Additional writers credited on the song are Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson, and Chip Taylor since "Rumble in the Jungle" samples recordings written by them.

Produced by Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill of the Fugees, "Rumble in the Jungle" was released on January 7, 1997, as the first single from the soundtrack, becoming a chart hit in several countries.

In the United Kingdom, it peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the Fugees' fourth consecutive top-three hit.

[2] "Rumble in the Jungle" is about Ali's background and his fight with Foreman, containing descriptions of inner-city life, and plays during the biopic's closing credits.

[3][8] The song subsequently reappeared on the UK Singles Chart, entering at number three to become the Fugees' fourth consecutive top-three hit.