Apesh*t by The Carters

About

"Apesh*t" by The Carters is a visually stunning music video that challenges traditional art narratives by integrating contemporary Black culture into historical settings. Filmed at the Louvre, the video features iconic artworks like the "Mona Lisa" and "Winged Victory of Samothrace," but the focus shifts from these masterpieces to the presence of Black bodies in these spaces. The Carters use the Louvre as a backdrop to celebrate Black excellence and reclaim cultural heritage, juxtaposing historical art with modern expressions of identity and power. The video also critiques colonialism and Western art's erasure of Black contributions. Symbolic imagery, such as a Black angel and references to police brutality, underscores themes of resistance and resilience. By positioning themselves among famous artworks, Beyoncé and Jay-Z assert their place in the cultural canon, challenging traditional notions of beauty and value. The video is both a celebration of success and a powerful statement against historical oppression, using art to reclaim and redefine cultural narratives.