All the Stars

Kendrick Lamar and SZA joined forces to record "All the Stars" as the lead single for the Black Panther soundtrack. The track dropped on January 4, 2018 through Interscope Records and Top Dawg Entertainment. Marvel Studios director Ryan Coogler handpicked Lamar to score the film, a decision that shaped the project's sonic identity from the start. The song opens the movie credits with a rhythmic beat and spiritual undertones designed to evoke the fictional nation of Wakanda.

The production team included Sounwave, Al Shux, and Anthony Tiffith, who also crafted the film's score. Their work blended hip-hop with soulful R&B elements, creating a distinct atmosphere that supported the narrative themes of ancestry and heritage. Critics noted how the track seamlessly wove into the film's story without feeling like a typical promotional add-on.

Awards bodies recognized the effort quickly. The song secured nominations for Best Original Song at the 76th Golden Globe Awards and the 91st Academy Awards. At the 61st Grammy Awards, it received four nods including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The African-American Film Critics Association awarded it the win for Best Song, while the accompanying music video took home Best Visual Effects at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards. [edit]