The soundtrack for the film “Judas and the Black Messiah” has an undeniably Chicago sound.
In a Tuesday Twitter post from RCA Records, the film, which details the final days of Black Panther Illinois chapter chairman Fred Hampton, and William O’Neal, an informant who reported the charismatic leader’s dealings to the FBI, features Chicago creatives.
Anywhere There's People, There's Power. Judas and the Black Messiah: The Inspired Album. Out Friday, 2/12. pic.twitter.com/gmmu0MNXyN
— rcarecords (@RCARecords) February 9, 2021
Polo G, Lil Durk, G Herbo, Smino, Saba, BJ The Chicago Kid, and Bump J are the soundtrack’s local contingent.
Jay-Z, Nas, Rakim, Nipsey Hussle, Black Thought, A$AP Rocky, Rapsody and others round out the film’s musical inspiration.
Chicago rapper Noname tweeted she was invited to be a part of the “Judas” soundtrack but reportedly declined after seeing the film.
Chicago rapper Noname (shown performing on day three of the Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park in 2018) says “Judas and the Black Messiah” lacked context regarding Fred Hampton’s politics.
“what’s crazy is they asked. i was supposed to be on the song with saba and smi but after seeing the movie i decided to pass,” she tweeted.
In a deleted tweet, she says the film lacked context regarding Hampton’s politics.
“I hope people actually go study Fred Hampton’s analysis on U.S. imperialism and fascism beyond just seeing a movie,” she wrote. “Most of his politics were stripped from that film.”
“Judas and the Black Messiah” arrives Friday in theaters and on HBO Max.
