Beyoncé

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, or just Beyoncé, is an American singer and songwriter., Age 41, born in Houston, Texas on September 4th, 1981 is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who first rose to prominence in the late 1990s as the main vocalist of the R&B group Destiny’s Child. She set a new mark with her 32 Grammy wins.

Early Life

Destiny’s Child

Beyoncé and her childhood pals started the singing-rapping girl group Destiny’s Child (then named Girl’s Tyme) in 1990, when she was just nine years old. The band was disbanded in 1996, before the publication of an album, after losing on the television talent show Star Search in 1992. Destiny’s Child’s luck turned around in 1997 when they signed with Columbia and released their self-titled first album, which included the smash song “No, No, No Part 2.” The Writing’s on the Wall (1999), their follow-up album, was certified eight times platinum in the United States and garnered the band two Grammy Awards. Their third studio album, 2001’s Survivor, topped the Billboard 200 album list.

Beginnings of a Solo Career and a Comeback with Destiny’s Child

Beyoncé was definitely Destiny’s Child’s leader, and she penned several of the group’s most successful songs, including the racy “Bootylicious.” The group eventually disbanded so that its members may focus on their own initiatives. Beyoncé’s debut solo album, Dangerously in Love, was written by her. The album was met with acclaim upon its release, and its upbeat first song “Crazy in Love,” which featured Jay-Z, helped propel it to the top of the charts throughout the world. Best contemporary R&B album and best female R&B vocal performance were two of the five Grammys Beyoncé took home in 2004.

Destiny’s Child issued their comeback album Destiny Fulfilled in 2004. The album did not get as much critical praise as the band’s previous efforts, but it nevertheless managed to sell over seven million copies throughout the world and produce many top 40 hits. During their 2005 world tour, the three members of the band announced their breakup. #1’s, a compilation of their greatest hits, was published the same year.

B’Day, I Am…Sasha Fierce, 4, and Beyoncé

Beyoncé’s second solo studio album, B’Day, was released in 2006. It included many coproducers, including the Neptunes, who had previously produced hits for other artists. Pop ballad “Irreplaceable” was the album’s most popular hit, even though most of the record evoked funk from the 1970s. She tied the knot with Jay-Z in 2008, and since then they have become one of the highest-paid married couples in show business. Beyoncé’s double album I Am…Sasha Fierce was released later that year. The first half of the album (I Am) showcased her reflective side, while the second half (Sasha Fierce) included upbeat dance tracks. Several singles from the album became Top 40 successes, including the confident “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” and the album helped Beyoncé sweep the 2010 Grammy Awards. The six Grammys she won that night made her the night’s most decorated female performer. Among her victories were song of the year, best female pop vocal performance, and best contemporary R&B album.

Beyoncé released 4 (2011), a genre-bending blend of ballads and dance music that invoked inspirations ranging from Motown-era torch songs to the audio collages of rapper M.I.A., just days after her spectacular headline performance at England’s Glastonbury Festival. Destiny’s Child got back together in early 2013 to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show and drop a new single titled “Nuclear.” After that, Beyoncé won a Grammy for her song “Love on Top.” Blue Ivy, the singer’s young daughter, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a Nigerian author, had guest appearances on her subsequent album, Beyoncé, which she released later that year. The album was billed as a “visual album,” complete with music videos to go along with each tune, and was made available only on iTunes. Several Grammys, including best R&B song, were given to the tune “Drunk in Love,” which featured Jay-Z.

Lemonade, the Carters, Homecoming, and act i: RENAISSANCE

Lemonade, Beyoncé’s sprawling and musically diverse 2016 album, centered on themes of betrayal and persistence. It was originally conceived as a visual album but aired as an HBO special. Beyoncé won two Grammys thanks to the success of Lemonade, including best music video for “Formation.” Everything Is Love, a joint effort by Beyoncé and Jay-Z, was released in 2018 under the Carters’ name and went on to win the Grammy for best urban contemporary album. When Beyoncé headlined the Coachella Valley Festival in Indio, California, in the same year, she made history as the first Black woman to do so. Homecoming, a 2019 Netflix documentary and live record, is about her critically lauded performance that featured marching bands from historically Black institutions. Fans were kept waiting for a new solo album from Beyoncé despite the fact that she worked on other projects in between studio albums. Act I: RENAISSANCE was released in 2022. With the four Grammys she won, including best dance/electronic album, Beyoncé overtook Georg Solti as the artist with the most Grammys.

