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"Part II (On the Run)"
Single by Jay-Z featuring Beyoncé
from the album Magna Carta Holy Grail
ReleasedFebruary 18, 2014
StudioOven Studios (New York, NY)[1]
Genre
Length5:33
Label
Songwriters
Producers
  • Timbaland
  • J-Roc
Jay-Z singles chronology
"The Devil Is a Lie"
(2013) 		"Part II (On the Run)"
(2014) 		"They Don't Love You No More"
(2014)
Beyoncé singles chronology
"Drunk in Love"
(2013) 		"Part II (On the Run)"
(2014) 		"Partition"
(2014)

"Part II (On the Run)" is a song recorded by American rapper Jay-Z from his twelfth studio album Magna Carta Holy Grail (2013) featuring American singer-songwriter Beyoncé. The song was written by Jay-Z, James Fauntleroy, Timbaland, and J-Roc while the production was handled by the latter two. It is viewed as a sequel to Beyoncé and Jay-Z's 2002 collaboration "'03 Bonnie & Clyde", a song which was rumored to be about their relationship. "Part II (On the Run)" is a slow-tempo Electro-R&B ballad instrumentally complete with synths and drums, and its lyrics refer to a rebellious couple in love and describe their dangerous relationship.

The song charted at numbers 93 and 81 on the UK Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100, respectively, based on downloads alone, following the release of Magna Carta Holy Grail. It was sent to U.S. contemporary hit radio stations as the third single to be released from the album on February 18, 2014.[2]

Background

[edit]
Timbaland (pictured) served as one of the producers of the song.

"Part II (On the Run)" was written by Jay-Z, James Fauntleroy, Timbaland and J-Roc, while the production was handled by the latter two. It contains a sample of "Believe in Me" by American band One Way and Jay-Z uses Juvenile's "Back That Azz Up" flow when he rhymes "Push your ma'fucka wig back, I did that/I been wilding since a Juve."[3][4] "Part II (On the Run)" is viewed as a sequel to Beyoncé and Jay-Z's collaboration "'03 Bonnie & Clyde" (2002), when rumors about the pair dating started, as before that neither artist had never talked about it.[5][6] The lyrics of the song were revealed by Jay-Z prior to its official release on June 27, 2013 thru a Samsung smartphone application.[7] However, on July 4, 2013, the song leaked on the Internet prior to its official premiere.[5]

"Part II (On the Run)" was sent to U.S. contemporary hit radio stations on February 18, 2014 as the third single to be released from Magna Carta Holy Grail.[2]

Composition

[edit]

"Part II (On the Run)" is a smooth slow-tempo electro-R&B love ballad[8][9][10][11] which is equipped with a steamy, retro and retro-futuristic groove that creates an acute level of moody texture.[12][13] It is instrumentally complete with keyboards and drums.[14][15] Jon Pareles, a writer of The New York Times noted that it was the closest song to pop music on Magna Carta Holy Grail.[14] Pareles further noted that Timbaland's production sets aside his usual brittle tones to hint at the keyboard confections of 1980's Lionel Richie and Don Henley.[14] Lyrically, the song speaks about a rebellious couple that is desperately in love.[8] The song opens with an airy prelude during which Beyoncé sings the lines, "Who wants that perfect love story anyway anyway / Cliché cliché cliché. Who wants that hero love that saves the day anyway, cliché cliché cliché" in dreamy lead vocals along with breathy harmonies.[5][14][16] Jay-Z and Beyoncé further trade verses about fugitives finding romance, with Beyoncé singing, "I hear sirens while we make love"[14] and slowly exhaling in the song, singing in her lower register, swearing that she can still hold her lover's heart and gun.[17][18] She further denounces the couple's own love story as "a toast to clichés in a dark past" over dizzy, diving synths[19] and drums which sound like "they came out of Eric B's basement," as stated by Grant Jones of the website Rap Reviews.[15] With the lines: "If it's you and me against the world/ Then so be it," Jay-Z notes the criticism towards the couple when they first went public with "'03 Bonnie & Clyde" and the lines referencing Tupac Shakur in the song.[7][17][20] He further acknowledges that if anyone attacks his girlfriend he would kill them: "Cross the line, speak about mine/ I'mma wave this TEC, I'm a geek about mine/ Touch a ni--a where his rib at/ I click clat/ Push your muh'fuckin' wig back."[21]

Critical reception

[edit]
Jay-Z and Beyoncé performing.

