A few days ago, Wendy’s announced the release of their new mixtape on Spotify and Apple Music. The mixtape is called “We Beefin?” and features five songs with cheeky titles like “Rest in Grease.”
Yes, you read that correctly: Wendy’s, the fast-food chain, is experimenting with music — particularly some searing diss tracks—as a form of advertising.
The mixtape drops now. Not pulling punches. We Beefin’. pic.twitter.com/H1Rm1ODYC4
— Wendy’s (@Wendys) March 23, 2018
While the mixtape hasn’t exactly gone viral yet, it has attracted a lot of media attention. Publications are writing about the release like crazy, praising the mixtape and the unique marketing idea. This latest move seems in line with the brand, whiich is known for their personality-filled tweets.
Sometimes you just have to pump your fist because Fresh Beef is such a huge win. pic.twitter.com/07rPlBK4eg
— Wendy’s (@Wendys) March 14, 2018
As for the song quality, it actually isn’t that bad. In fact, it’s really good.
While the lyrics are a little funky — the beats are well done and the mixtape features female rappers. Some of the song lyrics even fall in line with their existing social media presence, taking digs at competitors through clever one-liners like this one:
Ever wake up in the morning remembering all the people that have snagged one of your #McNuggets without asking? Same.
— McDonald’s (@McDonalds) March 23, 2018
“Them lil tweets don’t phase me, McDonalds be so lazy/I know the reason you hatin’ me ’cause I’m fast food’s First Lady”
You can read through an analysis of the lyrics at Genius. Until then, feel free to join Twitter’s reactions to this crazy news:
this @wendys mixtape got me on the floor ??? pic.twitter.com/e0By3E49Hg
— Genius (@Genius) March 23, 2018
@Wendys Yo I’m not even gonna lie. #WeBeefin? was actually really good. The amount of shade was insane and hilarious and the beats KNOCKED. 10/10 if I’m being 100% honest pic.twitter.com/uwbhns6a8O
— Will Stafford (@LumosOnYT) March 23, 2018
WHO ARE THE ARTISTS AND PRODUCERS BEHIND THIS MIXTAPE???
I WANT NAMES PLEASE #WeBeefin pic.twitter.com/964ii59Llq— NoMustyDemonShallProsper (@BABYGW0RL808) March 23, 2018
This comes after some controversy for the brand, however. Recently, Wendy’s has been called out for sourcing their tomatoes from Mexican growers in the winter, as NY Mag noted. In the areas where they source the tomatoes, sexual assault and other mistreatments of female farmers are common. Wendy’s wasn’t receptive to the criticism and seems to have since moved on to other projects — like this mixtape.