“The Lion King” . . . perhaps you’ve heard of it. Producers of this 2019 re-imagining of the 1994 animated classic have issued two different “soundtrack” albums. There is the traditional soundtrack featuring songs from the original film, written by Elton John and Tim Rice and performed by the film’s cast, as well as a new song by Beyoncé.
But Beyoncé has also produced a curated soundtrack titled The Lion King: The Gift (cover on left) which features new songs performed by multiple artists including Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, Pharrell, and a version of ‘Hakuna Matata’ by Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen that no one was waiting for.
But once again I get to write about local designer Joe Perez who is responsible for the creative direction of the album cover as well as the design of the cover of the new single “Spirit” (above right). Perez was raised in Providence and after some time on the west coast he returned to live here. His line of apparel, Mason, is named after the Masonic Temple, the abandoned falling-down wreck (since restored) he used to haunt as one of those tagging teenaged hooligans. He also seems to be doing some work with his friend Virgil Abloh at Louis Vuitton.
He is more likely to be found these days haunting the stacks and clipping files of the RISD Library for reference and inspiration . . . without the spray paint.