Beyoncé – Yoncé

Beyoncé – Yoncé

“Partition” is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé from her eponymous fifth studio album Beyoncé (2013). Beyoncé co-wrote and co-produced the song with Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Jerome “J-Roc” Harmon, Dwane “Key Wane” Weir, and Mike Dean, with extra writing from The-Dream and extra production from Jordy “Boots” Asher. The song was sent to urban contemporaryon February 25, 2014 as the third single from Beyoncé by Columbia Records.

The song consists of two parts, individually titled “Yoncé” and “Partition“. “Partition” has been described as “electro–R&B” that moves “from a sweet, girl-group pop sound to Dirty South hip-hop”. Its production musically consists of a sparse synthesizedarrangement, a thrusting bassline and a heavy drumbeat. Exploring the deep, sexual nature of Beyoncé, “Partition” depicts sexual intercourse in the back of a limousine. The closing minute of the song features a French word interpolation similar to a quote by actress Julianne Moore in the 1998 film The Big Lebowski.

“Partition” was widely acclaimed by contemporary music critics, who commended Beyoncé’s advocacy for freedom and confidence in the expression of female sexuality. They also praised the catchy lyrics; the Monica Lewinsky reference in the second part of “Partition” became known as one of the most memorable lines within the album. Beyoncé was complimented for her half-rapped vocal delivery and received comparisons to British recording artist M.I.A. Following the album’s release, “Partition” picked up airplay on United States urban contemporary radio stations. It has since peaked at number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number nine on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number one on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart.