Madonna’s Familiarity with Provocation
It comes as no surprise that Madonna has teamed up with Sam Smith for a collaboration. Smith’s hit song “Unholy” with Kim Petras pushed boundaries and courted controversy, reminiscent of Madonna’s own career marked by intentionally provocative and boundary-pushing music. Madonna introduced Smith and Petras before their Grammy performance, declaring that being labeled as scandalous, troublesome, or dangerous signifies being onto something groundbreaking.
Continuing the Controversy: “Vulgar” is Born
The day after the Grammys, Madonna and Sam Smith assembled a familiar team, including producers Ilya, Cirkut, Omer Fedi, Ryan Tedder, Jimmy Napes, and Lauren D’elia, to record their new track, “Vulgar.” While the song maintains the overarching theme of Madonna’s speech, with lyrics celebrating the beauty found in being called vulgar, it ventures into new musical territory. Rapping verses over a dynamic rhythm reminiscent of Beyonce‘s “Cozy,” Madonna’s self-referential lines add a touch of humor to the mix.
Sam Smith’s Evolution and Madonna’s Recent Collaborations
For Sam Smith, “Vulgar” marks a departure from their previous smooth R&B sound, showcasing their artistic growth and willingness to explore new musical avenues. It follows their latest album, “Gloria,” which has received critical acclaim and set the stage for their upcoming North American tour.
Madonna, on the other hand, released the extensive 50-track retrospective set, “Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones,” leading up to her global “Celebration” world tour. Alongside “Vulgar,” Madonna has recently collaborated with artists such as The Weeknd and Christine and the Queens, demonstrating her continued influence in the music industry.
Madonna, born Madonna Louise Ciccone, is a music icon, actress, and entrepreneur. Born on August 16, 1958, in Michigan, she rose to prominence in the 1980s and has since become one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Madonna’s boundary-pushing music, provocative image, and reinvention have solidified her status as a pop culture phenomenon. With numerous chart-topping hits and groundbreaking performances, she has left an indelible mark on the music industry and continues to inspire generations of artists.
Sam Smith, born Samuel Frederick Smith on May 19, 1992, in London, is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter. Known for their soulful voice and emotive storytelling, Smith has garnered international acclaim since their debut in 2012. With hits such as “Stay With Me” and “Writing’s on the Wall,” they have captivated audiences worldwide and received numerous accolades. Smith’s music explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, resonating with listeners on a deeply emotional level. Their artistic evolution continues to push boundaries and redefine the contemporary music landscape.
