Beyonce: Global Superstar

I don’t like too much structure, I like to be free. I’m not alive unless I’m creating something, I’m not happy if not creating, if i'm not dreaming, if I’m not creating the dream, and making into something real. I’m not happy if I’m not improving, evolving, moving forward, inspiring, teaching and learning.

A name that was bound to come up on our Icons list; Beyonce.

A true trailblazer in pop music, Beyonce has shown us time and time again, why she is indeed an icon. Though she probably needs no introduction, why not?

Beyonce Knowles-Carter was born September 4th, 1981. Born in Houston, Beyonce has carried her southern charm with her throughout her career. She has captured audiences around the globe with her natural beauty, talent, and what seems to be effortless performance. Before her solo career, she was lead-singer of the highest selling female R&B group ever, Destiny’s Child. The group was formed in 1990, when they were just 9 years old. It’s original members consisted of Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland, LeToya Luckett, and Latavia Robinson. In 1997, the group signed a contract with Columbia Records. Their debut single was Killing Time, which was featured in the film Men In Black. In 1998, they dropped their self-titled debut album. With production features such as Jermaine Dupri and Wyclef Jean, the album carried quite a few hits. After the album’s success, they returned to the studio quicky. Their second album Writing’s on The Wall, was the mix of a very public disagreements between the group and huge success. Relationships in the group began to strain, Luckett and Robinson began to complain about Matthew Knowles management style, claiming that he was controlling and showed favoritism towards his daughter and niece. Later that year, Robison and Luckett were surprised to see themselves be replaced in the Say My Name video with new members Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin. Franklin soon left and Destiny’s Child was left with 3 members. The group went on to release two more platinum albums along with a christmas albums and a #1’s compilation. Destiny’s Child officially split in 2004.

Beyonce’s solo debut was her single, Crazy In Love, which was released in July 2003, just before her album, Dangerously In Love. The album gained huge success, both commercially and critically. Beyonce had also started to dabble in the film industry, starring in films such as Austin Powers, Cadillac Records, Obsession, and Dreamgirls throughout the 00’s. Beyonce also sung at inaugurations, for one of the most notable Black icons in the world, President Barack Obama.

As her career continued to soar, Beyonce began to wonder where it all was leading her. She was looking for more freedom, independence, creativity, and passion in her music. In March of 2011, Beyonce decided to leave her fathers’ management and began to manage herself. Later that year, she released her wildly successful album 4, continuing as the musical titan that she’s always been.

In 2013, Beyonce changed the entire method of album releases. Not only did she drop her fifth studio album, Beyonce, with no promotion or marketing, she accompanied this surprise drop with a complete visual album, something like a movie. Since then she has continued to grow within her art and projects. Her sixth studio album, Lemonade, was also a visual album. Although the concept was different, the album and her Formation World Tour were hugely successful, with the stadium tour grossing almost $260 million.

In 2018, Beyonce was the first black woman to headline Coachella. On top of that, Knowles’ and her husband Jay Z announced their second world tour together, OTR II. In the middle of the tour, they dropped their surprise joint album. OTR II grossed $250 million.

Beyonce’s list of accomplishments almost seem unreal. She’s a true powerhouse with pure talent. She’s inspired millions of people all around the world to chase after their dreams and do the impossible. Along with her amazing resume, her global image, and the massive amount of hard work she’s put in her 20+ years in the industry, she also acts as an amazing mother, wife, daughter, sister, and aunt to her family. Beyonce is the definition of Black Excellence and inspires millions everywhere to take their creativity head on and do something great with it. Thank you, Ms. Carter.