Given that the high profile couple the Carters (Jay-Z & Beyoncé) have been rolling together for almost two decades, we were all wondering when a joint album would surface — and of course, they surprised us by releasing it during their show in London. What an impeccable move for the two, as this joint album is what we’ve needed from them, from the music to an album cover that has so much culture and emphasis!

From Beyoncé’s fifth album LEMONADE to Jay-Z‘s thirteenth album 4:44 (two projects that saw the two explaining their sides to the story) to Everything Is Love, the Carters’ journey together is remarkable. They are humans and have problems just like us! From beginning to end, it has vibes that make you want to listen forever.

Even though I can’t pick which are my favorite tracks from the project, here are some that certainly stood out:

• The track “SUMMER” reminds me of the “All Night” track off the LEMONADE album. With so much emotion between the two on the track, it makes you feel that you should be by an ocean with your partner, just being close with them and loving their presence.
• “BOSS” is such classic to me! So much empowerment off this track on both ends. The Carters are letting you know that their future generations of children are good and might be on top of the Forbes list!
• “NICE” is such a hard but simple beat! I love when Bey referred to Blue Ivy’s line about not seeing a ceiling in her whole life (from 4:44‘s “Blue’s Freestyle”)! I have a feeling that this track will be added as a dance break during one of her future shows.
• “713” gives me Reasonable Doubt vibes. If you don’t think Beyoncé should be on this track, then you are sadly mistaken! You must not know her from her Destiny’s Child era, or when she played Carmen in Carmen: A Hip Hopera. You weren’t a real fan if you couldn’t see it in her early stages.
• “FRIENDS” is a track that I feel is overlooked. Beyoncé lets you know she has friends who keep all of her secrets and business amongst themselves. Jay, on the other hand, said some gems that today’s generation should keep an eye out for. He raps, “I ain’t goin’ to nobody nothin’ when me and my wife beefin’, I don’t care if the house on fire, I’m dyin’, n***a, I ain’t leavin,’ Ty-Ty take care of my kids, after he done grievin,’ If y’all don’t understand that, we ain’t meant to be friends.” To me that is one of the most realest verses, because it shows the strength needed when your marriage is on the line.

Take this as a lesson: put everything into the music! From the conflicts to making amends, this album shows that everyone has problems and can work on them to become better people and better couples overall. With the hit single, “APES***” (along with Quavo and Offset’s adlibs), we admit that we all love Trap Beyoncé. If you’ve missed it, you can check that video out below.

Suggested Articles:

Jay-Z & Beyoncé (Finally!) Deliver a Joint Album

Beyoncé’s Album ‘LEMONADE’ Turns Two

The post The Carters’ ‘Everything is Love’ is a Masterpiece that Involves Trap With a Hint of Love appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Blowing all previous All Hallow’s Eve outfits out of the water, the creativity behind the array of costumes worn made this year’s Halloween one for the books. From Jay-Z to Travis $cott, it seems like everyone in hip hop was in the holiday spirit. Even while everyone’s favorite artists were busy being someone (or something else), fans held it down and represented for the culture. With everyone from children to adults going all out for their costumes, it just goes to show that you’re never too old to have fun and dress up.

The post Halloween Turn Up: Recap of the Hottest Costumes in Hip Hop appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.