The Roland TR-808 drum machine is famous for its many intriguing production features. There’s the bite of the snare, the rounded warm hum of the bass drum, and the steady pulsing of myriad percussive pushes. In fact, the 808 is the perfect palate for a producer to turn ecstatic musical dreams into reality.
Furthermore, a drum machine also makes a very reliable piece of technology to come home to. Part passionate partner, part dutiful pal, the 808, used on Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s alluring 2013 hit, “Drunk In Love,” proves an essential bed upon which to create a masterpiece.
Queen Bey on the Beach
Shot by famed director Hype Williams, the smash’s six-minute black-and-white music video has racked up some 561-million YouTube views. The clip features a seductive Beyoncé writhing on the beach as the camera reflects her charm.
Written by Queen Bee and husband Jay—with the help of others, including legendary producer, Timbaland—“Drunk In Love” hit #2 on the Billboard Top 100 when it dropped in December of 2013. It followed other hit singles by the couple, including 2006’s “Déjà Vu” and 2009’s “Crazy In Love.”
A Love Restrained
Despite its intense emotion, “Drunk In Love” is often tempered, measured. Sometimes the best love displays restraint, rather than fire. As a result, bursts of sound escape only a few times, as when Beyoncé releases an extended “Looove.”
Over the 808’s throb, the notes feel familiar, like the touch of someone you know. Still, for all its power, the 808 doesn’t intend to shock or frighten. Moreover, the drum machine adapts to the needs of the music. As Beyoncé stands on the beach, shaking her fists at the sky, we feel the energy surge.
To add an exclamation point to the proceedings, late in the track Jay Z hops in. He flashes a few diamonds and leaves the listener exhilarated. In short, “Drunk In Love” has roots in two fundamentals: the 808 and lust.
Surely, these contribute to the appeal of “Drunk in Love.” In fact, the song became so popular it spawned numerous remixes. One such version is by Jay and Beyoncé pal, Kanye West. That formidable producer, in particular, is no stranger to the Roland TR-808. (See: instant classic, 808s & Heartbreak.) West’s version, garnered some 6.5 million YouTube plays.
Dream Team Effort
With each 808-snare smack, we are a fly on the wall, privy to the most intense sides of these mega-personalities. To create the bed of music upon which Beyoncé and Jay-Z twirl, producer Detail initially approached Bey about a beat inspired by intoxication.
With each 808-snare smack, we are a fly on the wall, privy to the most intense sides of these mega-personalities.
A crew of creatives got together, indulged in a conceit, and forged “Drunk In Love” out of the alliance. “We weren’t trying to make a hit record,” Beyond revealed to NBC. “We were just having fun.” “Drunk in Love” later appeared on Beyoncé’s self-titled fifth LP, which dropped without promotion on iTunes in 2013.
Certainly, one of the most memorable moments of the song’s video occurs at the beginning. In it, Beyoncé appears to be stumbling home, carrying a plastic trophy.
Perhaps she won it in a beauty contest; maybe it’s for her bowling prowess. Either way, it looks like she’s had a few drinks and, wobbling as she carries it, she’s ready to find her husband.
Of course, Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s creative partnership continues to endure and thrive. May their union continue to bless us with powerful, passionate music.
