Yesterday, Spike Lee took to Instagram to share the first single from his upcoming film Chi-Raq. Unsubtly titled "WGDB" ("We Gotta Do Better"), the ballad by local gospel singer Kevon Carter features maudlin (at best), factually incorrect, and offensive lyrics such as "We’re the only race that shoots and kills themselves." Deadspin panned the single as "one of the worst fucking songs ever."
While Carter's track has drawn a ton of ire already, other songs from the soundtrack may offer some respite. The album's RCA website is already live. Listed among the artists, unsurprisingly, are Nick Cannon and Jennifer Hudson (who will also act in the film) alongside the previously unreported R. Kelly. Rapper Kid Ink, gospel-turned-mainstream R&B singer Mali Music, alt-R&B crooner Jhene Aiko, Nicki Minaj backup singer Treasure Davis, and local Roc Nation signee Sam Dew also appear. Three out of eight of those listed are Chicagoans—not a great batting average considering past rumors of Kanye, Common, Lil Bibby, King Louie, Sicko Mobb, and Young Chop.
The Chi-Raq soundtrack will be available December 4, the same day the film hits theaters. Read Chicago's in-depth talk with Lee about the film here.