Beyoncé’s 2003 single “Crazy in Love” features rapper Jay-Z.
The song was released as the lead single from Beyoncé’s debut solo album, Dangerously in Love. Jay-Z contributes a rap verse, making the track a collaboration between two artists who were then emerging as major forces in R&B and hip-hop. Their later marriage made the pairing even more culturally prominent, but Jay-Z was already an established rapper when the song was recorded.
“Crazy in Love” was built around a prominent horn sample from the Chi-Lites’ 1970 song “Are You My Woman (Tell Me So).” Producer Rich Harrison developed the musical foundation, while Beyoncé helped shape the lyrics and vocal arrangement. Jay-Z reportedly recorded his verse late in the process, adding the song’s hip-hop contrast.
Released in May 2003, the single topped the charts in the United States, the United Kingdom, and several other countries. It won Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. Sean Paul, Kanye West, and Nas were all prominent rappers, but none of them appears on this recording.