Acting career and soundtracks

Beyoncé first appeared onscreen in Carmen: A Hip Hopera, a 2001 MTV film. Her breakout performance as Foxxy Cleopatra in Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) led to supporting roles in subsequent films including 2003’s The Fighting Temptations and 2006’s The Pink Panther. She played Deena Jones in the film version of the 1981 Broadway musical Dreamgirls, set in the 1960s. Beyoncé’s “Listen” was nominated for an Academy Award and her performance was nominated for a Golden Globe. She went on to portray Etta James in Cadillac Records (2008) and feature in the thriller Obsessed (2009) before lending her voice to the role of a magical forest queen in the animated film Epic (2013).

Beyoncé provided the voice of Nala in the 2019 Disney adaptation of The Lion King and also sang several songs for the film’s soundtrack, including the original song “Spirit,” which she co-wrote, and a cover of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” She also came out with an album called The Lion King: The Gift, named after the 1994 Disney film. Black Is King (2020), a video album including songs from the album, premiered on Disney+ in 2020. Beyoncé won the 2021 Grammy for best R&B performance for her tune “Black Parade.” In addition to her already record-breaking 28 Grammys, she won three more that year. As a follow-up, Beyoncé co-wrote and sang “Be Alive” for the film King Richard (2021), for which she was nominated for an Academy Award.

Beyoncé Knowles, an American singer-songwriter and actress, rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the R&B group Destiny’s Child before launching a tremendously successful solo career, beginning with the album “Dangerously in Love,” which received excellent reviews upon its debut in 2003. Numerous Grammy nominations followed the release of her succeeding albums, such as “I Am…Sasha Fierce” (2008), “Beyoncé” (2013), and “Lemonade” (2016); Beyoncé ended up winning six trophies at the 2010 Grammys event, the most ever won by a female artist in a single ceremony.

Fun Facts

Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” (2016) was published as a visual album and has since been nominated for four Emmys. The hour-long film incorporates a variety of music videos and includes striking visuals that address problems of race, gender, and politics.

Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé’s daughter, made history when she became the youngest person to ever make it onto a Billboard chart thanks to her inclusion in JAY-Z’s song “Glory” (released in 2012), which featured audio clips of the newborn baby’s cries.

Honors and Awards

Grammy Award (2021) Grammy Award (2019) Grammy Award (2017 Grammy Award) Grammy Award (2010 Grammy Award) Grammy Award (2009 Grammy Award) Grammy Award (2006 Grammy Award) Grammy Award (2005 Grammy Award) • Three Grammy Awards (in 2004, 2003, and 2000) • Best R&B Performance, Grammy Award (2021) • Best Rap Performance Grammy (2021) The following categories will be up for Grammys in 2021: Best Rap Song, Best Music Video, and Best Music Film. Winner of the 2019 Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2017 Grammy Awards The 2017 Grammy for Best Music Video • Best R&B Performance at the 2015 Grammy Awards Best R&B Performance (2015); Best Surround Sound Album (2015); Two Grammy Awards (2015) • Best Traditional R&B Performance, Grammy (2013) Song of the Year (2010 Grammys) Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (2010 Grammys) Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Award for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance, Award for Best R&B Song, Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album, all from the 2010 Grammys Two Grammys for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals (2006), one Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album (2007), one Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (2004), and one Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals (2004). Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group (2004) Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album (2004) Winner, Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, 2004 Grammy Award, Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal Performance, 2002 Grammy Award • Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal Grammy Award (2001) • Best R&B Song, Grammy Award (2001)

2022–present: Renaissance

Beyoncé removed her social media profile images on June 9, 2022, sparking rumors of new music.[237] Beyoncé’s foundation BeyGood’s Twitter feed hinted about her seventh studio album days later.[238] Renaissance, Beyoncé’s seventh studio album, was announced on June 15, 2022. The album debuted July 29, 2022.[239][240] The first Renaissance single, “Break My Soul”, was released on June 20, 2022.[241] The song was Beyoncé’s 20th top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100, joining Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson as the only artists to have at least twenty solo and ten group top tens.[8]

Renaissance was universally lauded upon premiere.[242] Beyoncé became the first female artist to have her first seven studio albums debut at number one in the US with Renaissance.[243] “Break My Soul” became her thirteenth Billboard Hot 100 number one.[244]

