It was released on October 28, 2022, by Westbury Road, Roc Nation, Def Jam, and Hollywood Records, as the lead single from the soundtrack album of the 2022 superhero film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
American cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw directed the music video, which sees Rihanna on an empty beach interspersed with short scenes from the film.
[9] On October 26, Rihanna announced her first solo single release since "Love on the Brain" (2016), with "Lift Me Up", which would be appearing on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By, the soundtrack album to the eponymous 2022 film.
"[19] Harper's Bazaar's Bianca Betancourt thought Rihanna might earn her first nomination of Best Original Song at the Academy Awards for "Lift Me Up".
However, the journalist appreciated the production and sounds, describing them as "a soft, swaying ballad built around a lovely arpeggiating harp and serene strings", although "there is little of the heft and power of Tems songs such as 'Free Mind' or 'Damages'.
"[22] Ed Potton of The Times rated the track 2 stars out of five, and wrote that even though it is "flawlessly sung over subtle strings by Rihanna", it is "forgettable" and "bland", adding that it "sounds like the result of a committee meeting — well meant, inoffensive, entirely devoid of individuality.
"Lift Me Up" is Rihanna's 32nd top 10, as well as her highest debut, tied with the 2010 Eminem collaboration "Love the Way You Lie" which also entered the chart at number two.
[48] The video is directed by Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the cinematographer of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and it depicts Rihanna on an empty beach interspersed with short scenes from the film.
The performance featured a full band, string section, and backup vocalists, while Rihanna was standing on a central platform that elevated in the middle of the rendition.
Lyndsey Havens of Billboard called the performance "soaring" and wrote, "'Lift Me Up' came to life as Rih sang with palpable passion to honor the late Chadwick Boseman.