Josh Grossberg of E! Online labelled the song as a "worthy and sultry sequel."[5] Glenn Gamboa from Newsday wrote that "Part II (On the Run)" was one of the songs that created a new standard for R&B, showing how "strong grooves can coexist with strong lyrical concepts", noting that it contained a twist to the expected R&B love song.[10] Critics praised the collaboration of Jay-Z and Beyoncé,[22][23] with PopMatters Colin McGuire stating that "[it] prove[s] the value of teamwork in the hip-hop world,"[12] and DJ Booth's Nathan S. referencing the song as "as good as R&B-rap collaborations get."[24] Nathan S. further concluded: "Whether it's making babies or making music, it seems like Jay and Beyoncé just can't miss when they're together."[24] Many reviewers referenced the song as a continuation of the pair's "love story,"[13][25][26] praising the lyrical content for being "both endearing and dangerous,"[7] and "about their love and devotion to each other."[25]

Jake Jenkins of AbsolutePunk wrote that "Beyoncé steals the show"[27] and Insanul Ahmed and David Drake of Complex called it a "really great Beyoncé song."[4] Further critique referenced the lyrical content, with Helen Brown of The Daily Telegraph writing that it was a "shame about the clichéd lyrics about, er, cliché,"[28] and Alex Macpherson from The Guardian stating "acknowledging your song is a cliché in the opening lines doesn't make it less of one."[29] It was also questioned for its "lack of pop appeal,"[30] with Tom Quickfall from The Fly describing it as a "throwaway" song,[31] Alex Macpherson's review for The Guardian disregarding it as an "aimless mid-tempo"[29] and Kyle Ellison of The Quietus calling it "passionless."[32] Mike Diver from Clash magazine described the song as "an incongruously positioned, piano-dominated R&B cut sandwiched between a pair of what are, essentially, interludes," going on to say: "It's like the track had no natural home, so the rapper constructed a standalone spot for it, isolated by design, so as not to disappoint the wife."[33]

Chart performance

[edit]

For the week ending July 14, 2013, "Part II (On the Run)" charted at number 81 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.[34][35] With the song appearing on the chart together with six other songs from Magna Carta... Holy Grail, Jay-Z was ranked at the fifth place for the most appearances in the Hot 100's archives. "Part II (On the Run)" also became the pair's fifth collaboration to reach the chart. As Beyoncé and Jay-Z married in 2008, the song marked their first Hot 100 hit as husband-and-wife.[36] The same week it also appeared at number 29 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[37]

It also debuted at number 93 on the UK Singles Chart[38] and at number 187 on the French Singles Chart,[39] following its release with Magna Carta Holy Grail.

Music video

[edit]

On April 17, 2014, Jay-Z and Beyoncé were seen filming the music video for "Part II (On the Run)" atop a motorcycle with Jay-Z in black leather biker gear and Beyoncé sporting a short white dress and veil.[40]

The music video was later revealed to be a "faux-trailer" entitled "RUN", featuring "Part II (On the Run)" in the background. The video was released on May 17, 2014 to promote Beyoncé and Jay-Z's On the Run Tour.[41] The video, which features multiple celebrity cameos including Don Cheadle, Guillermo Díaz, Jake Gyllenhaal, Blake Lively, Sean Penn, Emmy Rossum, Rashida Jones and Kidada Jones shows Beyoncé and Jay-Z out on a Bonnie and Clyde expedition, filled with action, crime, love and guns. Multiple other snippets of tracks from Magna Carta Holy Grail carry the video, alongside "Part II (On the Run)"[42] The video was directed by Melina Matsoukas.[43]

