Idris Elba stars in the Apple TV+ Original Series Hijack, a thriller that sees Elba’s character Sam—an accomplished corporate negotiator—in a high-stakes rescue on board a hijacked plane. From James Brown to Jamiroquai, Elba handpicked the tracks that helped him get into character. “While working on Hijack, I frequently found myself fully immersed in scenes where my mind resonated with action-packed funk music,” he tells Apple Music. “Some of those bangers from the ’70s and ’80s, like ‘My Brother’ by The J.B.’s, suited this show’s theme. The inclusion of more contemporary songs in the playlist, from artists like Sault and Khruangbin, invigorated me and sparked a thrilling sense of excitement. These tracks perfectly set the mood for intense moments, infusing the project with vibrant energy.” Read about a couple of his favorite tracks below, and if you hear something you like, add it to your library. Khruangbin, “Mary Always” “When you need to get in the zone, this was my tune. The pure unadulterated funk and feel of this record…” The J.B.’s, “My Brother” “One of the most influential records of our time that inspired a whole genre. The space, the weight, the beauty. How can you not be inspired by this masterpiece?”