On this day in Hip Hop history Beyoncé and Jay-Z came together to release what may be the most important single of her career “Crazy in Love”. Aside from being a multi-platinum crossover hit, it marked the beginning of the end of Destiny’s Child and usher in the reign of Queen B.
As almost anyone alive at the time should know, this song was one of the biggest of hits of the decade. Not only did the album claim #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Top R&B/Hip Hop, Top 40, Dance Club, and Rhythmic Top 40 charts; but, “Crazy in Love” appeared in the top ten of music charts in countries including (but not limited to): Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, and the UK. The single landed the #40 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 decade-end chart and has made chart appearances internationally as late as 2015.
The single is taken from Beyoncé’s debut Dangerously in Love which was originally supposed to be released in October of 2102 but was delayed due to the success of fellow Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland’s premier solo feature “Dilemma” with rapper Nelly. Produced by Rich Harrison, the bulk of the song took over three months to write and record. Jay-Z, who wasn’t at all involved in the record until late in the process, took only ten minutes to pen his iconic verse to the hit single.
“Crazy in Love” was nominated for three Grammy Awards at t he 46th Grammy’s winning two, Best R&B Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. It was nominated for Record of the Year but lost to “Clocks” by Coldplay.
This record single handedly launched one of the most influential careers in music. The album that followed, Dangerously in Love has been said to be one of the most popular albums in R&B history selling multi-platinum, topping charts all over the world, and winning every award it was nominated for. Beyoncé’s current cult-like following is a direct result of this momentous single. Thanks to it’s success, Beyoncé has risen to be arguably the most popular active recording artist in the world.
