#FM Trends Beyoncé, Childish Gambino, and Jay Z Release New Song

Beyoncé and Childish Gambino wasted no time releasing their Lion King inspired song “MOOD 4 EVA” featuring Jay Z. The song, featuring a natively African sample looped with modern drums and bass, was led primarily Beyoncé’s perfect pitches and startling runs. After her initial intro, her husband, Jay-Z takes the reigns with his verse that has a hint of nostalgia for all the hip-hop fans from the 90’s and 2000’s. His cadence is very old school and barebones, he strips away the instrumentals leaving only the drums putting focus on his lyrics. Featuring no adlibs of his own only some of his wife’s background vocals, he resets the song back to a different time. An interesting parallel that the song and the Lion King movies both share.

Knowles-Carter recently became the highest paid female actress ever through her role in The Lion King. Beyoncé references her role in the song, “I am the Nala, sister of Yoruba” in a verse highlighting her indifference and lack of worry. The song winds down with an auto tuned Childish Gambino melodically riding out the beat focusing on self-empowerment and reflects Simba and his attitude towards the end of the movie. You can catch Gambino, also known as Donald Glover, and Beyoncé co-starring in the latest Lion King as the two main characters in the roles of Simba and Nala.

The new film, a re-boot of the 1994 original, features a star studded cast of Seth Rogen, John Oliver, Eric Andre, James Earl Jones, and Keegan-Michael Key, among others in addition to the two artists in charge of “MOOD 4 EVA”. However, Jay Z’s portion and influence on the song can’t be overlooked either. Jay Z, half of America’s favorite couple, has been implored to extend his influence and wealth to save A$AP Rocky who is currently being held in a Swedish prison.

Ben Goodfellow | IG: bennygoodfellow

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