“Heated,” co-written with Drake, initially included the words “Spazzin’ on that ass / spazz on that ass”. Several disability groups and campaigners believed that “spaz” was a disparaging name for spastic diplegia, a type of cerebral palsy. Beyoncé’s agent said in August 2022 that “The word, not used intentionally in a harmful way, will be replaced”.[245][246]

Beyoncé performed a private event in Dubai on January 21, 2023.Her first complete concert in almost four years was performed for influencers and media.[248] Beyoncé reportedly performed for $24 million.[249] Beyoncé was criticized for performing in the UAE, where homosexuality is outlawed.[249][248][250] Beyoncé launched the Renaissance World Tour in North America and Europe on February 1.[251] The second song from Travis Scott’s album Utopia, “Delresto (Echoes)”, became Beyoncé’s 100th Billboard Hot 100 chart appearance on July 28.[252]

Artistry

Voice, music style

Beyoncé sings coloratura mezzo-soprano.[254][255] Jody Rosen calls her voice “one of the most compelling instruments in popular music” for its tone and timbre.[256] She’s Destiny’s Child’s star due to her voice.[257] The New York Times’ Jon Pareles said her voice “velvety yet tart, with an insistent flutter and reserves of soul belting”.[258] Beyoncé’s rhythmic vocal style is influenced by hip hop, but Rosen finds her roots in balladry, gospel, and falsetto.[256]

Chris Richards of The Washington Post said she was “capable of punctuating any beat with goose-bump-inducing whispers or full-bore diva-roars.”[259] The 2023 Rolling Stone’s 200 Greatest Singers list placed Beyoncé at number 8, saying “in [her] voice lies the entire history of Black music”.[260]

Beyonce’s music is mostly R&B, pop, and hip hop, but she also integrates soul and funk. Beyoncé used more soul, hip hop, and 1990s-style R&B on 4 than on prior albums.[253] While she mostly releases English tracks, Beyoncé recorded numerous Spanish songs for Irreemplazable and B’Day’s re-release. American record producer Rudy Perez phonetically trained Beyoncé to record these.

Influences

Beyoncé credits Michael Jackson for her musical inspiration.[276]Beyoncé says she found her destiny at Jackson’s first concert aged five.At the 2006 World Music Awards, Beyoncé remarked, “If it wasn’t for Michael Jackson, I would never ever have performed.”[279] Tina Turner impacted Beyoncé: “Tina Turner is someone that I admire, because she made her strength feminine and sexy”.[280][281]

Diana Ross is a “all-around entertainer”[282] and Whitney Houston “inspired me to get up there and do what she did.””Not only for her musical style, but also for her business sense,” Beyoncé said, “follow in the footsteps of Madonna and be a powerhouse and have my own empire.”[286] In addition, Mariah Carey’s “Vision of Love” inspired her to practice vocal runs as a youngster.[287][288] Rachelle Ferrell, Aaliyah, Janet Jackson, and others have influenced her music.Prince (292, 293)294 Shakira, 295 Lauryn HillSade Adu, Donna Summer, Mary J. Blige, Selena, Anita Baker, and Toni Braxton.[282]

Dreamgirls influenced Beyoncé’s second solo album B’Day’s feminist and female empowerment themes.Josephine Baker sang [300].[301] Beyoncé performed “Déjà Vu” at 2006 Fashion Rocks wearing Baker’s mini-hula skirt with artificial bananas.[302] Jay-Z and Etta James’ “boldness” prompted Beyoncé to experiment with new genres and techniques on her third solo album, I Am… Sasha Fierce.[303] Fela Kuti, 1990s R&B, Earth, Wind & Fire, DeBarge, Lionel Richie, Teena Marie, The Jackson 5, New Edition, Adele, Florence and the Machine, and Prince influenced her fourth solo album, 4.[253]

Beyoncé says “she proves you can do it all” and calls Oprah Winfrey “the definition of inspiration and a strong woman.”[282] She also credits Jay-Z’s lyrical talent and personal achievements for inspiring her.[305] In a letter, Beyoncé said, “what I find in the work of Jean-Michel Basquiat, I search for in every day in music… he is lyrical and raw”.[306][307] Cher also inspired Beyoncé’s fashion.

