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Writer's pictureNikki Viola

Album Review: Shang-chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings



The newest Marvel Studios' film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” screams Asian power! From its cast to the fantastic soundtrack led by 88rising, it shows much-deserved Asian representation that extends past the norm and shows how talented we are.


Being the first Marvel film in history to have an Asian lead, they made sure to show Asian talent at its finest.


The official soundtrack released under Hollywood Marvel Music Interscope features Asian-American music collective 88rising: NIKI, Rich Brian, GOT7's Mark Tuan, DPR LIVE, Warren Hue, Jhene Aiko, Anderson .Paak, and more.


I must say, the whole album was DIVINE as it showed the real meaning of ASIAN SWAG, from picking artists who'll be part of the soundtrack to boppin' beats that will make you listen to the whole album over and over again.


The soundtrack was executive produced and curated by 88rising, and the talented group did not disappoint.

According to Marvel's Press Release, Shang-Chi director Destin Daniel Cretton worked closely with 88rising to produce the historical music project, showing what Asian talent is all about to the world.


The Asian-American musical collective also used the film's setting of San Francisco to tell a deeper story about the Asian-American experience-curating a universal theme of FAMILY, which we all know, an essential factor to Asian culture.


The first song that reflects that is "Always Rising" by NIKI, Rich Brian, and Warren Hue. Warren shared that the three of them wrote their parts on the song individually to create an anthem that focuses on stories about keeping the family close.


"Diamonds + And Pearls" by DPR LIVE, DPR IAN is an easy, breezy song that symbolizes luxury, according to 88rising's founder Sean Masahiro. "Diamonds And Pearls are ultimate symbols of luxury, but we wanted to flip that idea with Tea and Pearls."


"Lazy Susan" with 21 Savage, Rich Brian, Warren Hue, and Masiwei possess a massively catchy hook that seems destined for internet virality. The song tackles self-empowerment and striving to become the best you, which is very fitting nowadays.


Masahiro shared about the soundtrack's creative process.


"With this album, I wanted to bring artists together to tell the stories of unconditional love and memories of growing up – the distinct warmth of mom's hot soup or cut fruit – and how she was always there for you whether you appreciated it or not. These are songs dedicated to the first dances our parents shared together when they were young, as we continue to celebrate their love stories and everlasting youth. This album is for their sacrifice, their grit, and their endless endurance to give us the platform to be great. We wanted to make music and write songs celebrating all of that, while marrying the themes of the film of cherishing family, being fearless, and realizing your destiny."


Twelve out of the eighteen songs from the soundtrack were used in the film and will also be available on physical products (CDs, vinyl). 'Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings: The Album' is now available from Marvel Music/Hollywood Records and Spotify!



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