King's Dead

About this song

The track first appeared on the official soundtrack for Marvel's Black Panther and was the first single from Jay Rock's album Redemption, the follow-up to his 2015 project 90059. The version on Redemption omits the second half of the song. Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock both performed it on the TDE Championship Tour, without the second half.

What it's about

The title refers to the supposed death of King T'Challa at the hands of Killmonger in Black Panther, and to the phrase "The king is dead, long live the king!" Kendrick raps from Killmonger's perspective, declaring himself king, which Killmonger achieves after his fight with T'Challa.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 15 other songs, like “La-di-da-di-da by Robin Zoot”.
• Covered 2 times, including “Ваня любит булки (Vanya Loves Buns) by Splays (Ft. MDA (Russia))”.
• Written by Jay Rock, Future, Kendrick Lamar, James Blake, Mike WiLL Made-It and 30 Roc.
• Produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, 30 Roc, James Blake, Twon Beatz and Sounwave.
• Recorded at Windmark Recording & 5Star Production Studios.