JAY-Z set social media alight upon the release of his new album ‘4:44’ last week.
Easily Jigga’s most truth-baring offering yet, the 10-song set saw him wax honest about his infidelity failings, family secrets, and much more.
The candidness of the LP made for immediate connections to his wife Beyonce‘s 2016 release ‘Lemonade,’ which explored similar themes – from the perspective of the wronged woman.
It also saw many sympathize with her plight and celebrate her strength, on the assumption that everything Jay rapped about was fact.
If indeed so, Mrs. Carter certainly is as strong as they come. Especially, as the executive producer of ‘4:44’ has revealed she was heavily involved in the project.
Speaking to the New York Times, No I.D said:
I always call Bey our de facto A&R. Pillow talk is the strongest conversation on the planet. Every song has to get past her ears, in my eyes. She came by a lot and played a good part in helping us get over hurdles on certain records. Of course she’s genius-level with that.
Given the content on ‘4:44,’ it is somewhat surprising to see Beyonce able to approach the record from a purely professional perspective rather than personal.
That said, as a billion dollar empire, a lot of thought clearly goes into the “Carter” brand.
Once built on the premise of “perfection,” the years since “elevator-gate” have seen a shift towards the willing projection of their flaws and fractures. The by-product f which has seen folk become even more fascinated by music’s first family.
Viewed this way, it’d almost be odd if Bey wasn’t involved in ‘4:44’ somehow. It’s their collective life story and, given their artistic chemistry and respect for one another, it figures why she’d be consulted in some capacity.
Anyway, enough of our ranting. What are…