The death of Chadwick Boseman has led to a 104% spike in streams for Black Panther’s official soundtrack, new data has revealed.
The actor was best known for his role as King T’Challa in the landmark 2018 Marvel film. He died from colon cancer at the age of 43.
As reported by Billboard, the songs featured on the Kendrick Lamar-helmed OST generated 3.5million US on-demand plays between August 28th and 29th, resulting in a 103.5% gain on the previous two-day period (August 26th-27th), when the soundtrack registered 1.7million online plays.
The SZA-featuring cut ‘All The Stars’ clocked up 910,000 streams between August 28th-29th (an 83% surge), while Lamar and The Weeknd‘s ‘Pray For Me’ had 486,000 plays over the course of those two days (up 84%).
Digital downloads of the Black Panther soundtrack, meanwhile, increased by 708% from August 26th-27th. The spike in streams and downloads could even see the album re-enter the Billboard chart on September 12th.
Confirming Boseman’s death in a statement on Saturday (August 29th), the actor’s family said: “It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV.
“A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much. From Marshall to Da 5 Bloods, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and several more, all were filmed during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.
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“It was the honor of his career to bring King T’Challa to life in Black Panther. He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side. The family thanks you for your love and prayers, and asks that you continue to respect their privacy during this difficult time.”
Tributes have since flooded social media, including those from Boseman’s fellow actors.
Check out ‘Pray For Me’ by The Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar:
