Kamala Harris isn’t wasting time. President Joe Biden stepped down on Sunday, July 21, and Harris, the new Democratic nominee, gave a speech on July 22. Recognizing the importance of strong branding, the current Vice President decided to use Beyonce’s “Freedom” as her walk-out song. “Freedom,” released by Bey on her self-titled album, is described by Genius as an “anthem dedicated to Black women.” Given the reverence for the song, and Harris’ public profile, the alignment of art and politics makes sense.
This is not the first time Kamala Harris has publicly aligned herself with Beyonce’s music. During a 2023 interview with People Magazine, the VP revealed that she attended Bey’s Renaissance World Tour. She also cited “Break My Soul” as her favorite song on the Renaissance album. “I just love that song,” Harris explained. “I play it all the time. It’s one of the anthems for women. When [Beyonce says] ‘you,’ you could be life, you could be a person, you could be a situation. You will not break my soul.” Bey’s last album, Cowboy Carter, drew similarly high praise from Harris. “You have redefined a genre and reclaimed country music’s Black roots,” she wrote on Twitter. “Your music continues to inspire us all.”
The timing of Kamala Harris’ “Freedom” needle drop could have been more perfectly timed. The same day the VP utilized the Beyonce song, Beyonce’s mother, Tina Knowles, endorsed her presidential bid. “You asked for it and our President Biden did what was best for the country,” Knowles explained on IG. “Putting personal Ego, power and fame aside. That is the definition of a great leader,” Knowles thanked Biden for his decision and made it clear she was behind Harris all the way. “Thank you, President Biden for your service and your leadership,” she added. “Go Vice President Kamala Harris for President.”
Beyonce has not spoken publicly about Kamala Harris. She did, however, provide the Vice President with free tickets to her show in 2023. NBC News reported that the tickets Bey gifted to Harris were valued at a whopping $1655.92. Harris returned the favor by posting photos of the concert, and thanking Beyonce for the kind gesture. “Thanks for a fun date night, @Beyonce,” she wrote on August 6. Both Beyonce and JAY-Z have made their friendship with the Obamas public, and have been vocal about their politics in the past. Only time will tell if Beyonce decides to voice support for the new candidate.
Beyoncé, one of her generation’s most influential and accomplished artists, has continually redefined the boundaries of music and performance. Starting as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child, she embarked on a solo career that has won numerous awards. These include multiple Grammys that have taken her to record-breaking heights. Her music spans various genres, showcasing her vocal prowess, emotional depth, and ability to address personal and political themes. From her powerful ballads to her high-energy anthems, Beyoncé’s discography includes numerous tracks that have left an indelible mark on the music industry and popular culture.
Throughout her career, the singer has also released songs that have topped the charts and inspired and empowered listeners worldwide. These essential tracks represent a pivotal moment in her artistic evolution, reflecting her growth and the various phases of her life and career. These songs highlight the profound impact she has had on music and society.
Released in 2003 as the lead single from her debut solo album, Dangerously in Love, “Crazy in Love” marked Beyoncé’s successful transition from Destiny’s Child to a solo artist. The song features an infectious horn riff sampled from the Chi-Lites’ “Are You My Woman (Tell Me So),” powerful vocals, and a dynamic feature from Jay-Z. This track topped the charts worldwide and became a defining moment in Beyoncé’s career. It showcased her ability to blend pop, R&B, and hip-hop into a cohesive and commercially successful sound.
The music video for “Crazy in Love” further cemented its impact, featuring Beyoncé’s iconic dance moves and glamorous style. Directed by Jake Nava, the video became instantly recognizable and set a new standard for pop music visuals. “Crazy in Love” received critical acclaim and won multiple awards, including Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. This song remains a staple in Beyoncé’s live performances and a highlight of her extensive catalog.
