Bad Boys: Ride or Diecontinues the franchise tradition of including a soundtrack filled with memorable songs. TheBad Boysmovieshave always had a close relationship with music thanks to the frequent use of Inner Circle’s song “Bad Boys.” Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah,Bad Boys: Ride or Diedoes not stray too far from what audiences expect to see or hear when Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are playing Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett.
The experience ofwatchingBad Boys: Ride or Diebrings several opportunities to hear songs new and old. The franchise’s Miami roots pave the way for plenty of Spanish music to be featured as Mike and Marcus embark on a new case. There are also some more modern hits, throwback tunes from different genres, original songs, and the usual return of “Bad Boys.” This meansBad Boys: Ride or Die’s soundtrack is a great collection of musicthat is heard from the very beginning until the credits finish rolling.
Sean Paul and Trueno
Play-n-Skillz, Genie de Zone, and Dale Pututi
Becky G, Luisa Sonza, and Papatinho
“Dagombas en Tamale”
“Only You (1TwoFeel Reprise)”
“Tonight (Bad Boys: Ride Or Die) [feat. Becky G]”
Black Eyed Peas and El Afta
“Lights Out”
BIA and JID
“Bad Boys” by Sean Paul and Trueno:The very beginning ofBad Boys: Ride or Dieincludes an alternate rendition of the iconic “Bad Boys” song, this time withSean Paul and Trueno redoing the song in Spanish. The song plays over the beginning shots of Miami and as Mike and Marcus drive in the car. Sean Paul and Trueno’s version of “Bad Boys” was recorded for and released with theBad Boys: Ride or Diesoundtrack.
“Wobble” by V.I.C.:The recognizable dance song “Wobble” plays in the movie as part of the wedding reception for Mike and Christine’s wedding. Attendees are shown dancing to V.I.C.’s song, which debuted in 2008 and became a popular dance party tune. Its inclusion at Mike and Christine’s wedding is a natural choice as it remains a common wedding reception tune.
“Somos Latinos” by Play-n-Skillz, Genie de Zone, and Dale Pututi:The nextBad Boys 4song plays when Marcus wakes up in the hospital after his heart attack and visions. It plays as Marcus goes to the roof and Mike chases him down before Marcus exposes himself to all of Miami. This song was released in 2023.
“Flores Pa Ti” by Becky G, Luisa Sonza, and Papatinho:An original song for theBad Boys: Ride or Diesoundtrack, “Flores Pa Ti” can be briefly heard as Marcus and Mike leave the hospital. The song plays as they drive in the car on the way to the Burnett household while Marcus talks to Teresa on the phone. It’sone of two songs on theBad Boys: Ride or Diesoundtrack that includes Becky G.
“Dagombas en Tamale” by Residente:The next song is heard when Marcus gets home from the hospital. It plays as he is reunited with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law and Mike explains what Marcus has said since waking up. Residente released “Dagombas en Tamale” in 2017 as part of his self-titled album Residente.
“Look At Me Now” by King Flexx:Another addition to the soundtrack comes with “Look At Me Now.” The song plays as Marcus walks backward and dances across the street in an effort to prove to Mike that he can’t die. King Flexx’s song was originally released in 2019 on his album All Out.
“Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe” by Barry White:Barry White is featured in the movie as part of an action scene. “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe” begins to play when Marcus eats jelly beans and drinks punch during a shootout at Fletcher’s studio. It continues as the shooting keeps going.Barry White’s song is the oldest on theBad Boys: Ride or Diesoundtrack, as it was released on his Can’t Get Enough album in June 1974 - almost exactly 50 years before the movie’s release.
“Bad Boys” by Reba McEntire:A new cover of “Bad Boys” bringsReba McEntire to theBad Boys: Ride or Diesoundtrack. The country music icon does her own version of the song after Mike and Marcus escape from two rednecks who had them at gunpoint after finding them stealing their clothes. Reba McEntire recorded the song specifically for theBad Boysmovie, as it pays off a joke about Mike and Marcus trying to sing one of her songs.