Other self

Beyoncé invented “Sasha Fierce” to differentiate her stage character from her true self, calling it “sexy, seductive and provocative” She called Sasha “too aggressive, too strong, too sassy [and] too sexy” and said, “I’m not like her in real life at all.”[48] Beyoncé revealed Sasha, who was conceived during “Crazy in Love”, in her 2008 album I Am… Sasha Fierce. In February 2010, she told Allure magazine that she was confident enough without Sasha Fierce.[317] Beyoncé stated in May 2012 that she will bring her back for her Revel Presents: Beyoncé Live events later that month.

Public image

Music journalist Touré said Beyoncé “become a crossover sex symbol” after Dangerously in Love.While Beyoncé prefers to dress sexily offstage, her onstage outfit “is absolutely for the stage” (319)[320] The 2000s media regularly called Beyoncé “bootylicious” (a combination of “booty” and “delicious”) due to her curves and the term’s catchiness. Destiny’s Child’s hit of the same name popularized the term. It entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2006.[323]

Beyoncé debuted on Tom Ford’s Spring/Summer 2011 runway in September 2010.People called her “World’s Most Beautiful Woman”Complex named her “Hottest Female Singer of All Time” in 2012.[326] In January 2013, GQ covered her as one of the “100 Sexiest Women of the 21st Century”.[327]She was #1 on VH1’s 100 Sexiest Artists list.[329] Madame Tussauds Wax Museums in New York, Washington, D.C., Amsterdam, Bangkok, Hollywood, and Sydney have wax figurines of Beyoncé.[335]

Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli says Beyoncé mixes clothes with music when performing.[336] She and her mother co-wrote Destiny’s Style in 2002, on how fashion impacted the trio’s success.[338] The B’Day Anthology Video Album included vintage and modern fashions.[339] Beyoncé became the second African American woman on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover after Tyra Banks in 2007, and People magazine named her the best-dressed celebrity.[341]

Publications have called Beyoncé “Queen Bey” over the years. The name refers to a female group leader, a “queen bee”. The moniker also alludes to the queen of a beehive, whose fans are called “The BeyHive”. The BeyHive was originally called “The Beyontourage” (a combination of Beyoncé and entourage), but Twitter petitions and online news coverage during contests altered it.[342]

Beyoncé was condemned by PETA in 2006 for wearing fur in her House of Deréon apparel brand.[343]

In 2007, Northeastern University music professor Emmett Price noted that white celebrities who dress similarly receive less remarks on Beyoncé’s look.[344] She said “it is categorically untrue” when L’Oréal was accused of lightening her complexion in their Feria hair color ads in 2008.According to Vogue, Beyoncé opposed H&M for their suggested “retouching” of advertising photographs of her in 2013 and that only “natural pictures be used”.[347]

Beyoncé has championed Black Lives Matter. The music video for “Formation” released on February 6, 2016, celebrated her background with pro-black iconography and a shot of “Stop shooting us” wall graffiti. The 2016 Super Bowl halftime show featured Black Panther Party back-up dancers as she performed the song the day following its release. This prompted lawmakers and police to boycott Beyoncé’s Formation World Tour.[348] After the reaction, Beyoncé released “Boycott Beyoncé” tour merchandise and reaffirmed her position: “Anyone who thinks my message is anti-police is wrong. I admire and honor policemen and their families who die for us “Beyoncé stated. “I oppose police violence and unfairness. Two distinct things.”

Personal life

Marriage and kids

Jay-Z and Beyoncé recorded “’03 Bonnie & Clyde” for his seventh album The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse in 2002.[354] Beyoncé featured as Jay-Z’s lover in the music video, sparking rumors.[355] Beyoncé married Jay-Z secretly on April 4, 2008.[356] By April 2014, the duo had sold 300 million albums.[167] Since 2013, they have seemed more easygoing in their private relationship.[357] Both have admitted that Jay-Z’s romance caused marital problems.[358][359]

Beyoncé called miscarriage “the saddest thing” she has ever experienced in 2010 or 2011.She composed songs in the studio to deal with the loss. In April 2011, Beyoncé and Jay-Z shot 4’s album cover in Paris, when she suddenly got pregnant.The pair attended the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in August, where Beyoncé performed “Love on Top” and announced her pregnancy.[362] Her appearance made that year’s MTV Video Music Awards the most-watched broadcast in MTV history, drawing 12.4 million viewers;[363] the announcement was listed in Guinness World Records for “most tweets per second recorded for a single event” on Twitter, receiving 8,868 tweets per second[365]; and “Beyonce pregnant” was the most Googled phrase the week of August 29, 2011.[366] Blue Ivy was born at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City on January 7, 2012.[367]

