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Creed III Soundtrack: A Heavyweight Hit in Music and Film

Mar 1, 2023 | Articles, Creed 3 (Articles)

The Creed III soundtrack doesn’t just back up the action—it’s a force of its own. Like Adonis Creed in the ring, this album comes in swinging with hard-hitting beats, raw emotions, and an all-star lineup. Dreamville Records took charge, curating a mix of high-energy bangers and introspective tracks that mirror the film’s themes of brotherhood, rivalry, and redemption.

Meanwhile, Joseph Shirley’s score delivers all the tension and drama needed to elevate the film’s most intense moments. This isn’t just a movie soundtrack—it’s an experience that stands on its own.

Let’s dive into the Creed III soundtrack tracklist, explore the artists, and break down why this album hits so hard.

Joseph Shirley Steps into the Ring with a Fresh Score

When Creed III was announced, one big question loomed—who would compose the score? Ludwig Göransson set the tone for the first two Creed films, but for this round, his longtime collaborator Joseph Shirley took over as the main composer.

Shirley, known for his work on The Book of Boba Fett and Bad Trip, had already been involved in programming and engineering scores for Göransson. But with Creed III, he was in full control.

His approach built on what worked before while pushing it further.

“I wanted to build off of Ludwig Göransson’s fantastic contributions to Creed I and II while introducing new sonic and thematic material. The emotional depth, tension, futuristic anime influences—everything Michael B. Jordan wanted in this film—I worked to bring to life through music.”

His fusion of orchestral elements, electronic synths, and deep, moody beats creates a score that feels as intense and unpredictable as a 12-round championship fight. Tracks like “Viene Por Sangre” pulse with drama, while his more subtle compositions amplify Adonis’s emotional battles just as much as his physical ones.

Dreamville Brings the Fire with Creed III: The Soundtrack

While Shirley’s score sets the mood, the Creed III soundtrack brings the energy. Dreamville Records, J. Cole’s powerhouse label, took over executive production, resulting in a curated mix of hip-hop, R&B, and cinematic storytelling.

This isn’t just an album thrown together to match a movie—it’s a standalone project with its own weight.

With names like JID, Kehlani, Big Sean, Ari Lennox, and EarthGang, Dreamville made sure this album hit just as hard as the film.

Every Track on the Creed III Soundtrack, Broken Down

1. “Culture” – Mez, REASON, Symba, 8AE

A fast-paced opener that sets the tone for the album. Confidence, hustle, and a fighter’s mentality.

2. “Ma Boy” – JID, Lute

JID and Lute bring lyrical heat, embodying the brotherhood-turned-rivalry between Adonis and Damian.

3. “Anthem” – Big Sean, EST Gee

A straight-up hype track. Feels like stepping into the ring, gloves laced, ready for war.

4. “Adonis Interlude (The Montage)” – J. Cole

J. Cole delivers a lyrical masterpiece over a key training montage, capturing Adonis’s struggles with legacy and self-doubt.

5. “Greater” – Ari Lennox

A soulful anthem about resilience and pushing through life’s toughest battles.

6. “Ogogoro” – Bas, Ayra Starr

An Afrobeats-influenced track that adds an international vibe to the album.

7. “Just Face It” – Blxst

A laid-back but powerful anthem about confronting your past.

8. “Headhunters” – Westside Boogie, Cozz feat. Kevin Ross

Hard beats, raw verses, and urgency that matches Damian Anderson’s ruthless mindset.

9. “Jack” – EarthGang feat. Buddy

EarthGang keeps things unpredictable with their signature chaotic flow.

10. “Hate Me Now” – Arin Ray, Mereba, Omen

Inspired by Nas’s classic, this track is about proving doubters wrong.

11. “Talk To Me” – Omen, Ari Lennox, OG DAYV

Smooth production, intimate lyrics, and a hypnotic groove.

12. “Lay Up” – SiR feat. Syd

A chill track balancing the album’s high-energy moments.

13. “Long The Way” – Morray

Morray’s soulful vocals bring a reflective, emotional vibe, capturing Adonis’s struggle to move forward.

14. “In The Room” – JID, Tierra Whack, BJ the Chicago Kid

Unpredictable flows and insane vocal chemistry.

15. “Shadows” – Kehlani

A hauntingly beautiful song about facing your past.

16. “Burn Bridges” – Lute, Cozz, REASON, Arin Ray

Feels like walking away from something toxic and never looking back.

17. “Heavy Is The Head” – Baby Rose

A somber, introspective track about the weight of responsibility.

18. “Blood, Sweat & Tears” – Bas, Black Sherif feat. Kel-P

A powerful closing track that embodies the themes of sacrifice, perseverance, and the will to win.

Other Songs That Made an Impact in Creed III

Beyond the official soundtrack, the film also featured a handful of classic bangers that added extra punch to key moments:

  • “The Watcher” – Dr. Dre
  • “Lay Low” – Snoop Dogg feat. Nate Dogg & Tha Eastsidaz
  • “Grinding All My Life” – Nipsey Hussle
  • “Last Time That I Checc’d” – Nipsey Hussle feat. YG
  • “Viene Por Sangre” – Joseph Shirley & Jvzel

Final Bell: Why This Soundtrack Is a Knockout

The Creed III soundtrack doesn’t just complement the movie—it enhances it. From Joseph Shirley’s powerful score to Dreamville’s expertly curated album, this music fuels the story of Adonis Creed’s toughest fight yet.

Whether you’re looking for motivation, cinematic intensity, or just a fire playlist, this album delivers at every level. Like Creed III itself, the music refuses to hold back—and that’s exactly why it hits so hard.