Reflections: Jay And Bey Taught Us – Power Couple Relationships

“Look for me, Young B cruising down the west side…” Jay-Z and Beyoncé were cool partners-in-crime rolling through Mexico, driving fast cars, and smoothly escaping trouble in the “‘o3 Bonnie and Clyde” music video. Back when this dropped, I was a 14-year-old know-it-all-but-knew-nothing, who rocked designed cornrows because Alicia had it, had more sneakers than shoes, and was going through my pre-high school jitters.

But I clearly remember when this video and song had heavy rotation on 106 & Park and Hot 97 radio. Little did I realize that this would symbolize the start of the Jay and Bey power couple fascination for my generation.

Before them was Martin and Coretta, Clair and Cliff, and even Will and Jada. But Jay and Bey’s popularity growing up made them more influential to my peers. I remember playing “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” over and over on my royal blue Sony walkman, and on the flip side trying to pop my tush in the mirror like Beyoncé in “Crazy in Love” when my parents weren’t looking. We all did it. Then in high school Jay had dudes rocking button ups with kicks and Beyoncé’s “Get Me Bodied,” in which she plays ‘Simon says’ during a dance break, gave us girls a second to get down without the guys. Without a doubt, we grew up going to our first parties, club nights, etc. with Jay and Bey’s music banging from the speakers.

That’s not all. Our generation is fascinated with fame and dollar signs and Jay and Bey represent that greatly. According to Forbes magazine, together they earned $72 million last year, ranking as the second highest earning celebrity couple. Beyonce has 16 Grammys (three with Destiny’s Child), while Jay-Z has 13 of his own. He has 12 number one albums and all of her solo albums have reached number one. Not to mention their sold out concerts, clothing lines, magazine covers, part ownership of a basketball team, and philanthropy. And we can’t forget that their favored by the President of the United States and the First Lady. Yes, Jay and Bey are music’s King and Queen respectively, but besides their fame, accomplishments, and lush greenery in their bank accounts, it is more to them that makes them a model couple.

And what might that be?

Their relationship shows progression. When I was 14, they were just starting out. But eight years later they’re married and now have a kid on the way. It’s even reflected in how they’ve grown in their work. Would Jay-Z be considered the most powerful rapper without Beyoncé by his side? Would Beyonce be respected as a unreckoned with force in entertainment without Jay-Z on her side? Who knows. Like Will Smith says in the movie Hitch: “They’d both probably go on to lead the lives they were headed toward. My guess is they’d do just fine.” But from what I see, together they are better.

Also for a super-busy couple how do they maintain? They have to possess understanding. With similar lifestyles, they have a great view of what each other goes through, which I think makes them a stronger unit.

And I would guess Jay and Bey have been offered reality TV shows which will probably never see the light of day. They pride themselves on keeping their relationship low-key.Unlike many celebs, the two kept their wedding day private. I’m sure they have their own problems like every other couple, but they’ve been able to maintain a drama-free image by not letting everyone into their business. In a world where people love to broadcast their every move on social media, many people could take a tip from the couple on keeping dirty laundry inside.

But the couple isn’t all the way discreet. You can hear them making references to each other throughout their music. We all know who Jay was referring to when he said, “I got the hottest chick in the game, wearing my chain.” And if you heard “Rather Die Young,” “Countdown,” “Love On Top,” all songs on Beyoncé’s latest album 4, there’s no doubt he is making her the happiest woman alive.

Progression, understanding, discretion, support: all factors all relationships need. Their union and soon-to-be addition to their family are something indeed admirable and I wonder what else Jay and Bey will do next. A lot of celebrity couples could be considered overrated and fake but I have a feeling this one is sincere. A huge salute to the Carters.

-Natelege Whaley

Has Jay-Z and Beyoncé influenced your view on relationships? Share your comments below.