In 2018, the dynamic duo struck again, capturing the world’s attention with everything they do. Since 2017, the iconic duo has aired a lot of their dirty laundry, released some of their most critically acclaimed and revealing work yet, and continued to dominate everything music.
The Bonnie-and-Clyde of the industry have seemingly taken on the bandits theme in 2018, destroying boundaries and taking on new heights for Yoncé and Hov. Let's take a look into the amazing year the two of the biggest artists of our time have had.
January — Blue Ivy Steals The Spotlight
On January 28th, Jay-Z ended his six-year boycott of the Grammys as he sat front-row with Beyoncé and their daughter Blue Ivy. He explained his attendance the night prior in his acceptance speech for the 2018 Salute to Industry Icons Award: “when a beautiful young lady, whom I love dearly, had a solo album, and it was the breakout — she was nominated.” Their attendance though was more notably recognized when their six year-old Blue was caught on camera appearing to shush her mother before warning her father not to clap as well.
March — They're On The Run... Again
On March 2nd, the power couple's first collaboration of the year dropped: DJ Khaled’s “Top Off,” also featuring rapper Future. On the track, Jay raps about everything from the incarcerated Meek Mill to “me and Blue having a sing-off.”
Later in the month, Jay and Bey announced the long-awaited sequel to their 2014 duel headlining trek, "On the Run." "On the Run II" had the Beyhive buzzing into overdrive with the announced 15-city stops across the UK and Europe, and 21 scheduled (later to be extended) dates across North America. Their tour itinerary was accompanied by a tour-announcement trailer, that was seemingly influenced by the 1973 Senegalese film “Touki Bouki." Check it out below:
April — R.I.P. Coachella. Long live Beychella!
Beyoncé took the iconic Indio, California stage for her first headlining set of the festival, in a makeup performance from last year, which had to be canceled due to her pregnancy. Her set was a spectacle for the ages, being rich with history, potently political, and uproariously glamorous. Across both weekends, there was a surprise appearance from Jay-Z, a Solange dance-off, a Destiny’s Child reunion, and much more. For those who needed it, this performance quickly reinforced why Beyoncé is a true Queen. Checkout her setlist from her Coachella Weekend One performance below:
June — Crowds going "APES**T"
On June 6th, Jay and Bey kicked off their "On the Run II" tour in Cardiff, England. Throughout a two-hour set, the powerhouse couple performed 37 tracks — holding the audience in the palm of their hands as they took us through a journey of their marital ups and downs. It's a leaving-you-speechless marvel of choreography and musical direction, with a setlist that has reinvented and weaved their respective catalogs. Check out the setlist from their OTR II kickoff:
It finally happened. After years of myths and speculation, and shortly after they kicked off OTR II, the Carters released a joint album, entitled EVERYTHING IS LOVE. The nine-song surprise album feels like a labor of love, as Beyoncé sings “We came and we saw and we conquered it all” on "LOVEHAPPY."
The album release, came with the legendary "APES**T" music video, produced in typical Bey and Jay fashion. The two caper through the Louvre in Paris, where they flex on the Mona Lisa and throw a dance party for the Great Sphinx of Tanis.
July — The Carter's World Cup Final Viewing Party
Before the Carters took the stage for their second night at the stadium in France's capital, the monitors broadcasted the World Cup final (France facing Croatia). As France beat Croatia 4-2, it was already a night to remember, prior to the concert even starting. Yoncé even declared:
"FIFA World Cup with one of the best audiences so far!"
On the 25th, the North American leg of OTR II kicked off in Cleveland, Ohio. They continued to bring along a virtual nightclub, a 26-person "vertical orchestra," and 17 dancers with only 30 shows to go.
September — The September Issue
"Her Life, Her Body, Her Heritage." Beyoncé was notably this years cover of Vogue's praised September issue. The publication included stunning photography of the singer done by 23-year-old Tyler Mitchell, as well as a telling interview describing her struggles and determination.
As Beyoncé turned 36 on September 4th she expressed:
"At 36, I became a new mother of 3. I breastfed twins. I renewed my vows with my husband of ten years. I came back home to the stage to do Coachella, after pregnancy. Then my husband and I released our album together, "Everything Is Love." And we’ve been touring with our family around the world, and loving it. This year has been monumental for me. I thank God for everyone in my life. Thank you for all the positivity and for the beautiful birthday wishes. I’m looking forward to continuing to learn from my past, living in the present, and surrendering to the future. I love you, Hive. - B"
October — The Victory Lap
On October 4th, the Carters took their final victory lap, hand-in-hand, as the OTR II tour wrapped in Seattle, Washington. Their tour proved even higher heights as the couple dominated every stadium with iconic performances, stunning production, and never-ending wardrobes. Beyoncé took to Instagram to express her love and thanks to her "Clyde," "the Hive," and all their fans:
November — Hov Returns
Hov was featured on "What's Free" off Meek Mill's Championships album. His verse rapping "No red hat, don't Michael and Prince me and 'Ye" resulted in Jay's return to Twitter needing to clear up the controversy:
December — Closing 2018 0ut
This year’s Global Citizen Festival celebrated a century since the birth of South African president and anti-apartheid pioneer: Nelson Mandela. Jay-Z and Beyoncé headlined the festival in one last extension of their 'On the Run II' tour. Beyoncé took to Instagram to describe it all:
"... I am still in awe that 7.1 BILLION dollars was raised to aid Global Citizen in its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. I’d like to give my praise and respect to all the speakers, performers, and volunteers who donated their time to contribute to making positive change. Every person in the audience at FNB Stadium earned a seat because they generously donated their time to help their community. Now their efforts and the money raised will help improve education, healthcare, sanitation, women’s rights, and countless other causes for millions across the globe. I felt so much positivity and pride in the audience at Global Citizen: Mandela 100. Madiba, Johannesburg, and all of my African sisters and brothers, we hope we made you as proud as you all make us..."
Here's fan-footage of their from their Global Citizen Festival performance:
As a new year is on the horizon, so is the possibility (and almost guaranteed probability) that Bey and Jay will gift us with even higher successes and royalty-defined experiences.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter as we take you into 2019.
