By: Leslie Monet
From the intensity of the plot to the rawness of the music, it’s safe to say the film and soundtrack for The Hate U Give/T.H.U.G. issa whole mood pressing towards the end of 2018. The highly anticipated 20th Century Fox film, directed by George Tillman Jr., has been given an official stamp by Hip-Hop greats and new-comers who chronicle a racially charged experience for many young African Americans.
On October 12th, Def Jam will release the racey soundtrack with high hopes of recognition as award season approaches. In an interview with Variety Executive Vice President of Def Jam Recordings, Rich Isaacson stated, “The movie is about race, about people who are victims of oppression who are just trying to live their lives. So many of our artists speak to these issues, from the beginning of Def Jam to today.” Isaacson added the importance of adding Tupac records to the soundtrack as the film’s title was derived from Pac’s THUG LIFE acronym.
Thought-provoking bars from heavy-hitters like Jadakiss, Travis Scott, Pusha T, Kendrick Lamar, Bobby Sessions and Logic, are expected to amplify the film’s theme of police brutality and the innocent killings of Blacks in America. Bobby Sessions earned the opportunity to turn tragedy into triumph when he laid the film’s title track ‘The Hate U Give’ inspired by the loss of his cousin by the gun of a Dallas officer in 2012. “I hope the song, along with the film, will inspire young people to find their voice, speak out, and have these uncomfortable conversations about what’s going on in our community, and hopefully motivate everyone to do something about it”, said Sessions in a recent interview with Variety.
The film is slated to hit select theaters on October 6th and everywhere on October 19th. With notable appearances by Regina Hall, Anthony Mackie, Common, Russell Hornsby, Issa Rae and leading lady Amandla Stenberg, the Tupac Shakur inspired film is certain to entertain and educate viewers with a first-hand look at the life of a black Gen-X.
Hold on to your seats and check out the tracklist below:
1. Pusha T – “Hold On”
2. Kendrick Lamar – “DNA”
3. Jadakiss – “Hold You Down”
4. Tupac – “Only God Can Judge Me”
5. Arlissa – “We Won’t Move”
6. Travis Scott – “Goosebumps”
7. Bobby Sessions – “The Hate U Give”
8. Tupac – “Keep Ya Head Up”
9. Logic – “Everybody”
10. Beau Young Prince – “Kill Moe”
11. 21 Savage, Offset, & Metro Boomin – “Ghostface Killers”
12. NBA Youngboy – “Left Hand Right Hand”
13. Billie Eilish – “Ocean Eyes”
14. Amandla Stenberg – “Always”
