Beyonce Drops New Song "Spirit" Taken From New Lion King Soundtrack

Beyoncé has released a long-awaited new song, "Spirit," inspired by her role of Nala in Disney's The Lion King remake. "Spirit" is featured on the official soundtrack for the film and is also the first song from the upcoming album Beyoncé produced and curated, The Lion King: The Gift.

“This is sonic cinema,” Beyoncé said in a press release. “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.”

Beyoncé also explained in a interview that she wanted to tie the film into the music. “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.”

The track list and featured artists on the album will be announced at a later date.

The film's soundtrack will release on July 11, while The Lion King: The Gift will release on July 19. The Lion King film hits theaters on July 19.

Listen to Beyonce's new song, "Spirit," below: