Every Song in Netflix’s Concrete Cowboy

The Concrete Cowboy soundtrack includes just 10 featured songs, but the music accompanies big moments in the 2021 Netflix movie. Based on Greg Neri’s 2011 novel Ghetto Cowboy, the story follows a troubled Detroit youth who relocates to Philadelphia and bonds with his estranged father. Concrete Cowboy stars Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin, but various real-life members of the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club have prominent roles, along with a Philly bluesman who makes a musical cameo.

Concrete Cowboy takes place in a North Philadelphia community, where Harp (Elba) manages the Fletcher Street Stables. When his son Cole (McLaughlin) arrives, he teaches him about accountability and the value of a hard day’s work. Cole reconnects with his childhood friend Smush (Jharrel Jerome) and feels intrigued by street life, but ultimately decides to look after his favorite horse while Harp tries to keep his business alive.

In Concrete Cowboy, the iconic hip-hop musician Method Man (Clifford Smith) has a supporting role, though he doesn’t actually perform. The film does include a recorded track by Elba, who has released four EPs since 2006 and contributed to the 2019 UK hit “Boasty.” Concrete Cowboy also includes a live performance by Philadelphia musician Georgie Bonds, and the Somali-Canadian rapper K’naan scores an extended party scene. Here’s every featured song in the 2021 Netflix movie, which was scored by composer Kevin Matley.

“I Wish I Knew” – John Coltrane Quartet

“Lightwork” – Idris Elba and Wavy Boy Smith

“Going Thru It” – Jharrel Jerome

“ABC’s” – K’naan

“Hole in the Wall” – Georgie Bonds

“Before and After” – LGP QUA

“I’m a Dog, Roof” – Heater Goongang featuring Savage

“New Drip” – Heater Goongang

“Honesty” – Don Millz featuring Tre Murrell

“Paying ‘Em Back” – Don Millz

“Before and After” by North Philadelphia rapper LGP QUA plays in the 2021 Netflix movie when Smush drives Cole around Philly and expresses his loyalty. At the 39-minute mark, Method’s Man character visits Harp’s community and sticks around for a performance of  “Hole in the Wall” by Georgie Bonds. Shortly after, “Lightwork” kicks in as Smush and Cole dance at a house party.

Midway through Concrete Cowboy, Harp puts on a John Coltrane record and plays “I Wish I Knew” while explaining the origin story of Cole’s name. At the 58-minute mark, “New Drip” plays in the background as Smush argues with Cole. The 2008 anthem “ABC’s” kickstarts an extended party sequence featuring the entire community, and then drowns out as Rome tells a personal anecdote associated with the phrase “the horse won by a nose.” During a climactic moment in Concrete Cowboy, “Draw Me Near” — an uncredited gospel song — is performed after the death of a main character.

Concrete Cowboy released in April 2021 on Netflix.

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Q.V. Hough
(1892 Articles Published)

Q.V. Hough is a senior writer at Screen Rant. He’s also the founding editor at Vague Visages, and has contributed to RogerEbert.com and Fandor.

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