After Lemonade’s 2016 release of “Sorry”, Jay-Z’s alleged adultery with “Becky” was questioned. The New York Times’ Jon Pareles said several of the claims were “aimed specifically and recognizably” at him.[368] Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone said “Suck on my balls, I’ve had enough” was a “unmistakable hint” that the lyrics are about Jay-Z.[369]

On February 1, 2017, she announced her twin pregnancy on Instagram. Her announcement broke the website’s most liked image record with 6.3 million likes in eight hours.[370] Beyoncé posted the first photo of herself and the twins on Instagram on July 13, 2017, as well as their birth date, June 13, 2017,[371]. It was the second most liked post on Instagram after her pregnancy announcement.[372] The twins, Rumi and Sir, were born at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in California. She had complete control over the September 2018 Vogue cover, shot at Hammerwood Park by Tyler Mitchell, where she wrote about her pregnancy and its consequences.[373][374]

Activism

Beyoncé sang “America the Beautiful” and “At Last” at President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration and the Neighborhood Ball’s first inaugural dance two days later.The pair raised $4 million at Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club in Manhattan for President Obama’s 2012 campaign.[377] Beyoncé voted for Obama in 2012.[378] She sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” at his second inauguration in January 2013.[150]

Beyoncé attended a Hillary Clinton celebrity fundraiser in May 2015, according to the Washington Post.[379] She headlined a Clinton concert the weekend before Election Day the following year. Beyoncé and her backup dancers donned pantsuits, a nod to Clinton’s favorite outfit. Clinton campaign slogan “I’m with her” tees were worn by backup dancers. At her performance, Beyoncé remarked, “I want my daughter to grow up seeing a woman lead our country and knowing that her possibilities are limitless.”[380] She supported Beto O’Rourke in the 2018 Texas Senate election.

In a 2013 Vogue interview, Beyoncé called herself “a modern-day feminist”.[382] She later openly supported the movement, borrowing “We should all be feminists” from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s April 2013 TEDx lecture in her song “Flawless”.[383] The following year, she performed live at the MTV Video Awards in front of a huge “Feminist” background.[384] Her self-identification sparked controversy about whether her feminism is consistent with previous feminist beliefs. Annie Lennox, a famous feminist, called Beyoncé’s usage of feminism ‘feminist lite’.[385]

Bell hooks called Beyoncé a “terrorist” for feminism, harming her young girl audience.”Her type of feminism is not mine, as it is the kind that, at the same time, gives quite a lot of space to the necessity of men.”[387] Adichie defines “feminist lite” as “more disturbing is the assumption, in Feminism Lite, that males are innately superior but should be expected to ‘handle women well’” and “we assess powerful women better than powerful men. Feminism Lite allows this.”[388]

Beyoncé said her platform was to “give clarity to the true meaning” of feminism.[389] It’s easy to comprehend feminism, she says. Someone who supports gender equality.”[389] She encouraged equal opportunity for young boys and girls, and men and women must realize the double standards in our communities to start making changes.[389]

She also supported the Ban Bossy campaign, which promotes girl leadership on TV and social media.[390] After Beyoncé declared herself a feminist, her sexualized performances and support of her marriage were questioned.[391]

Beyoncé and other celebrities sponsored a video campaign for “Demand A Plan”, a nonpartisan initiative by 950 U.S. mayors and others, in December 2012.[392] to persuade the federal government to reexamine gun control policies after Sandy Hook.[393] After the Supreme Court debated California’s Proposition 8, Beyoncé formally backed same-sex marriage on March 26, 2013.[394] She spoke against North Carolina’s Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, which discriminated against LGBT people in public spaces, during her 2016 Formation World Tour event in Raleigh.[395]

Police violence towards black Americans is opposed by her. She and Jay-Z joined a 2013 demonstration after George Zimmerman was acquitted of killing Trayvon Martin.[396] The video for “Freedom” from her sixth album Lemonade included Trayvon Martin’s moms, Michael Brown and Eric Garner, clutching images of their boys.[397] Beyoncé addressed the police-critical song “Formation” in a 2016 Elle interview. She stated, “I oppose police violence and unfairness. Two distinct things. If honoring my ancestry and culture during Black History Month made anyone uncomfortable, it was before a video or myself “.[398]

Beyoncé protested Donald Trump’s removal of transgender student rights in public schools in February 2017. Beyoncé supported transgender youngsters from the 100 Days of Kindness campaign on Facebook, joining other celebrities who criticized Trump’s move.[399]

