Sorry, Brangelina and Kimye. When I hear the term "power couple," I immediately think of Beyoncé and Jay Z. Unlike the couples previously listed, they don't have portmanteaus - their individual names all deserve full recognition. (Unless you affectionately call them Bey-Z, as I sometimes do.) On Monday, April 4, Beyoncé and Jay Z celebrated their anniversary. The Carters have now been officially married for eight years. The world of pop culture has definitely changed for the better in that time. In honor of the news, I decided to delve into the archives to see what they looked like in their early days.
Although the couple isn't exactly sure when they met — they were reportedly first introduced at different times — Jay Z revealed to Vanity Fair in 2013 that they met in 2001 Started dating for the first time. The couple has appeared in several music videos together. Remember "Crazy Love"? This is one of the best songs of 2003 and the lyrics speak for themselves.
But was the chemistry always there? Let's travel back in time to see if Beyoncé and Jay Z were destined to be the power couple they are today, or if their romance would have grown as the relationship progressed.
1. Vanity Fair cover (2001)
As previously reported, the rapper spoke to Vanity Fair about the early days of their relationship. The magazine reported,
Jay says that when he and Beyoncé both appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair 's 2001 music issue, "we were just starting to try dating each other." Trying? "Well, you know, you have to try it first. You have to be dazzled . . . with wine and food."
However, based on this photo, you can barely tell. They are super far apart. Maybe all the chemistry happens behind the scenes.
2. Courtside (2002)
Pure happiness is made of silly waves and gestures. It looks like she's almost pretending to be a moose here.
3. "03 Bonnie and Clyde" (2002)
Jay starts off by asking, "Are you ready, B?" I don't know if she was really ready for their relationship to fall apart like it did - who could have predicted that?
Still, as they say in the song, "All I need in this life of sin is me and my girlfriend." As long as they have each other's back, that's all that matters.
4. All smiles (2003)
Have you ever seen two happier people? A recurring theme in these photos is that they can't stop smiling. Also, Bey’s shirt is really nice.
5. Laugh (2003)
Between the smiles and the laughs, I don't think I've ever seen a more crazy-in-love couple than Bay and Jay.
6. "Crazy Love" (2003)
Admittedly, the two didn't get enough filming time together in this video. They each sing their own lyrics, and it's not until halfway through that they're actually on screen at the same time. It’s not the best showcase of their chemistry, but the lyrics certainly are.
7. Show Together (2003)
Come on, where's the chemistry here? They all looked bored—and a little uncomfortable. Considering the mood of the rest of the photos, this photo must have been taken at the wrong moment.
8. Dance(2003)
She may be dancing next to him, but Queen Bey is definitely holding her own.
9. Matching Outfits (2004)
They wore these matching outfits at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards. Bay looked excited.
10. Side Smile(2004)
She looked proud of him and couldn't help but smile on stage.
11. Basketball(2004)
The two were once again chilling on the sidelines. But to be honest, I doubt they pay attention to the actual game.
12. More Sports (2004)
Again, exercise and smile. But the best part of this photo? Kim Cattrall guest stars. I wonder how excited Bey is because the lyrics to "'03 Bonnie & Clyde" imply she's a huge fan. (“The only time we didn’t talk was during Sex and the City .”)
13. Vanity Fair Party (2005)
If I were a body language expert, I would have to say that this gesture shows the security in their relationship and his desire not to let Bay go.
14. Red Carpet Haha (2005)
Just look at Jay’s smile!
15. Popcorn(2005)
You know it's serious when she's staring at her man instead of her snack.
16. Cheese(2005)
They look really happy together.
17. On Stage(2006)
Their chemistry radiated off the stage.
18. "Upgrade U" (2006)
In this video, they literally become each other. Bay lip-synced Jay's verses at the beginning and later of the song. So, that means they basically become the same person, right?
19. Applause(2006)
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands.
20. "Deja Vu" (2006)
In the song, they start off joking with each other and talking directly. It shows a new level of comfort between them that wasn't necessarily present in previous videos. At this point, their connection is secure and established.
21. Holding Hands(2006)
One last courtside shot, because I'm almost certain these two love attending basketball games as much as they love each other.
The last photo was from ten years ago, but the chemistry continues to this day. Hooray, #BeyZ.