2. “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” (2008)
“Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” is a standout track from Beyoncé’s third studio album, I Am… Sasha Fierce, released in 2008. The song quickly became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a viral dance craze. Its empowering lyrics encouraged women to take control of their relationships and demand respect. The track’s production, featuring a minimalist beat and handclaps, showcased Beyoncé’s powerful voice and ability to create a compelling anthem with a simple yet effective arrangement.
The “Single Ladies” music video was also iconic. It features Beyoncé and two backup dancers performing intricate choreography in black leotards. Directed by Jake Nava once again, the video became was widely parodied and imitated, further cementing the song’s impact on pop culture. Further, “Single Ladies” won three Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year. Its influence extends beyond music, symbolizing women empowerment and independence.
3. “Formation” (2016)
“Formation,” released in 2016 as the lead single from Beyoncé’s visual album Lemonade, is a powerful anthem. It addresses themes of Black pride, identity, and social justice. The song was released one day before her performance at the Super Bowl 50 halftime show, where she delivered a politically charged performance highlighting police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement. “Formation” features a strong bassline, trap beats, and poignant lyrics celebrating her heritage. It was also a call for solidarity and empowerment within the Black community.
The music video for “Formation,” directed by Melina Matsoukas, is equally impactful. It featured striking imagery that references historical and contemporary issues faced by Black Americans. From scenes of Beyoncé on a sinking police car to a young Black boy dancing in front of riot police, the video sparked widespread discussion and praise for its bold commentary on race and culture. “Formation” received critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including a Grammy for Best Music Video. The song remains a significant part of Beyoncé’s discography, emphasizing her influence as an artist and activist.
4. “Halo” (2009)
“Halo,” another single from Beyoncé’s third studio album I Am… Sasha Fierce, is emotional and powerful. Written by Ryan Tedder, Evan “Kidd” Bogart, and Beyoncé, the song features pop and R&B elements, with sweeping strings and a cascading piano accompaniment. The lyrics depict an intensely personal narrative of finding solace and safety in a loved one. As expected, the track became a commercial success, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning double platinum certification from the RIAA. The music video, directed by Philip Andelman, complements the song’s ethereal quality with soft lighting and intimate scenes. “Halo” remains one of her most beloved ballads, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards.
5. “Run The World (Girls)” (2011)
In 2011, Beyoncé released “Run the World (Girls)” as the lead single of her fourth studio album, 4. The track praises women’s power and determination and has attracted a great number of fans all over the world. This audacious piece mixes African beats with contemporary pop music and dance elements. It’s bold production also samples Major Lazer’s “Pon de Floor,” making it a lively anthem that pushes females to take control and lead.
The music video was shot by Francis Lawrence, where we see Beyoncé command an army of ladies in the middle of nowhere. They also perform difficult moves that show off her strength and confidence. This work has been acclaimed for its strong images and energetic choreography sequences, which greatly contributed to the popularity of this song. According to Billboard Hot 100 charts, “Run the World (Girls)” took position 29 before becoming a worldwide known hit, further establishing herself as one of the most influential figures in our culture today. She frequently performs live renditions of it during shows, while many campaigns have used it for advocating equal rights among genders alongside other women-related issues.
Las Vegas isn’t just where artists go to do long-term residencies when they need a break from touring. It’s also the home of several sports teams, including the WNBA’s Aces, who played the Indiana Fever on ESPN last night. Naturally, ESPN anchor Michael Eaves asked the Aces star forward A’ja Wilson after the game if there were any artists she wanted to see perform a residency in Vegas. The WNBA’s best player didn’t even let Eaves get the question out before responding with a relatable, one-word answer: Beyoncé.
