September 4th, 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
