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Various Artists - Black Panther: The Album (Music from and Inspired By) (Interscope, 2018)

Soundtracks are soundtracks, and I like the idea of one working just as well as a standalone project. Having Kendrick helm the thing is a pretty good way to ensure success. No, it's not as good as a solo Kendrick album, and it's a bit spotty (as most soundtracks tend to be) but it's solid at the very least with some great cuts - "King's Dead" obviously with that roster of talent, Vince Staples delivers (natch) with "Opps", okay "All the Stars" is pretty flabby but the other radio-ready pop cut "Pray for Me" (w/The Weeknd) is undeniable. Overall it hits more than misses, and I'll come back to it.

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