek Mill ft. Jhene Aiko Ludwig Goransson) - This is the last track and it’s a great way rap up the album too. It is a mash-up of two songs on the album. Jhene Aiko returns with angelic vocals on the war like anthem accompanied by Meek Mill's verse from Lord Knows, all remastered by Goransson.

 There has been talk that the song ‘Fighting Stronger’ will do the same thing for Creed, that Eye of the Tiger did for Rocky 3. I think the movie will do a lot for the artists featured in the soundtrack. It is a good compilation of old and new talent, and they all interlock in some way, weather it is in sound or theme. There are some questionable songs on here, but there is a lot of potential and talent as well. Overall it’s a pretty empowering album.

Rating: 3.6 out of 5.