Kanye West

Lyrics

[Intro: JAY-Z]
Uhh, uhh, uhh
You ready, B?
Let's go get 'em

[Verse 1: JAY-Z]
Look for me!
Young, B, cruisin' down the Westside Highway
Doin' what we like to do, our way
Eyes behind shades
This necklace the reason all of my dates been blind dates
But today I got my thoroughest girl with me
I'm mashin' the gas, she's grabbin' the wheel, it's trippy
How hard she rides with me, the new Bobby and Whitney
Only time we don't speak is during Sex and the City
She gets Carrie fever, but soon as the show's over
She's right back to being my soldier
‘Cause mami's a rider and I'm a roller
Put us together, how they gon' stop both us?
Whatever she lacks I'm right over her shoulder
When I'm off track, mami is keepin' me focused
So let's lock this down like it's supposed to be
The '03 Bonnie and Clyde: Hov' and B holla

[Chorus: JAY-Z & Beyoncé]
All I need in this life of sin is me and my girlfriend (me and my girlfriend)
Down to ride 'til the very end, is me and my boyfriend (me and my boyfriend)
All I need in this life of sin is me and my girlfriend (me and my girlfriend)
Down to ride 'til the very end, is me and my boyfriend (me and my boyfriend)
[Verse 2: JAY-Z]
The problem is, you dudes treat the one that you lovin'
With the same respect that you treat the one that you humpin'
That ain't 'bout nothin'
If ever you mad about somethin'
It won't be that, oh, no, it won't be that
I don't be at places where we comfy at
With no be-atch, oh, no, you won't see that
And no, I ain't perfect
Nobody walkin' this earth's surface is
But girlfriend, work with the kid
I keep you workin' that Hermès Birkin bag
Manolo Blahnik Timbs, Aviator lens
Six hundred drops, hercedes Benz
The only time you wear Burberry to swim
And I don't have to worry, only worry is him
She do anything necessary for him
And I do anything necessary for her
So don't let the necessary occur, yep

[Chorus: JAY-Z & Beyoncé]
All I need in this life of sin is me and my girlfriend (me and my girlfriend)
Down to ride 'til the very end, is me and my boyfriend (me and my boyfriend)
All I need in this life of sin is me and my girlfriend (me and my girlfriend)
Down to ride 'til the very end, is me and my boyfriend (me and my boyfriend)
[Verse 3: Beyoncé & JAY-Z]
(Talk to 'em, B!) If I was your girlfriend
I'll be there for you, if somebody hurts you
Even if that somebody was me (That’s right!)
Yeah-hee (Break it down for 'em, B!)
Sometimes I trip on how happy we could be
And so I put this on my life
Nobody or nothing will ever come between us
And I promise I'll give my life
My love and my trust if you was my boyfriend (One more time!)
Put this on my life
The air that I breathe in, all that I believe in
I promise I'll give my life
My love and my trust if you was my boyfriend

[Chorus: JAY-Z & Beyoncé]
All I need in this life of sin is me and my girlfriend (me and my girlfriend)
Down to ride 'til the very end, is me and my boyfriend (me and my boyfriend)
All I need in this life of sin is me and my girlfriend (me and my girlfriend)
Down to ride 'til the very end, is me and my boyfriend (me and my boyfriend)

One of the most iconic collaborations in music history is the song "03 Bonnie & Clyde" by JAY-Z and Beyoncé. This was the first time the power couple had worked together musically and it definitely did not disappoint. The song was a spin-off of 2Pac's classic "Me And My Girlfriend," but with a unique twist – Jay-Z was talking about his actual girlfriend. This was the first clue that hinted towards their romantic relationship and spawned intense rumors about it. Notably, the track reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and held the distinction of being Beyoncé’s highest charting solo single of that time.

About ’03 Bonnie & Clyde

JAY-Z is an artist who has consistently pushed the boundaries both musically and lyrically. "03 Bonnie & Clyde" is no exception. It was recorded in August 2002 after JAY-Z implored producer Kanye West to create "the best beat he had ever made." After going through several samples, West stumbled upon 2Pac's "Me And My Girlfriend" and realized how perfect the sample would be for the track. According to West, he went home, called his friend E Base to play live bass, live guitars, and live chords on the track, while he programmed the drums, all within 10 minutes.

After presenting the track to JAY-Z, he loved it and immediately thought of the video treatment before thinking of the rap. This song is iconic not only for its lyrics but also for the creativity that went into producing it. Tensions arose during its production due to the sampling of "Me and My Girlfriend", which was resolved only after a day when Afeni Shakur cleared the sample.
The song is the fourth episode in JAY-Z's lyrical portrayal of women. His earlier work mentions women only in the context of a careless relationship, such as in "Ain't No Nigga." Over the years, his work has evolved, and "03 Bonnie & Clyde" was a significant milestone. It portrays his perspective on a relationship and how it developed over time. According to him, this gradual development of the conversation around women's issues is apparent from his work '99s "Big Pimpin’", 2000s "Song Cry," 2004s “Bonnie & Clyde,” and finally, 2009’s "Venus vs. Mars."

There's no doubt that the song had a massive impact on pop culture, not just because it's a steaming-hot track, but it was also the first time Beyoncé had been a part of a hip-hop song. Her honeyed voice contrasts perfectly with JAY-Z's slick rhymes, making this song stand out from their other collabs. It's almost as if they knew then that the chemistry they had on this track was a sign of what was to come, as they are now one of the most robust power couples in the music industry.

The video treatment for "03 Bonnie & Clyde" is as iconic as the song itself. The video features the duo driving around in an expensive car, indulging in some light crime, and exchanging meaningful glances. It's interesting to see the evolution of their on-screen as well as off-screen chemistry through their music videos. Both the song and the video went on to receive critical and commercial acclaim, cementing their status as musical powerhouses across the globe.

The song "03 Bonnie & Clyde" by JAY-Z and Beyoncé holds a special place in the hearts of many music lovers. It was a groundbreaking moment for hip-hop and R&B, bringing together two of the most significant artists in their respective genres on a single track. From its lyrics to its production to its video treatment, it continues to inspire creators to this day. It’s not only a reminder of the artistry of music but also an example of what can be achieved when two colossal talents decide to create something magical together.

• Release Date: October 10, 2002
• Artist: Kanye West