New Music: Beyoncé, JAY-Z, & Childish Gambino - 'MOOD 4 EVA'
Beyoncé’s star-studded album The Lion King: The Gift arrived Friday featuring appearances from Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell, Tierra Whack, and JAY-Z.
Mr. Carter and his wife go back and forth on the standout “MOOD 4 EVA.” The Afrobeat-inspired track, produced by DJ Khaled, also features vocals from Bey’s Lion King co-star and Simba himself, Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino. Queen Bey, who voices Nala in the reboot, declares her royal status (“Why would you try me? / Why would you bother? / I am Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter”) and celebrates life on the triumphant track.
“I got my cup up to the heavens / Another night I won’t remember / Promise this my mood forever,” she sings on the hook.
JAY-Z pays homage to black music icons (“I be feelin’ like Prince in ’84 / Mike in ’79, Biggie in ’97, ’94 Nas”) as well as the late Nipsey Hussle (“The marathon will be televised for N.I.P. / ‘Cause true kings don’t die, we multiply, peace”), while even addressing the meme of him riding a jet ski with a helmet (“Helmet, on a jet ski, you know the vibes”).
The Lion King: The Gift also features “BROWN SKIN GIRL” with Blue Ivy, Wizkid, and SAINt JHN, as well as “Nile” featuring Kendrick Lamar.
Stream The Lion King: The Gift and listen to an extended version of “Mood 4 Eva” exclusively via TIDAL below.