Alternate version

[edit]

On July 7, 2013 a solo version of "Part II (On the Run)" sang only by Beyoncé appeared on the Internet.[44][45] Christina Lee of the website Idolator wrote in her review of the solo version: "'Without you, I got nothing to lose' Beyoncé sings in 'Part II (On the Run)'... In a strange way, she turned out to be right."[44]

Accolades

[edit]
Year Ceremony Award Result
2014 Grammy Awards (56th) Best Rap/Sung Collaboration[46] Nominated

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[51] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Country Date Format Label Label
United States February 18, 2014 Contemporary hit radio
[2]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Part II (On the Run)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Part II (On the Run) is Chapter 1, titled "Part II (On the Run)", in Book 2 of Do No Harm, an interactive fiction series within the mobile game Choices: Stories You Play, developed by Pixelberry Studios.[1] Released on June 25, 2025, as part of the game's VIP-exclusive content, this section follows the immediate aftermath of a tragedy that forces the protagonist—a skilled doctor—and their love interest, Dom Coine, to assume leadership of the Coine crime family while evading dangers and navigating deceitful alliances.[2] The narrative builds on Book 1's foundation of forbidden romance between the medical professional and the mob heir, intensifying themes of moral conflict, loyalty, and passion amid gun violence and family power struggles.[2] Players make choices that influence the characters' relationship dynamics and survival strategies, with visual art contrasting the protagonist's cool-toned hospital world against Dom's warmer, shadowy mob environment.[2] Notable for its mature content—including explicit romance and intense action—this chapter tests the couple's bond as they confront external threats from rivals like a Penguin-inspired villain.[2]

Background and Production

Development

"Part II (On the Run)" forms the second segment of Chapter 1 in Book 2 of Do No Harm, building directly on the events of Book 1 to explore the protagonist's transition into the criminal underworld alongside Dom Coine following a family tragedy.[2] The chapter was developed as part of the broader Season 2 storyline, which emphasizes the evolving forbidden romance, moral dilemmas, and power struggles within the Coine crime family. Writer Bre outlined the book while completing another project, incorporating team feedback to adapt the multi-book series vision.[2] This segment specifically intensifies themes of evasion, loyalty, and passion, with player choices affecting relationship dynamics and survival outcomes amid rival threats, including a villain inspired by The Penguin.[2] Development occurred in 2025 at Pixelberry Studios, focusing on narrative depth without drawing from real-life mob or medical expertise, instead relying on imaginative world-building set in Philadelphia.[2] The process included a refresh break to enhance creative flow, ensuring the chapter's push-pull dynamic between the doctor protagonist and mob heir Dom.[2]

Recording and Composition

"Part II (On the Run)" was written by Bre for Pixelberry Studios, with narrative composition centering on interactive choice branches that influence character stats like respect and defiance.[2] Production involved art direction by Heather, who crafted visual contrasts using cool blue/green/teal tones for the protagonist's medical environment and warm black/orange hues for Dom's shadowy mob world, blending them to reflect their alliance.[2] The chapter's structure features episodic scenes with dialogue-heavy interactions and premium choices, such as paying respects at a funeral, to heighten emotional stakes. Clocking in as a VIP-exclusive release on June 25, 2025, it employs a cinematic style through static illustrations and text to evoke tension in the on-the-run scenario, prioritizing storytelling intimacy over action spectacle.[2] This approach underscores the themes of unity against adversity, with layered character development enhancing player immersion in the game's mature, romance-driven plot.[2]

Release and Promotion

Digital Release

"Part II (On the Run)" is the second segment of Chapter 1 in Book 2 of Do No Harm, released exclusively to VIP subscribers of Choices: Stories You Play on June 25, 2025.[3] The release was announced in-app on June 13, 2025, following a blog post on May 28, 2025, that outlined plans for the book's launch by the end of June.[3] As part of Pixelberry Studios' strategy for premium content, it was initially available only through the mobile app, with no physical or standalone digital formats. A wide release for non-VIP players occurred later, aligning with the game's episode-based rollout model. Promotional efforts highlighted the chapter's themes of tragedy, leadership in the Coine crime family, and evasion of dangers, building anticipation through in-app notifications and social media teasers.

