The Carters

The Carters are an American musical superduo composed of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, two of the most influential artists in modern music. The couple, who married in 2008, have collaborated extensively throughout their careers, but the Carters as a formal duo emerged in 2018 with the surprise release of their joint album Everything Is Love. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the RIAA. Its lead single, "Apeshit," became a global hit, accompanied by a music video filmed at the Louvre Museum that went viral.

Before forming the Carters, Beyoncé and Jay-Z had already built a legacy of collaboration. Their first duet, "'03 Bonnie & Clyde," hit number four on the Hot 100 in 2002. The next year, "Crazy in Love" became their first number one together, propelling Beyoncé's solo debut Dangerously in Love to multi-platinum success. Over the years, they have co-written and produced numerous hits for each other, including "Baby Boy," "Drunk in Love," and "Family Feud." Their joint tours, the On the Run Tour (2014) and On the Run II Tour (2018), grossed hundreds of millions of dollars, with the latter becoming one of the highest-grossing tours of all time.

As a duo, the Carters represent a rare fusion of hip-hop and R&B royalty. Their music often explores themes of wealth, power, family, and Black excellence. The duo has also been active in philanthropy, donating millions through their foundations to social justice causes. Though they have not released a follow-up album, their influence as a power couple in music and culture remains unmatched. The Carters are signed to Parkwood Entertainment, Columbia Records, S. Carter Records, and Roc Nation, and they remain active in the industry.[edit]

Beyoncé and Jay-Z first met in the late 1990s at a music industry event, but their professional relationship began in 2002 when they collaborated on "'03 Bonnie & Clyde." The track, produced by Kanye West, featured Jay-Z rapping alongside Beyoncé's vocals and became a top-five hit. Their chemistry was undeniable, and they continued working together on Beyoncé's debut album, with Jay-Z co-writing and appearing on "Crazy in Love," which became a defining song of the 2000s.

The couple began dating in 2002, though they kept their relationship private for years. They married in a secret ceremony on April 4, 2008, at Jay-Z's New York City apartment. Over the next decade, they collaborated on numerous songs, including "Upgrade U," "Deja Vu," and "Drunk in Love," the latter winning a Grammy for Best R&B Song. Their first joint tour, the On the Run Tour, launched in 2014, grossing over $100 million and solidifying their status as music's ultimate power couple.

The idea of releasing an album as a duo had been rumored for years. In 2018, during their On the Run II Tour, the Carters surprised fans by dropping Everything Is Love exclusively on Tidal on June 16, 2018. The album was a celebration of their marriage and success, with lyrics addressing their past struggles and triumphs. The music video for "Apeshit," filmed at the Louvre, became a cultural moment, highlighting Black artists in a predominantly white art space. The album was certified gold by the RIAA.[edit]

The Carters' music blends hip-hop and R&B, with Beyoncé's powerful, soulful vocals complementing Jay-Z's sharp, intricate rapping. Their sound is built on lush, trap-influenced beats, often produced by collaborators like Pharrell Williams, Cool & Dre, and Mike Dean. Everything Is Love features a mix of braggadocious anthems and intimate ballads, with tracks like "Boss" and "Nice" showcasing their effortless chemistry. Lyrically, the duo explores themes of wealth, power, family, and resilience, often referencing their own lives and relationship.

Compared to their solo work, the Carters' music feels more relaxed and playful. Beyoncé's vocals are less showy than on her solo albums, while Jay-Z's verses are more introspective and celebratory. The production leans towards modern trap, with heavy 808s and melodic hooks. The album also incorporates elements of Afrobeats and dancehall, reflecting their global influences. Overall, the Carters' sound is a seamless fusion of two distinct styles, creating a unique sonic identity that feels both luxurious and grounded.[edit]

The Carters' impact extends beyond music, representing a powerful symbol of Black excellence and marital partnership. Their 2018 album Everything Is Love and its lead single "Apeshit" sparked conversations about representation in art, particularly the music video filmed at the Louvre, which featured Beyoncé and Jay-Z posing in front of iconic paintings. The video was praised for centering Black bodies in a historically white institution, and it inspired discussions about race, class, and cultural ownership.

As a duo, the Carters have influenced fashion, with Beyoncé's custom Givenchy and Balmain outfits in the "Apeshit" video setting trends. Their joint tours have also set box office records, with the On the Run II Tour grossing over $250 million. Beyond entertainment, the couple has used their platform to advocate for social justice, donating to causes like Black Lives Matter and criminal justice reform. Their influence as a power couple has been compared to icons like Barack and Michelle Obama, and they continue to shape pop culture through their music, philanthropy, and business ventures.[edit]

The Carters do not have a single fandom name, as fans typically identify as members of Beyoncé's Beyhive or Jay-Z's fanbase. However, the duo's joint projects have cultivated a dedicated following of fans who appreciate their chemistry and shared artistry. The Beyhive, known for its passionate and protective nature, often defends the couple against criticism. Lightstick culture is not prominent for the Carters, though Beyoncé fans use pink and black, while Jay-Z fans often wave blue. The duo's surprise album drop on June 16, 2018 became a major fan moment, with fans camping out to stream the album on Tidal. Social media buzz around the Carters often trends during award shows and tour announcements.[edit]

Beyoncé and Jay-Z are one of the wealthiest couples in entertainment, with a combined net worth estimated at over $2.5 billion. Their daughter Blue Ivy Carter has won a Grammy for her contribution to "Brown Skin Girl" (2019), making her one of the youngest Grammy winners ever. The music video for "Apeshit" was filmed at the Louvre Museum in Paris, featuring iconic works like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The Carters' album Everything Is Love was initially released exclusively on Tidal, a streaming service co-owned by Jay-Z. The couple's wedding rings are custom-designed, with Beyoncé's featuring a 18-carat diamond. The duo's first collaboration was "'03 Bonnie & Clyde" in 2002.[edit]