The Despicable Me movie franchise has slowly made itself a dynasty since the beginning of the 2010s. With three Despicable Me films and one Minions film under their belt, the creators have created their own world of fan fare for their main character and beloved villain Gru and his “minions.”
Next on the agenda for the series, they will tell Gru’s origin story with their upcoming movie Minions: The Rise of Gru, set to release on July 1. Renowned pop and indie producer Jack Antonoff, who is also a member of the band Bleachers, was tasked with crafting the soundtrack for the PG-rated flick. Antonoff has executively produced albums for Taylor Swift, Clairo, Lana Del Rey, Lorde and others, and the cast of features he recruited for the Minions: The Rise of Gru is special.
The premise for the soundtrack is that it is full of covers of 1970s radio hits. Whether it be BROCKHAMPTON covering Kool & The Gang‘s 1974 song “Hollywood Swinging,” Thundercat covering Steve Miller Band‘s 1976 hit “Fly Like an Eagle” or Tierra Whack re-imagining Santana‘s 1970 track “Black Magic Woman,” the nostalgia will be strong on this one.
Included with these remakes, there will also be some original songs from high profile artists. Wu-Tang Clan‘s RZA will offer his song “Kung Fu Suite,” while Tame Impala will join forces with 1980’s singing legend Diana Ross for their collaboration “Turn Up the Sunshine,” set to release as a promotional single on May 20.
It’s incredible that a children’s film like Minions: The Rise of Gru was able to garner such an epic project with such powerful names throughout hip-hop, pop, R&B, indie and alternative music. But, sometimes dreams do come true.
Check out the trailer for ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ as we await the release of the movie and its intriguing soundtrack!