“She doesn’t even have to come here for a residency,” she conceded. “She could just come to a game and just say ‘what’s up’ to us, and we’re fine, ’cause I know she got other stuff to do. Beyoncé, girl…”
With the WNBA increasing in popularity lately, it doesn’t sound like a pipe dream (I, personally, am disappointed that Bey hasn’t hit up a game yet, though — maybe she was waiting for the Houston Comets to come back). The Chicago Sky’s rookie forward Angel Reese recently joined Megan Thee Stallion on stage during her tour stop in the Windy City, and the Phoenix Mercury duo of Brittney Griner and Natasha Cloud got Meg’s attention to invite her to a game when her tour reached the Valley of the Sun. Additionally, the W has been making in-roads into the world of music, tapping Kehlani to perform at last year’s All-Star Game and to narrate the launch video for the expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries. If Beyoncé does give the league a co-sign, its skyrocketing popularity would be supercharged, for sure.
Usher was the main focus of the BET Awards. He was given the Lifetime Achievement Award, and several of the musical performances throughout the ceremony were covers of his classic songs. Teyana Taylor and Victoria Monet teamed up for a cover of Usher’s “Bad Girl,” and promptly electrified the crowd. The performance was widely praised by fans online. But the biggest co-sign came from an unlikely source: Beyonce.
Queen Bey shared clips from the performance on her Instagram Story. It makes sense, once you consider the fact that Beyonce and Usher performed “Bad Girl” together on the Truth Tour in 2004. Taylor and Monet used the same exact choreography as their predecessor, turning in a stellar cover. However, neither artist could maintain their composure when they realized Beyonce reposted them. “Everything she saidddd,” Teyana Taylor wrote on her IG Story. “Bihhhhh I’m speechless. & DATS ON QUEEN BEYYYYYYYYYYYY, I’m GAGGGGINGGGGGGGI!!!!”
Victoria Monet was similarly blown away by the co-sign. She joined her collaborator Taylor in praising Beyonce for her shout-out. “OOOOH MYYYY GOD!!!!! na I AM SCREAMING!! WHATTTT,” she wrote in yet another IG Story. “CAN NOT GRASP AIR I AM UNWELL HOLY SH*T I did not expect to pass out today! GAGGEDD…completely. @beyonce WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!! THE ORIGINAL BAD GYAL I will forever honor you.” She even tagged Taylor add added: “WTFFFF PINCH ME.”
The performance by Taylor and Monet is even more impressive considering the time constraints they were under. In a separate post, Teyana Taylor revealed that she and Monet had less than 48 hours to get together and perfect the “Bad Girl” choreography. “We don’t regret one moment of it,” she asserted. “We had an assignment that needed to be OVERstood for one of the GOATS… We’d do it all over again and wouldn’t change a thing.” Taylor and Monet received praise from two GOATs that night. They have nothing to change.
Viewers of the 2024 BET Awards are still intoxicated by last night’s (June 30) ceremony. From Usher’s hotly debate Lifetime Achievement Award tribute to the flurry of individual performances, watchers have found a way to extend the televised celebration. One of the night’s entertainers, Megan Thee Stallion’s latest business venture, has something to keep the party going.
On May 19, the “Down Stairs DJ” rapper teased that she was gearing up to launch a tequila brand. Today (July 1) during her appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast, Megan revealed that she has fellow Houston hottie Beyoncé to thank for the business’ formation.
When host Shannon Sharpe asked Megan about her next chapter as an independent artist, she revealed that it has leveled her up in all ways with the guidance of Jay-Z and Beyoncé.
“When I was in the situation with [1501] and I wanted to get out of it, they told me you need to do this on your own,” she said. “Like, ‘You already know what it is. You already have all the tools. All the legal sh*t you are going through, I know you are learning something. So you should figure out how to get out here and be your own boss.’”
Megan then opened up about the suggestion Beyoncé made. “Beyoncé is actually the person that inspired me to get my own tequila,” she said. “Because I used to be the cognac queen. I still am the cognac queen. But as much as I used to enjoy cognac, and I’ve promoted a lot of people’s liquor brands, she was like, ‘the next time I see you, you better have your own. You need to have your own alcohol.’”