Beyoncé gave Colin Kaepernick the 2017 Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award in November 2017, saying, “Thank you for your selfless heart and your conviction, thank you for your personal sacrifice” and that “Colin took action with no fear of consequence… To change perception, to change the way we treat each other, especially people of color. Still waiting for the world to catch up.” Muhammad Ali was severely punished for rejecting military service to protest US civil rights and the Vietnam War. 40 years later, Kaepernick had forfeited one professional year for taking a quieter, legal position “for people that are oppressed”.[400]

Wealth

Forbes magazine said in 2008 that Beyoncé was the world’s highest-paid music celebrity, surpassing Madonna and Celine Dion, with $80 million earned between June 2007 and June 2008 from her songs, tour, films, and clothing brand.[401][402] It put her fourth on the 2009 Celebrity 100[403] and ninth on the 2010 “Most Powerful Women in the World” list.[404] The magazine put her seventh on the “Best-Paid Celebrities Under 30” list the following year, when her clothing brand and sponsorship deals garnered $35 million. Forbes listed Beyoncé at number 16 on the Celebrity 100 list in 2012, twelve places lower than three years earlier, despite her $40 million earnings from her album 4, clothing brand, and endorsements.[405][406]

Beyoncé and Jay-Z topped the “World’s Highest-Paid Celebrity Couples” list in 2012 with $78 million.[407] In 2009, the pair became Guinness World Records’ “highest-earning power couple” with $122 million.[408] Beyoncé made $70 million annually from 2009 through 2011, and $40 million in 2012.[409] Beyoncé and Jay-Z became the first billionaire music couple in 2013 with Pepsi and H&M endorsements.[410] That year, Forbes ranked Beyoncé fourth most powerful celebrity.[411]

Beyoncé became the highest-paid Black musician in history in April 2014, as predicted by MTV.[413] Beyoncé topped the Forbes Celebrity 100 in June 2014, earning $115 million from June 2013 to June 2014. This was her first Celebrity 100 win and her best year earnings.[414] Beyoncé earned $54 million in 2016, ranking 34 on the Celebrity 100. She and Jay-Z earned $107.5 million, making them the highest-paid celebrity pair.[415]

Forbes estimated her net worth at $355 million in 2018, and in June, she was the 35th highest-earning celebrity with $60 million. This made Beyoncé and Madonna the only female musicians to make $100 million in a year twice.[416][417] Beyoncé and Jay-Z are worth $1.16 billion.[418] Billboard reported in July 2017 that Beyoncé earned $62.1 million in 2016, the most of any performer.[419]

The couple paid $200 million for Tadao Ando’s Malibu property 27712 Pacific Coast Highway in 2023. The California most expensive home sale record was set.

Legacy

Beyoncé’s success has led to her becoming a cultural icon and earning her the nickname “Queen Bey”.[421] Constance Grady wrote for Vox, “The transformation of Beyoncé from well-liked pop star to cultural icon came in three phases, punctuated by the self-titled Beyoncé album of 2013, 2016’s Lemonade, and 2018’s Homecoming concert at Coachella.”[422] In The New Yorker, music critic Jody Rosen described Beyoncé as “the most important and compelling popular musician of the twenty-first century … the result, the logical end point, of a century-plus of pop.”[423] She topped NPR list of the “21st Century’s Most Influential Women Musicians”.[424] James Clear, in his book Atomic Habits (2018), draws a parallel between Beyoncé’s success and the dramatic transformations in modern society: “In the last one hundred years, we have seen the rise of the car, the airplane, the television, the personal computer, the internet, the smartphone, and Beyoncé.”[425] The Observer named her Artist of the Decade (2000s) in 2009.[426]

Alex Suskind wrote for Entertainment Weekly that “no one dominated music in the 2010s like Queen Bey” and that her “songs, album rollouts, stage presence, social justice initiatives, and disruptive public relations strategy have influenced the way we’ve viewed music since 2010.”[427] NME also wrote about Beyoncé’s impact in the 2010s.

