7 Best Songs from 'Highest 2 Lowest' Soundtrack

Highest 2 Lowest stands as one of Spike Lee's most entertaining movies. The film features seasoned actors, including Jeffrey Wright and Denzel Washington. The premise of the story follows a complicated ransom situation that unfolds across New York City.

However, its incredible soundtrack makes Highest 2 Lowest all the more engaging. The movie blends hip-hop tracks and classic soul perfectly. Additionally, music plays a crucial role in driving the plot forward. Every song connects to specific sequences and character moments. The Highest 2 Lowest soundtrack displays both emerging talents and legendary artists. The viewers can experience these tracks while watching this movie on Apple TV+.

The track choices reflect the cultural diversity of New York. From contemporary rap to James Brown classics, the album covers several decades. The soundtrack proves that Highest 2 Lowest delivers musical brilliance and cinematic excellence.

7 most memorable tracks from Highest 2 Lowest

1) The Payback by James Brown

A still from the movie (Image via Apple TV)

James Brown's iconic track appears during a crucial moment in Highest 2 Lowest. The track plays when David learns who kidnapped his son, Kyle. This old funk anthem accurately captures David's rage and determination.

The hefty bass line and the powerful vocals by Brown create more stakes. The track develops momentum as David orchestrates his revenge plan.

The Payback represents one of soul music's biggest achievements. Its placement in the movie enhances the dramatic intensity. The energy of the track matches David's emotional turmoil with accuracy. James Brown's impact on hip-hop culture connects past and present. These song choices display Lee's understanding of musical narrative.

2) Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now by McFadden & Whitehead

Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now brings classic Philadelphia soul to Highest 2 Lowest. The song plays when Davide leaves with his driver, Paul, after dropping off his son. Paul offers David a choice between mood music and new mixes, and David asks for a theme, and Paul chooses this track.

Whitehead and McFadden created one of the disco's most happening tracks. The song perfectly captures David's confident mindset early in the movie. This 1979 hit represents the positive side of soul music. The track's message about overcoming obstacles is a prophecy for David's journey. Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now sets the movie's musical foundation.

3) Highest 2 Lowest by Aiyana-Lee

The title track Highest 2 Lowest serves as the movie's emotional climax. Aiyana-Lee performs this song as Sula, a growing artist. David's son had asked his father to listen to Sula earlier. The performance takes place after David decides to start his own record label. This moment represents new beginnings and hope in the narrative.

Aiyana-Lee delivers a compelling vocal performance that impresses the characters. The track reflects the film's central themes with accuracy. It suggests the journey from struggle to success and back again. The song displays fresh talent along with established actors. David's family watches in shock during the scene.

4) Both Eyes Closed by A$AP Rocky

This song is played during the final confrontation scene. Yung Felong sings with his eyes shut while David enters the studio. This creates a vulnerable moment for the villain character. The track's intimate nature contrasts with the high stakes present in the room. David employs distraction to clear the studio of other people.

The song title becomes symbolic of Yung Felon's negligence of consequences. This song adds nuance and depth to what could have been an ordinary villain. The song creates an unexpected moment of artistry during the chaos. This song demonstrates how Highest 2 Lowest utilizes music narratively.

5) Puerto Rico by Eddie Palmieri & The Salsa Orchestra

Eddie Palmieri's Puerto Rico brings Latin energy to Highest 2 Lowest. The track plays during a festival scene in the subway. Anthony Ramos and Rosie Perez introduce the performance. This moment displays New York's cultural diversity with accuracy. The track plays while David drops the ransom money. Cops try to catch the criminals during the scene. This song adds a raw Latin flavor to the music.

The live performance aspect lends authenticity to the sequence. Palmieri's orchestra delivers incredible passion and energy. This track represents the multicultural nature of the town. The festival setting serves as a perfect cover for the criminal actions.

Also See: Highest 2 Lowest: Full list of cast and characters explored

6) Love is the message by MFSB

MFSB's disco classic Love Is the Message occurs after Kyle returns safely. The track provides a moment of relief and reflection. Tom Moultan's remix brings extra nuance to the former. The song represents Philadelphia's contribution to the history of soul music. David becomes completely absorbed in the song's beauty. This sequence displays his appreciation for artistic expression.

Love Is the Message delivers emotional release after too much drama. The disco era sound adds warmth to Highest 2 Lowest. MFSB created some of the most impactful instrumental tracks ever. The track's uplifting message contrasts with the former darkness.

Also See: Highest 2 Lowest soundtrack: A comprehensive list of all songs and music featured in the movie

7) The Boss by James Brown

James Brown's The Boss plays as David prepares for the last confrontation. The track accompanies his drive to Yung Felon's recording space. David asks Paul for a weapon during the scene.

Brown's impactful vocals match David's determined mindset accurately. The Boss represents authority and power through music. The song builds anticipation for the final scene. Jame Brown's impact on hip-hop culture spans generations. This track choice connects the movie's themes about leadership. David must display his dominance over the circumstances.

The Boss provides a well-fitting soundtrack for this transformation. This song's energy pushes the story toward resolution. Brown's legacy continues to move forward with a new generation of artists.

Also See: Highest 2 Lowest ending explained: a new note for David King

The Highest 2 Lowest soundtrack blends contemporary and classic music brilliantly. Every song serves the story while standing alone as a great soundtrack. Spike Lee's musical choices expand every scene with accuracy. This soundtrack deserves recognition as one of the year's best musical landscapes.

About the author

Mannjari Gupta is a Listicle writer in the entertainment division at Sportskeeda. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and brings four years of experience in digital media, having worked with platforms like Pocket FM, Pepper Content, FilmyFiles, and BookGeeks.

Mannjari's passion for her field is driven by her belief that different genres fuel her imagination, enhancing her writing skills. She prioritizes thorough research and ethical reporting, ensuring that her articles reflect factual information rather than personal opinions.

Fascinated by powerful female-led empires, she admires figures like the Kardashians and Martha Stewart for their ability to redefine influence and build lasting legacies. If given a time machine, she'd delve into the Kardashian universe, not for the drama but to witness their ability to transform criticism into entrepreneurial success.

Outside of writing, Mannjari is a trained classical dancer specializing in Kathak. She also enjoys reading and relaxing during her leisure time.

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Edited by Mannjari Gupta