As the world at large soaks in the excitement of a potentially imminent release from Beyonce, That Grape Juice’s From The Vault journey’s back to the very first time she made the world stop with her now-signature surprise drops.
Today, we give you the JAY-Z-assisted ‘Drunk in Love.’
Written by Bey and Detail, the song was produced by the pair alongside Boots, J-Roc, Dre Moon, and Timbaland.
‘Drunk’ was poured out as part of the artist’s self-titled fifth studio effort which was released sans any preceding announcement or forewarning on December 13, 2013. Easily one of the cornerstone releases of the diva’s career, the ‘Beyonce’ project serves as the singer’s first “visual album” – boasting the simultaneous arrival of an accompanying music video for each and every song.
Thanks to instant popularity, it was quickly chosen as one of the LP’s two lead singles and was a glorious commercial and critical moment for Mrs. Carter.
Indeed, it peaked at #2 in the US and #9 in the UK, and it won two GRAMMY Awards in 2015.
Lyrically, the song is notorious for showing a racier side of Bey (#surfboard) and sonically it saw the artist digging deeper into Hip-Hop and Trap-kissed music.
The track’s monochrome visual was helmed by director extraordinaire Hype Williams. It was shot on Golden Beach in Florida and starred The Carters – playing up the song’s lyrics – simply vibing and grooving to their booming bop. No choreography, no CGI, just plain ole charisma, swag, sauce, and a chemistry that has captivated for over two decades.
The visual was praised for its simplicity, sense of fun, and the commanding presence of its protagonists. It won the VMA for Best Collaboration in 2014.
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With the ‘net buzzing about a potential big unveiling from Queen Bey, speculation has spanned new music, a tour announcement… or yet another Ivy Park drop?
As of typing, no one knows. But seeing how social media has responded, it’s clear the masses are ready to welcome back the music royal sooner rather than later.
Bring it on, Yoncé
