REVISED (About Me): Understanding the Queen

September 4^th, 1981. Many say a legend was born that day. Others would agree she is one of the greatest musical talents of our generation. However, she is more than her musical ability and more than just a legend. Words that are typically associated with being a ‘legend’ include celebrity, phenomenon, and star; no doubt each of those describes Beyoncé. To me though, I find the words that are associated with ‘queen’ (i.e. ruler, sovereign, Her Majesty) to be a little more fitting. Beyoncé Giselle Knowles is The Queen.

           

Destiny's Child Pre-dramatic break up

She has had a monumental impact on our society. Not only is she an incredibly talented artist, but she is also involved in many different philanthropic communities benefitting multiple causes like disaster relief, education, childhood obesity, etc.. One important thing to understand about Beyoncé is that her music has a lot to do with her real life. She uses things that happen to her to inspire her writing. With that being said, I think it is important for everyone to know about Beyoncé’s rise to fame in order to understand the words behind her music. Her incredible ability to awe others with her singing was discovered in elementary school. After winning a talent show at the age of seven, she was sent to a music magnet school to further her talent. From there, her life hit fast forward and at the mere age of eight, she and a group of girls from her school were sent to California to be on “Star Search.” Though they did not win the competition, they continued to perform and audition for multiple record labels. After a lot of time and heartache, they found a home with Columbia Records. Beyoncé and her singing colleagues branded themselves as Destiny’s Child and released their debut song called “Killing Time.” From the years 1997-2001 Destiny’s Child was wildly popular, but because of drama within the band, record label, and management, the group decided to take a break and chase after their solo careers. It didn’t take long for Beyoncé to bounce back from the breakup of Destiny’s Child. Her first solo album was entitled “ Dangerously in Love” and on it was her first number one single, “Crazy in Love.” From that point on, Beyoncé’s career skyrocketed. Hit after hit and multiple starring roles in different movies made her name and work extremely popular around the world. Beyoncé has won six AMAs, nineteen BET awards, eight Billboard awards, twenty Grammy’s, and many more. In eighteen years of making music, she has sold 178 million records between her solo career and her time with Destiny’s Child.

Finally receiving the recognition she deserves: The Queen

           I am not going to lie. This blog is centered on Beyoncé because I am a little obsessed with her. I think she is one of the most naturally talented singers we have in the industry right now. If you disagree, well that’s ok. You’re entitled to your opinion, however, just know your opinion is wrong and this may not be the blog for you. I honestly believe there is never a bad time to listen to Beyoncé. Are you sad? Listen to “Diva” and it will pump you right back up. Are you having a really good day? Listen to “Run the World” to keep that day popping. Upset over a breakup? Listen to “If I Were a Boy” and get all the feels out. Despite popular belief, her songs and lyrics have applicable meanings to real life; you just have to listen to what she is saying.

This blog got its title from a nifty play on name of her previous band, “Destiny’s Child”, and her similarity to a queen.  Even though her time in the band played a big role in her life, I will only be discussing music she made after going solo. Each post will be centered on a different album and will explain just how Beyoncé shows her queenliness in her songs.

          To get you pumped about this blog and all it has to offer, I’m going to attach the greatest video you will ever see. This is Beyonce’s performance at the 2014 VMA’s. It was a mash up of her entire self entitled album and by far the greatest  fourteen minutes and fifty six seconds of my life.