Promotional Materials

Promotion for "Part II (On the Run)" included a series of sneak peeks shared on official channels from June 20 to June 23, 2025, featuring artwork and character insights, such as a spotlight on Dom Coine on June 23.[3] A teaser video was released on June 25, 2025, coinciding with the VIP premiere, to showcase key narrative elements and visual contrasts between the protagonist's medical world and the mob's shadowy environment.[4] Following the release, a dedicated "Inside Choices" blog post on July 1, 2025, provided an exclusive Q&A with writers and artists, discussing the creative process and future developments, further engaging the community.[2] These materials emphasized the interactive choices affecting romance and survival, tying into the broader marketing of Do No Harm Book 2 as mature, story-driven content.

Critical Reception

Reviews

As a VIP-exclusive segment of a mobile interactive fiction game released on June 25, 2025, "Part II (On the Run)" has not received formal reviews from major critics. Reception is primarily from fan communities on platforms like Reddit and the Choices: Stories You Play Fandom wiki.[5][6] Players have generally praised the chapter for its action-packed narrative, emphasizing the protagonist's increased agency and the intensifying romance with Dom Coine. Comments highlight the thrilling "on the run" premise following the tragedy, with effective integration of choice-driven survival strategies and moral dilemmas. The steamy scenes and visual contrasts between hospital and mob worlds were noted as strengths, building on Book 1's foundation.[5] Some feedback critiques the sprite art, particularly facial expressions that appear inconsistent or unnatural, though this is a recurring issue in the series rather than specific to this part. Overall, Book 2 Chapter 1, including Part II, is viewed as an improvement over Book 1, with fans appreciating the darker tone and character development.[5]

Accolades

No major awards or nominations have been reported for "Part II (On the Run)" as of November 2025, consistent with the format's focus on player engagement rather than traditional media accolades. Fan discussions recognize it as a strong continuation, contributing to the popularity of the Do No Harm series within the Choices community.[2]

Commercial Performance

As a VIP-exclusive segment within the "Choices: Stories You Play" mobile game, specific commercial performance metrics for Part II (On the Run) are not publicly disclosed by Pixelberry Studios. The "Do No Harm" series, including Book 2 released on June 25, 2025, contributes to the app's premium content offerings, which drive in-app purchases for diamonds and keys to unlock chapters.[2] The "Choices: Stories You Play" app has achieved significant success overall, with over 100 million downloads across iOS and Android platforms as of 2025 and generating millions in annual revenue through its freemium model. Recent estimates indicate approximately 20,000 monthly downloads and $300,000–$400,000 in monthly revenue for the app. VIP content like this chapter is accessible only to subscribers, enhancing retention and monetization for mature-themed stories.[7] No dedicated chart performance or certifications apply, as this is interactive fiction rather than a music release.