Many critics credit Beyoncé with inventing the staccato rap-singing style that has dominated pop, R&B, and rap music. Lakin Starling of The Fader wrote that Beyoncé’s innovative implementation of the delivery style on Destiny’s Child’s 1999 album The Writing’s on the Wall invented a new form of R&B.[430] Beyoncé’s new style subsequently changed the nature of music, revolutionizing both singing in urban music and rapping in pop music, and becoming the dominant sound of both genres.[431][432] The style helped to redefine both the breadth of commercial R&B and the sound of hip hop, with artists such as Kanye West and Drake implementing Beyoncé’s cadence in the late 2000s and early 2010s.[433] The staccato rap-singing style continued to be used in the music industry in the late 2010s and early 2020s; Aaron Williams of Uproxx described Beyoncé as the “primary pioneer” of the rapping style that dominates the music industry today, with many contemporary rappers implementing Beyoncé’s rap-singing.[434] Michael Eric Dyson agrees, saying that Beyoncé “changed the whole genre” and has become the “godmother” of mumble rappers, who use the staccato rap-singing cadence. Dyson remarked, “She doesn’t get credit for the remarkable way in which she changed the musical vocabulary of contemporary art.”[435]

In an era of singles and streaming, Beyoncé revived the album as an art form. Beyoncé’s 2011 album 4 aimed to reestablish R&B as a mainstream concern by focusing on albums as an art form. In 2013, she made her eponymous album only available to buy as a full album on iTunes, rather than as individual tracks or via streaming. Kaitlin Menza of Marie Claire said this helped listeners “experience the album as one whole sonic experience, the way people used to, noting the musical and lyrical themes”[437].

Jamieson Cox of The Verge wrote that Beyoncé’s 2013 album started a trend of albums becoming more cohesive and self-referential, and Lemonade set “a new standard for pop storytelling at the highest possible scale”. Megan Carpentier of The Guardian wrote that Beyoncé has “almost revived the album format” by releasing an album that can only be listened to in its entirety.

She coined “put a ring on it” as a euphemism for marriage proposal, “I woke up like this” as a hashtag for morning selfies, and “boy, bye” as part of the Democratic National Committee’s 2020 election campaign. The album also popularized surprise releases, with Taylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, Eminem, Frank Ocean, Jay-Z, and Drake releasing songs, videos, or albums without prior announcement.

Research scientist Bryan Lessard named Scaptia beyonceae, a Northern Queensland horse-fly with golden abdomen hairs, after Beyoncé in January 2012.

Business and enterprises

Beyoncé created Parkwood Entertainment in 2010 as an imprint of Columbia Records, which began producing videos and films in 2008. Parkwood Entertainment, headquartered in New York City, represents Beyoncé’s music, movie, video, and fashion businesses. Parkwood Entertainment crew members have filmmaking, video production, online, and fashion design skills. Beyoncé edits her global tours, music videos, and TV specials at the company’s state-of-the-art editing facility, along with marketing, digital, creative, PR, fashion design, and merchandising. Beyoncé starred and co-produced Cadillac Records (2008), Parkwood Entertainment’s debut production. The firm distributed her fifth studio album, her self-titled fifth studio album (2013), Lemonade (2016), and The Carters, Everything is Love (2018). Beyoncé signed Chloe x Halle to Parkwood, who performed at Super Bowl LIII in February 2019.

Partnerships and endorsements

Beyoncé has worked with Pepsi since 2002,[481] and in 2004 appeared in a Gladiator-themed commercial with Britney Spears, Pink, and Enrique Iglesias.[482] In 2012, she signed a $50 million deal to endorse the product.[483] The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPINET) wrote an open letter asking her to reconsider the deal and donate the proceeds to a medical organization.

Beyoncé worked with Tommy Hilfiger on True Star (singing a cover version of “Wishing on a Star”)[486] and True Star Gold[487] and promoted Emporio Armani’s Diamonds fragrance in 2007.[488] In 2010, she launched her first official fragrance, Heat.

Starpower: Beyoncé was canceled after Beyoncé pulled out of a $100 million deal with GateFive, which alleged the cancellation would result in the firing of 70 staff and millions of pounds lost in development. In June 2013, her lawyers settled out of court, claiming GateFive had lost its financial backers.

Beyoncé co-founded Tidal with other artists in March 2015. The company offers lossless audio and HD music videos. Beyoncé’s husband Jay-Z acquired Tidal’s parent company, Aspiro, in the first quarter of 2015.[499] Along with Beyoncé and Jay-Z, sixteen artist stakeholders—including Kanye West, Rihanna, Madonna, Chris Martin, Nicki Minaj, and others—co-own Tidal, with the majority owning a 3% equity stake.[500] The idea of an artist-owned streaming service was created to meet the music industry’s growing demand for streaming.

