SINGLE REVIEW: Beyonce - Girls (Who Run The World)

Beyonce - Girls (Who Run The World)
[audio:http://www.thecouchsessions.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Beyonce-Girls_Who_Run_The_World.mp3|titles=Beyonce-Girls_Who_Run_The_World]

I remember sitting back at Washington DC's Liv Nightclub one night, observing the crowd, and getting my drink on from the side of the wall. It was during a soul show--Little Dragon--I believe, where I first saw DJ Quartermane drop Major Lazer's "Pon De Floor," and the mostly Black audience goes crazy. From that point on, I knew that the hipster anthem was a crossover anthem as well.

From that point on I would watch as DJs would sneak this track in at various club nights, and I would watch the reaction of the crowd. It must be something in the drums that makes the people go crazy. Diplo and Switch have created a monster. Questionable and controversial video be dammed.

Flash forward to 2011. Diplo now rocks tailored suits and performs around the world from his new base in LA, and his (and Switch's) drums have been sampled by not one, but two Hip-Hop/R&B artists. First it was Swizz Beat's use on Diddy Dirty Money's "Ass On The Floor," and now it's the backbone for Beyonce's gurl power anthem Girls (Who Rule The World). Let's face it, these drums are becoming the Diwali Riddim of this decade.

Let's face it, this re-interpretation of the song is somewhat lazy. With Swizz, at least he layered new synths on the top making a completely different song. But what do I know? This song is a bonefide hit. Laced with girl power messages (How we smart enough to make these millions/Strong enough to bare the children), this track will be the favorite of you girlfriend, daughter, and mom by the middle of July.

Diplo and Switch are set to be introduced to a whole new generation of listeners. As the mainstream is trying to get those hipster dollars, none of your sacred indie producers are safe. Welcome to 2011.

2.5 out of 5