“Duh!” by Flo Milli:“Duh!” is another original song made for the movie, and it can be heard in Tabatha’s strip club.
“Only You (1TwoFeel Reprise)” by Jay Glavany:AnotherBad Boys: Ride or Diesong is heard when Mike, Marcus, and Armando go to Dorn’s apartment. The song plays as Dorn talks to Kelly and Mike talks to Armando, leaving Marcus to watch the conversations. “Only You (1TwoFeel Reprise)” was originally released in 2019.
“Bad Boys” by Inner Circle:The recognizable version ofInner Circle’s “Bad Boys” song is featured in the movietoo. It plays after Mike and Marcus start singing the lyrics to each other. The full song, which was originally released in 1987, then kicks in as the team begins preparing for the mission to save Christine and Captain Howard’s granddaughter.
“Peter Piper” by Run-DMC:Run-DMC joins the list of artists who have songs inBad Boys: Ride or Dieafter the inclusion of “Peter Piper.” The song gets a prominent spot in the film’s climax as it plays over the big shootout at Gatorville. It begins when Marcus begins reciting the lyrics to Mike to encourage him that he’s a good man, saying,“He’s a big bad wolf in your neighborhood. Not bad meaning bad, but bad meaning good.”
“Salsa” by Blkcity:The very end of the movie also includes Blkcity’s song “Salsa.” It plays as part of the final barbeque sequence involving Reggie inBad Boys: Ride or Die’s ending. The song was originally released in 2020.
“Tonight (Bad Boys: Ride Or Die) [feat. Becky G]” by Black Eyed Peas and El Afta:Audiences are treated to another song duringBad Boys: Ride or Die’s creditssequence. The original song by the Black Eyed Pea, El Afta, and Becky G created for the film is heard over the beginning parts of the credits.
“Lights Out” by BID and JID:The final song inBad Boys: Ride or Dieis “Lights Out” by BIA and JID. It is another original creation for the movie and plays during the credits.
The Score Is By Lorne Balfe
TheBad Boys: Ride or Diesoundtrack is available on Apple and Spotifyfor anyone wanting to listen to the music from the movie. The official soundtrack released by Sony only includes 10 songs, as some featured in the movie are not included. There are also three original songs made for the soundtrack that are absent from the film, including a new song by Will Smith called “Light Them Up.”
The three songs on the soundtrack missing from the movie are “Light Them Up” by Will Smith and Sean Paul, “Bam Bam” by Shenseea and Myke Towers, and “Brand New” by 21 Lil Harold
The officialBad Boys: Ride Or Diesoundtrack does not include Lorne Balfe’s score, which is available separately as Bad Boys: Ride or Die (Original Motion Picture Score). Balfe’s work follows scoring many other action movies, including the last fewMission: Impossiblemovies.
The Fourth Movie Retains A Genre Focus
The music in theBad Boysmovies has always been an element that catches viewers' attention, as recognizable songs playing in the background of scenes or during major action set pieces became a staple under Michael Bay’s direction. Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah continued that withBad Boys for Life’s soundtrack, so it is not surprising thatBad Boys 4also includes a great mix of songs.“Bad Boys” by Inner Circle is the only song to play in everyBad Boysmoviedue to how perfectly it fits.
TheBad Boysmovie soundtracks have always skewed more towards rap and hip-hop songs, including a mix of well-known artists and rising musicians. WhileBad Boysincluded one 2Pac song, the film’s success allowedBad Boys II’s soundtrack to add significant names to the movie like Jay-Z, Beyoncé, P. Diddy, Notorious B.I.G., 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, and Mary J. Blige.Bad Boys for Lifeadded Black Eyed Peas, Meek Mill, Rick Ross, Quavo, Pitbull, and ‘Lil John too.Bad Boys: Ride or Diebrings Black Eyed Peas back but that’s it.