Other Versions

Alternate Versions

A solo version of "Part II (On the Run)" featuring Beyoncé performing additional verses, including those originally sung by Jay-Z, surfaced online in July 2013 shortly after the song's official release.[8] This variant provides Beyoncé's perspective on the track's themes of a rebellious romance, extending her vocal contributions beyond the chorus and bridge in the duet.[9] A clean edit of the original track was prepared for radio broadcast, removing explicit language to broaden its airplay suitability.[10] This version appears on the clean edition of Jay-Z's Magna Carta Holy Grail album and maintains the song's core structure while ensuring compliance with broadcast standards. The song received notable live renditions during Beyoncé and Jay-Z's 2014 On the Run Tour, where performances incorporated improvised vocal elements and dynamic staging to emphasize the couple's on-stage chemistry.[11] These versions, captured in the HBO special On the Run Tour: Beyoncé and Jay-Z, often transitioned seamlessly into related tracks like "'03 Bonnie & Clyde," highlighting thematic continuity in their joint shows.[12] The song was also performed during their 2018 On the Run II Tour, with similar transitions and staging elements. An instrumental rendition supported the tour's visual sequences, underscoring key moments without vocals to accompany projected imagery of the artists' relationship.[13] No major official remixes by other artists have been released.

References

  1. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pixelberrystudios.choices
  2. Inside Choices: Do No Harm 2 - Pixelberry Studios
  3. Hear Jay-Z and Beyoncé's New Song 'Part II: (On The Run)' - Essence
  4. Jay-Z Frets on 'Magna Carta Holy Grail' - The New York Times
  5. Every Beyoncé and Jay Z Duet Ranked: Critic's Take - Billboard
  6. Digital Booklet - Magna Carta... Holy Grail | PDF - Scribd
  7. Jay-Z's 'Magna Carta Holy Grail' Production Credits Released
  8. JAY-Z – Part II (On the Run) Lyrics - Genius
  9. Samsung Buys a Million Copies of Jay-Z's Album for ... - ABC News
  10. Samsung's Todd Pendleton on That Game-Changing Jay Z Deal
  11. Beyoncé and Jay Z Announce On the Run Tour - Pitchfork
  12. Beyonce, Jay Z release star-studded 'RUN' trailer to promote tour
  13. Jay Z and Beyonce Release Mini-Movie Starring Celebrities - Billboard
  14. Beyoncé and Jay Z release star-studded mock movie trailer 'Run'
  15. Beyonce, Jay Z 'Run': Duo Released Star-Studded Promo Video
  16. Jay Z and Beyonce Tease Star-Packed Action Film 'Run'
  17. Jay Z-Beyonce - Hits Daily Double
  18. Viral Video Chart: Jay Z and Beyoncé's cinematic commercial for 'On ...
  19. Jay-Z, 'Magna Carta Holy Grail': Track-By-Track Review - Billboard
  20. Jay-Z - 'Magna Carta Holy Grail' - NME
  21. Jay-Z: Magna Carta Holy Grail – review - The Guardian
  22. Jay-Z - Magna Carta Holy Grail - HipHopDX
  23. All 99 of Beyoncé's Grammy Nominations, From 2000 to Now
  24. Rap Airplay Songs - Billboard
  25. Chart Analysis: Jay Z's 'Magna'-ificent Week on the Hot 100 - Billboard
  26. PART 2 (ON THE RUN) – JAY-Z FT BEYONCE - Official Charts
  27. Jay-Z & Beyonce Knowles - Part II (On The Run) - Top40-Charts.com
  28. Part II (on The Run) by Jay-Z and Beyoncé - Music Charts - Acharts.co
  29. The Year in R&B/Hip-Hop: Beyoncé, Pharrell and Iggy Azalea Lead ...
  30. JAY Z - Part II (On The Run) - Spotify Chart History - Kworb.net
  31. Gold & Platinum - RIAA
  32. JAY-Z Earns 19 New RIAA Certifications - Hypebeast
  33. Beyoncé - Part II: On The Run (Solo Version) - Hypebeast
  34. Listen To The Solo Version Of Beyonce's "Part II: On The Run" (NEW ...
  35. Promo Only - Chart Radio 303 - 2014 02 Feb 2 :: Various Artists ...
  36. Beyonce and Jay-Z's First 'On the Run' Tour, Song by Song
  37. 5 reasons we love Bey, Jay more after HBO 'Run' - USA Today
  38. Beyoncé & Jay-Z - Part II (On The Run) (Live at On The ... - YouTube
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