Watch the full episode of Club Shay Shay with special guest Megan Thee Stallion below.
Beyonce and Jay-Z may have recently lost a $200 million real estate record to the Oakley founder, but they’re not letting that ruin the view in front of them. Moreover, the former just posted a series of sultry photos and sweet snapshots on Wednesday (June 26) from a boat escapade she had with her partner Hov, including some revealing fit pics and gorgeous ocean views. It seems like the power couple is getting busy with Fourth Of July celebrations early, perhaps in the Hamptons or in some other fancy and lavish locale. Either way, it seems like they’re living it up and happy to make us green with envy in the process.
Furthermore, this vacation time might cut into some of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s other endeavors, but it serves as a warranted break, too. Queen Bey’s been very busy with COWBOY CARTER, her new haircare line, and a potential Vegas residency in the works. On that last point, that’s mostly speculation, but after how the RENAISSANCE tour captivated audiences worldwide, fans will always ask for more. Hopefully we get an update on that sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, Beyoncé’s husband Jay-Z hasn’t dropped anything music-wise in a pretty long time, and legendary hip-hop artists continue to chase that white whale and try to pull him from the shadows. “Jay always been on my list,” The Alchemist expressed during a recent sit-down with fellow producer Cardo. “I been saying it for a hundred years. It’s Jay-Z. I would love to. We linked but I keep the faith.” However, Uncle Al did also make it clear that he wouldn’t want to pressure the Brooklyn MC into anything that he doesn’t want.
Still, it looks like we’re getting relatively new Jay-Z material soon, as Shaq might drop the first ever collab between him and Nas on digital streaming platforms tomorrow (Friday, June 28). Hopefully it’s as fire as it sounds on paper if it does drop. As for Beyonce, we’re sure she’ll have a lot more to do this year, and that more surprises will follow. After all, a luxury vacation on a fancy boat is the least surprising thing either of them could do.
The transition from wholesome teen star to mature pop star is tough. Most artists flop trying. Others push the “mature” envelop too far, and ruin their image. Chloe Bailey, on the other hand, has made a smooth transition. She earned critical acclaim for her first release post-Chloe x Halle. She has had to contend with criticism from fans who still see her as distractingly wholesome. Chloe Bailey addressed this criticism during a recent Instagram Live, and gave a perfect response.
Chloe Bailey refused to shy away from her detractors during her IG Live session. She read a comment that other pop stars might have preferred to avoid. “Her sexy act ain’t believable because she’s goofy and nerdy,” she read aloud. The singer’s rhetorical response to the comment effectively shut it down. “Why can’t I be both?,” she asked. She also dismissed the notion that her increased sex appeal is an “act” meant to entice more fans. “It’s not an act, honey,” she asserted. “But not everybody will have access to that. Women can be both. Women can be multi-faceted.” Chloe Bailey did make light of the criticism, towards the end, however, singing that she can be a “lady in the streets but a freak in the sheets.”
Chloe Bailey Asserts That She’s A Multi-Faceted Performer
This is not the first time Chloe Bailey has been attacked on the basis of sex appeal. In 2023, she told People Magazine that the response to her song “Have Mercy” left her feeling self-conscious. “Deep inside it was killing me, to be honest,” she admitted. “I started to look down on myself even more than what I already was doing with my own insecurities.” The secret to Bailey’s confidence since? Simply ignoring what detractors have to say. “Once I ignored it,” she added. “I’ve been good.”
Bailey has also made a concerted effort to avoid easy categorization with her music. During a recent profile with Nylon, the singer claimed that she was categorized as “R&B” strictly on the basis of her skin color. Bailey also praised pop icons like Beyonce and Whitney Houston for defying these racially-based labels. “I was really proud of Beyonce doing Cowboy Carter,” she explained. “Because Black people originated country music. It’s just showing that possibilities are endless.”
