In conjuntion with the blockbuster live-action remake of The Lion King, Beyoncé has curated and produced a new album with artists from around the world, The Lion King: The Gift, which is due out the same day the movie hits theatres, July 19. Last night, Bey delivered the first song from both the album and the movie's soundtrack, "Spirit." Have a listen:  

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"Spirit" is a collaboration with Lebo M. and Hans Zimmer, who also scored the film, and features Queen B's signature soaring, melismatic vocal complete with falsetto breakdown bridge, gospel choir and dramatic key change.

Beyoncé detaileed the album project in a statement, saying, “This is sonic cinema... This is a new experience of storytelling. I wanted to do more than find a collection of songs that were inspired by the film. It is a mixture of genres and collaboration that isn’t one sound. It is influenced by everything from R&B, pop, hip hop and Afro Beat.”

“I wanted to put everyone on their own journey to link the storyline,” she continued. “Each song was written to reflect the film’s storytelling that gives the listener a chance to imagine their own imagery, while listening to a new contemporary interpretation. It was important that the music was not only performed by the most interesting and talented artists but also produced by the best African producers. Authenticity and heart were important to me.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“The Lion King: The Gift,” an album featuring global artists &amp; steeped in the sounds of Africa, produced &amp; curated by <a href="https://twitter.com/Beyonce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Beyonce</a> Knowles-Carter, will release 7/19. “Spirit,” the single from the album &amp; soundtrack for The Lion King, will be available tonight. <a href="https://t.co/IbMpQvJ97U">https://t.co/IbMpQvJ97U</a> <a href="https://t.co/AA7Fxl7hb7">pic.twitter.com/AA7Fxl7hb7</a></p>&mdash; The Lion King (@disneylionking) <a href="https://twitter.com/disneylionking/status/1148735294155321344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2019</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The new The Lion King reboot also features Beyoncé as the voice of Nala and Donald Glover as the voice of Simba. The two artists teamed up to sing the film's Elton John and Tim Rice-penned "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" for the soundtrack, which will be released by Walt Disney Records, out digitally on July 11 and phisically on July 19.

'The Lion King 2019' Soundtrack To Feature Beyoncé, Childish Gambino & More