Beyoncé and Jay-Z surprised the world this weekend with the release of "Apes***," a track with a music video set in the Louvre in Paris.

Fans have been dying to know how the celebrity couple managed to film inside one of the most popular museums in the whole world. The property houses some of the most well-known paintings and sculptures including Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Thousands of people also head to the art institution every day.

So, how did Mr. and Mrs. Carter score a deal to shoot inside the Louvre?

Filming Beside The Mona Lisa

"Beyoncé and Jay-Z visited the Louvre four times in the last ten years," said a spokesperson of the museum to Vulture.

The most recent visit of the hip-hop royalties to the venue was in May 2018 when they laid out their plans to film the music video for their single in the museum.

"The deadlines were very tight, but the Louvre was quickly convinced because the synopsis showed a real attachment to the museum and its beloved artworks," they added.

The publication also reports that the Louvre is pretty stingy about allowing just anyone to rent out the galleries for movies, television, and music features. Out of numerous requests, the management of the museum only allows around 500 shoots per year.

Prior to "Apes***," the museum has been featured in Wonder Woman, Fifty Shades Freed, and The Smurfs 2.

While the management remains mum on how much the Carters had to shell out to film inside the property, The New York Times reports that the Louvre costs 15,000 euros or about $17,500 for a full day shoot in the galleries.

The music video for "Apes***" was directed by Ricky Saez.

Beyoncé, Jay-Z Release Surprise Album

Similar to Lemonade, there was no announcement or any form of marketing surrounding Everything is Love, Beyoncé and Jay-Z's joint album. The Grammy-winning artists are on a massive European and North American tour as part of their highly-anticipated "On The Run II" when "Apes***" dropped.

The joint album features nine tracks that touch on the couple's married life, gives a shoutout to their kids, and addresses other issues that they have been facing in the past year.

In "Apes***," Jay-Z even lashes out on the Grammy's. In February, he received multiple nominations for his album 4:44, but he went home empty-handed.

The 48-year-old also addressed rumors that he turned down the chance to perform at the NFL Super Bowl halftime show. He said that the league needs him more than he needs them.

Beyoncé also raps on the record more than she has done in her previous albums. In "Love Happy," she addressed her husband's infidelity and discussed how they moved forward as a couple.

All nine songs of "Everything Is Love" dropped on Tidal on Saturday, June 16. The joint album is now available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Music and ready to download on Amazon Music.

 

Join the Discussion