Exploring the Music of 'Queen & Slim'
Five years on, few soundtracks have come close to topping this one…
Queen & Slim: The Soundtrack artwork banner. Image is property of Universal Pictures, Motown Records and Melina Matsoukas.
The 2019 romance-thriller Queen & Slim, directed by Melina Matsoukas, is not just a film; it's a visceral journey through contemporary America, where an evocative soundtrack, curated by music supervisor Jen Malone, takes the form of a character in its own right.
Queen & Slim stars Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith as Ernest "Slim" Hines and Angela "Queen" Johnson, respectively. The film chronicles the tale of a young Black couple whose first date takes an unexpected turn when a routine traffic stop escalates, leading to the shooting of a police officer in self-defence. Morphed into outlaws from the ordeal, the couple embark on a cross-country journey, becoming makeshift symbols of trauma, grief and love.
The film's music, a potent companion to its narrative, effectively captures the raw emotions and complexities of the characters' experiences, adding depth and nuance to the story.
The mesmerising score by Devonté Hynes—better known as Blood Orange—is at the forefront of the film's sonic landscape. Hynes' compositions, drawing from an eclectic blend of genres including soul, jazz, blues, and hip-hop, create a rich soundscape that mirrors the emotional depth and complexity of the characters' journey. From soulful melodies to haunting vocals, each note resonates with a poignant commentary on the systemic racism and social injustices faced by our lead protagonists.
Complementing Hynes' score is a carefully curated selection of songs that further enrich the film's narrative. Iconic tracks from artists like Marvin Gaye and Nina Simone stacked alongside retooled 2000s classics courtesy of Bilal and Raphael Saadiq evoke a sense of nostalgia and also serve as a cultural touchstone, reminding us of the rich heritage of African American music.
At the same time, contemporary hits from Lauryn Hill and Vince Staples add a modern edge to the soundtrack. Emerging artists like Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Baby contribute fresh perspectives, reflecting the dynamic evolution of African American music and culture.
The music is not just a powerful storytelling tool throughout the film, but also a guide that leads the audience through the characters' emotional highs and lows. Whether it's the soulful strains of a blues guitar or the pulsating rhythms of a hip-hop beat, each song not only enhances the narrative but also immerses viewers deeper into the world of Queen & Slim, making them feel every emotional twist and turn.
These songs, along with Devonté Hynes' score and other musical selections, contribute to the rich and immersive sonic landscape of Queen & Slim, enhancing the narrative and emotional depth of the film.
In essence, Queen & Slim's music is not just background noise but an integral part of the film's narrative fabric. With its soul-stirring melodies, thought-provoking themes, and masterful craftsmanship, the soundtrack stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire change and unite communities in the face of adversity.
It's safe to say Queen & Slim joins a long line of Black cinema soundtrack classics five years after its original release. When you think of Love Jones (1997), Higher Learning (1995), Brown Sugar (2002), or even Love & Basketball (2000) and their extensive résumé of soundtrack gems, don't forget to give Queen & Slim its flowers.
Stream the Queen & Slim soundtrack below: