Staff Pick: “Hold Up” by Beyonce
May 13, 2016
When Beyoncé released her new surprise album Lemonade in late April, it came with a media storm. Some of the attention came from the quality of the album, a clear victory for Beyoncé, but that mostly became drowned out by album’s personal subject matter. On Lemonade, Beyoncé confronts trials in her public relationship with rapper Jay Z, mostly dealing with his infidelity. The album also provides racial commentary and further cements Beyoncé as an empowering, black feminist.
The most accessible highlight on the album is the “Hold Up,” a song functioning as internal monologue for a confused Beyoncé examining her troubling relationship. “Hold Up” manages to maintain its cool while stressed out.