Noooo Mr. and Ms. Carter

   The Carters, individually the biggest superstars of our generation, have finally given listeners what we have been waiting for: a joint album. Rumors have been swarming since Jay-Z released his album "4:44" last summer on which he disclosed personal information about his marriage. In April 2016 Beyoncé released visual album "Lemonade" which was an hour long short film stringing together visuals for each song on the album with documentary like footage, as well as experimental imagery, poetry recited by Beyoncé, and more. Being one the most incredible contemporary art pieces "Lemonade" takes viewers/listeners on a journey through the hardships Bey has faced throughout her marriage with themes such as "betrayal" and "redemption". Their love has really become their "thing", which we do of course experience on the joint album fittingly entitled "EVERYTHING IS LOVE". However the entire album falls short.

   What I imagined would be a combination of the kind of music we got from "4:44" and "Lemonade", it feels a bit more like your auntie and uncle doing trap karaoke. The feel lends itself to a lot of whats hot in the streets right now, with a feature from the migos, Beyoncé rapping, and Jay-Z being Jay-Z. There seems to be a specific vibe they were going for but it did not work. Beyoncé gives us sultry vocals similar to that on "On The Run II" and bars just as she did on their single with DJ Khaled "Top Off". But personally, it feels that she is holding back. Is this the Beyoncé Jay prefers? Does she feel she has to compete or keep up with him? It feels like Jay-Z featuring his wife on every track, when we all know who the better artist is here.
 
   The first track "SUMMER" is a passionate R&B song primarily featuring vocals from Bey and just one verse from Jay. The feeling of this track is loving, sultry, and sexy; making it possibly the most bearable track on the whole album with the most replay value. Nothing else really stood out, aside maybe the first single and second track "APE SHIT". A turn up anthem heavily influenced by, and featuring vocals from, The Migos. It reminds me of one of their latest singles "Motorsport", but also a lot of Hip-Hop music out right now, a child of Trap Music. More rap-singing from Bey, more bragging about how poppin, and rich, and powerful The Carters are.

   The music video is absolutely beautiful as they rented out the Louvre museum in France, where the Mona Lisa is. This makes a statement that as artists, as Black artists, they are just as valuable and important as very well know art by white people. They are dominating spaces Black people were not allowed to step foot in just a few decades ago. The chorus chants "Can't believe we made it, this is what we're thankful for", giving us an updated "Niggas in Paris" narrative.

Overall the album falls short, but I appreciate the effort. Maybe joint albums are just taboo, they don't happen often. "Watch The Throne", Jay-Z's album with KanYe West was 50% jaw-dropping incredibly moving music and 50% forgettable. Jay-Z's joint albums with R. Kelly are completely forgettable and I'm sorry I even brought them up.

As far as EVERYTHING IS LOVE goes, listen to it while you're cleaning the house, or on a long road trip and just need something in the background.