Beyoncé and Maluma have released a surprising collaboration that has the world dancing: "CUERPO (TUMBAO)," a Spanish salsa rendition of "Get Me Bodied" that pays a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Cuban Salsa Queen, Celia Cruz, by sampling her iconic "La negra tiene tumbao."
This track is part of the B'Day (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition), a special reissue marking Beyoncé's 45th birthday and the 20th anniversary of one of her most beloved albums, originally released on September 4, 2006.
The unmistakable voice of Celia Cruz and her catchy refrain, "La negra tiene tumbao / Nunca camina de lado," infuse the song from the start, turning it into a celebration of the Havana-born singer's enduring legacy.
This tribute is particularly timely, as earlier this year, Celia Cruz was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She is the first Cuban artist and the first primarily Spanish-language artist to receive this honor, with an induction ceremony scheduled for November 14 in Los Angeles.
The song features Maluma's verses in Spanish alongside Beyoncé’s parts in both English and Spanish, including the fan-favorite line, "My Spanish is not very good looking."
"La negra tiene tumbao," released by Cruz in 2001, became one of the biggest hits of her later career, pioneering the blend of salsa with rap and hip hop.
The album containing the track won the Grammy for Best Salsa/Merengue Album in 2003, the same year Cruz passed away, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire the world's top artists more than two decades later.
For two of the most influential figures in global music to choose this track to commemorate such a historic anniversary speaks volumes about the timeless impact of the Salsa Queen: Celia Cruz's music is truly immortal.
Exploring the Impact of Celia Cruz's Legacy
Why did Beyoncé and Maluma choose to pay tribute to Celia Cruz?
Beyoncé and Maluma chose to honor Celia Cruz to celebrate her enduring influence in music, recognizing her as a pioneering figure in salsa who blended various genres and inspired countless artists worldwide.
What makes "La negra tiene tumbao" significant?
The song "La negra tiene tumbao" is significant because it demonstrated Celia Cruz's innovative spirit by combining salsa with elements of rap and hip hop, marking a pivotal moment in her career and cementing her legacy in music history.
How has Celia Cruz been recognized in the music industry?
Celia Cruz has been recognized as a trailblazer in the music industry, notably being the first Cuban artist and the first primarily Spanish-language artist to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, highlighting her global impact and timeless music.