Beyoncé’s ‘B’Day’ Reissue Samples Selena and Celia Cruz, But It’s Not Her First Latin Tribute
Queen Bey's newest project honors major Latin stars — and calls back to her history with Latin music
Beyoncé's reissue of her 2006 album 'B'Day' is making waves with its incorporation of samples from Selena and Celia Cruz, two iconic Latin artists. This move is significant not only because it showcases Beyoncé's appreciation for Latin music, but also because it highlights the growing influence of Latinx culture on mainstream music. By paying homage to these legendary artists, Beyoncé is further solidifying her own status as a cultural curator.
This isn't Beyoncé's first foray into Latin music, however. Her 2016 visual album 'Lemonade' featured a nod to the Dominican Republic with the song 'Hold Up,' which name-dropped the country and incorporated tropical rhythms. Moreover, her 2019 collaboration with J Balvin, 'Mi Gente,' was a reggaeton-infused hit that introduced her music to a new audience. The 'B'Day' reissue is just the latest example of Beyoncé's ongoing engagement with Latin music and culture.
As the music industry continues to evolve and become more globally influenced, it's clear that artists like Beyoncé will play a major role in shaping the sound of the future. To watch next: how other artists will follow Beyoncé's lead in incorporating Latin music elements into their work, and whether this trend will lead to more diverse and inclusive representation in the music industry. With the success of Latin artists like Bad Bunny and Rosalía, it's clear that the appetite for Latin music is only growing – and Beyoncé is positioning herself at the forefront of this movement.
Originally reported by rollingstone.com. MusicNewsletter adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.