The transition from wholesome teen star to mature pop star is tough. Most artists flop trying. Others push the “mature” envelop too far, and ruin their image. Chloe Bailey, on the other hand, has made a smooth transition. She earned critical acclaim for her first release post-Chloe x Halle. She has had to contend with criticism from fans who still see her as distractingly wholesome. Chloe Bailey addressed this criticism during a recent Instagram Live, and gave a perfect response.
Chloe Bailey refused to shy away from her detractors during her IG Live session. She read a comment that other pop stars might have preferred to avoid. “Her sexy act ain’t believable because she’s goofy and nerdy,” she read aloud. The singer’s rhetorical response to the comment effectively shut it down. “Why can’t I be both?,” she asked. She also dismissed the notion that her increased sex appeal is an “act” meant to entice more fans. “It’s not an act, honey,” she asserted. “But not everybody will have access to that. Women can be both. Women can be multi-faceted.” Chloe Bailey did make light of the criticism, towards the end, however, singing that she can be a “lady in the streets but a freak in the sheets.”
Chloe Bailey Asserts That She’s A Multi-Faceted Performer
This is not the first time Chloe Bailey has been attacked on the basis of sex appeal. In 2023, she told People Magazine that the response to her song “Have Mercy” left her feeling self-conscious. “Deep inside it was killing me, to be honest,” she admitted. “I started to look down on myself even more than what I already was doing with my own insecurities.” The secret to Bailey’s confidence since? Simply ignoring what detractors have to say. “Once I ignored it,” she added. “I’ve been good.”
Bailey has also made a concerted effort to avoid easy categorization with her music. During a recent profile with Nylon, the singer claimed that she was categorized as “R&B” strictly on the basis of her skin color. Bailey also praised pop icons like Beyonce and Whitney Houston for defying these racially-based labels. “I was really proud of Beyonce doing Cowboy Carter,” she explained. “Because Black people originated country music. It’s just showing that possibilities are endless.”
Athletes around the world have massive fan bases. Similar to the players, there are several beloved sports team mascots with followings of their own. The New York Liberty’s Ellie The Elephant has become the WNBA’s latest breakout star.
It was clear Ellie received the silver dress code notice, as the sassy elephant was rolled onto center court dressed in a mockup of Beyoncé’s tour look. With her own Renaissance World Tour dancers, Ellie slayed the mashup of “Move” featuring Grace Jones and Nina Sky’s “Move Ya Body” with hints of “Formation.”
Users online raved about the Halftime performance. Many even joked that a floral arrangement from Beyoncé would arrive at the arena soon. Ellie welcomed the idea, writing, “If this happened, tears just might fall .”
— Ellie The Elephant (@BigEllieLiberty) June 23, 2024
Ellie’s Beyhive-certified tribute stated well before see hit the Barclays Center’s floor. In a clip shared to Ellie’s official X (formerly Twitter) profile she is seen Sasha Fiercly stomping across the Snipes pre-game carpet in another Beyoncé-inspired outfit with a hand fan made up of the Renaissance cover art.
Given the upcoming presidential election, politics are on the top of most Americans minds and the includes Sexyy Red. The “U My Everything” rapper has gone on the record to share her support for former President Donald Trump (then seemingly walked it back).
But it appears for her forthcoming music video, Sexyy Red pulled inspiration from another politician. Yesterday (June 21), she took her official X (formerly Twitter) page to post a Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky-inspired teaser for the next In Sexyy We Trust visual.
In the clip, Sexyy Red put her own spin on the infamous sexual contact scandal that rocked the 1990s. “I’m doin dis for our ancestors ,” she wrote.
Despite the mock Oval Office setup, the faux presidential seals plastered everywhere, and a framed photograph of Clinton on a nearby table, some users online weren’t able to catch the references.
Monica Lewinsky hasn’t issued a response yet. However, this isn’t her first time being referenced by a musician—most notably on Beyoncé’s song “Partition.” Lewinsky responded then, and she likely will respond now.
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