Spike Lee is known for including amazing songs in his movies, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Highest 2 Lowest has a great soundtrack. However, it is somewhat surprising to see the legendary director, who emerged on the scene in the late ’80s, collaborate with artists like A$AP Rocky and Ice Spice. Both of these rappers have roles in Highest 2 Lowest, which proves how unique the movie is.

The cast of Lee’s most recent film also includes acclaimed actors like Denzel Washington and Jeffrey Wright. Seeing these two share the screen together as their characters get involved in a complicated ransom plot is an amazing reason to watch Highest 2 Lowest. Additionally, ever since its initial theatrical release in August, reviews for Highest 2 Lowest have been great.

Following its limited theatrical run, Highest 2 Lowest is now streaming on Apple TV+, meaning it’s easier than ever to immerse yourself in the film’s gripping story and unique soundtrack. Therefore, here are all the songs included on the soundtrack for Highest 2 Lowest:

When Every Song On The Highest 2 Lowest Soundtrack Plays In The Movie

“Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” by Norm Lewis: This song plays as sweeping sH๏τs of New York City are shown during the opening credits of the movie. New York City and the people who live there are very much a focal point of Highest 2 Lowest’s story, so opening with this montage is very fitting. As the music fades out, we hear David speaking on the phone while on the balcony of his luxury apartment.

“Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead: After David drops his son off at basketball camp, he is picked up by his driver Paul, who asks him if he wants to listen to “new mixes or mood music.” David requests “a theme” and Paul plays “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” as they drive towards his office.

“King David” by Jenson McRae: When David enters the lobby of his office, a singer played by Jenson McRae requests to perform a song for him. David gives her 60 seconds of his time and she starts performing “King David,” which is a song that is actually about him. This brief performance proves how much musicians idolize David in the world of Highest 2 Lowest.

“Trunks” by A$AP Rocky: This song plays three times in the movie and is performed by A$AP Rocky’s character, Yung Felon. Firstly, it plays in the background while a sH๏τ shows Kyle tied up in a dirty bathtub. Later in the movie, David listens to this song while walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, which is how he realizes Yung Felon was the kidnapper. Finally, Yung Felon performs this song in a music video-inspired dream sequence near the end of Highest 2 Lowest.

“Stony Gate” by Fergus McCreadie Trio: “Stony Gate” plays while David and the police officers travel from his apartment to the subway station, where Yung Felon wants to receive the money. Watching David and the officers maneuver through the crowded subway makes for a tense sequence, and “Stony Gate” is a great song choice.

“Puerto Rico” by Eddie Palmieri & The Salsa Orchestra: While David is on the subway waiting for further directions, it pᴀsses by New York City’s Puerto Rico festival. Actors Rosie Perez and Anthony Ramos introduce Eddie Palmieri and his orchestra, who start performing this song. While “Puerto Rico” plays, David drops the backpack containing the money and the officers try to catch the criminals.

“Love Is the Message (A Tom Moulton Mix)” by MFSB: After Kyle has been returned by the kidnappers, David sits in his office and starts listening to this song. He becomes completely immersed in the music until his ᴀssistant taps him on the shoulder, telling him that his partners, Patrick and Alex, want to meet.

“The Payback” by James Brown: After figuring out that Yung Felon is the one who kidnapped Kyle, this song plays while David and Paul drive to his apartment. “The Payback” perfectly sets the mood for the tonal shift of the movie, and establishes how badly both David and Paul want revenge against Yung Felon.

“The Low Down” by Eddie Palmieri: This song briefly plays as David and Paul enter Yung Felon’s apartment building and walk up the stairs. Upon knocking on the door, Yung Feon’s girlfriend tells David that he’s not actually home.

“The Boss” by James Brown: After having a conversation with Yung Felon’s girlfriend, David leaves his apartment and drives to his studio with Paul. Just like “The Payback,” this song successfully sets the tone for David and Yung Felon’s eventual encounter. While “The Boss” plays, David also asks Paul for a gun, so that he can be ready for anything when he enters the studio.

“Both Eyes Closed” by A$AP Rocky: This is another one of Yung Felon’s songs which A$AP Rocky performs in Highest 2 Lowest. Yung Felon sings this song as David enters the studio. As the name of the song implies, Yung Felon keeps both of his eyes closed while he performs this, so David can easily force the sound engineer to leave the studio, leaving him all alone with the rapper.

“Represent” by Denzel Washington: During his conversation with Yung Felon, David starts reciting lines from the song “Represent,” which was originally released by Nas in 1994. Since Yung Felon represents new-school rappers in Highest 2 Lowest, it’s fitting that David decides to recite lyrics by Nas, an iconic old-school rapper.

“Highest 2 Lowest” by Aiyana-Lee: At the beginning of the movie, David’s son asks him to listen to Sula, an up-and-coming musician he knows. Finally, at the end of the film, after deciding to start his own label, Sula performs for David and his family. Aiyana-Lee’s performance is incredible, and David and his family can’t believe how talented her character is.

“Prisencolin (Americano Joint)” by Aiyana-Lee feat. Adriano Celentano: This song plays during the end credits of Highest 2 Lowest. It’s an uplifting song that works perfectly with the movie’s ending.

Where To Listen To Highest 2 Lowest’s Soundtrack

Since the movie is now streaming on Apple TV+, fans can revisit it anytime to find their favorite songs. However, the official Highest 2 Lowest soundtrack can also be found on the most popular music platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon.

Highest 2 Lowest definitely has a better soundtrack than a lot of other movies this year, so it’s amazing a complete album featuring all the aforementioned songs is available on these platforms. Additionally, a playlist which includes all the instrumentals from Highest 2 Lowest’s score can be found on Apple Music, which should also be a delight for fans of the movie.