Beyoncé signed a multi-year deal with Peloton in November 2020. After 2020’s homecoming celebrations were canceled due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the collaboration provided themed workouts inspired by Beyoncé’s 2019 Homecoming video and live CD for historically black schools and universities. Beyoncé and Peloton are offering free memberships to all students at 10 HBCUs and exploring long-term recruitment collaborations. Gwen Bethel Riley, head of music at Peloton, said: “When we had conversations with Beyoncé around how critical a social impact component was to all of us, it crystallized how important it was to embrace Homecoming as an opportunity to celebrate and create dialogue around Black culture and music, in partnership with HBCUs.”[502] Peloton’s shares rose 8.6% after the partnership was announced.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z collaborated with Tiffany & Co. for “About Love” in 2021. Beyoncé was the fourth woman and first Black woman to wear the Tiffany Yellow Diamond.504 The ad used Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Equals Pi (1982).505.

Fashion lines

In 2005, Beyoncé and her mother launched House of Deréon, a contemporary women’s fashion line, inspired by three generations of women in their family and named after Beyoncé’s grandmother, Agnèz Deréon, a respected seamstress. Tina says the line’s style best reflects their taste and style. Beyoncé and her mother founded Beyond Productions, which licenses and manages House of Deréon and its junior collection, Deréon.[506] Destiny’s Child’s shows and tours featured House of Deréon pieces.[509][510] The collection features sportswear, denim with fur, outerwear, and accessories like handbags and footwear, and is available at department and specialty stores.

In 2005, Beyoncé collaborated with House of Brands, a shoe company, to create a line of footwear for House of Deréon.[511] In January 2008, Starwave Mobile released Beyoncé Fashion Diva, a “high-style” mobile game with a social networking component, featuring the House of Deréon collection.[506] In July 2009, Beyoncé and her mother launched Sasha Fierce for Deréon, a junior apparel label for back-to- In May 2010, Beyoncé launched Deréon by Beyoncé at C&A stores in Brazil. The collection included tailored blazers with padded shoulders, little black dresses, embroidered tops and shirts, and bandage draughts.

The 50–50 Ivy Park venture, established in April 2016, was signed by Beyoncé in October 2014. After buying out Topshop owner Philip Green from his 50% share after he was accused of sexually harassing, bullying, and racially abusing employees, Beyoncé now owns the brand.

Beyoncé joined Adidas as a creative partner in April 2019 to build her athletic brand Ivy Park. Knowles will create Adidas clothing and shoes. In December 2019, they announced a launch date of January 18, 2020.[520] Beyoncé uploaded a teaser on her website and Instagram.[521] The collection was previewed on the upcoming Elle January 2020 issue, where Beyoncé is seen wearing several garments, accessories, and footwear from the first collection.[522] In March 2023, Beyoncé and Adidas decided to end their partnership.

Later in March 2023, Balmain design director Olivier Rousteing stated that he and Beyoncé worked on a couture collection featuring sixteen looks to match her Renaissance album. This “Renaissance Couture” collection was the first to be designed by a Black woman in a Parisian couture establishment.

Philanthropy

Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Tina Knowles created the Downtown Houston community facility Knowles-Rowland facility for Youth in 2002. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Beyoncé and Rowland founded the Survivor Foundation to provide transitional housing to displaced families and fund new building construction. Beyoncé donated $250,000.[526] The foundation has since expanded to work with other city charities [527] and provided relief three years later after Hurricane Ike. Beyoncé contributed $7 million towards complex upkeep in 2016.

Beyoncé gave her $4 million Cadillac Records salary to Phoenix House, a non-profit drug and alcohol recovery center, in 2009. Beyoncé and her mother founded the Beyoncé Cosmetology Center, a seven-month programme that helps Phoenix House residents recuperate with vocational skills.

Beyoncé participated in George Clooney and Wyclef Jean’s Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief telethon in January 2010, donated a lot of money, and was named the face of Theory’s limited edition CFDA “Fashion For Haiti” T-shirt, which raised $1 million. In April 2011, she teamed up with U.S. Beyoncé reworked her single “Get Me Bodied” for the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation to promote the latter’s campaign against child obesity [536]. After Osama bin Laden’s death, she released her cover of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” as a charity single to benefit the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund [538].

Beyoncé donated her song “I Was Here” and its music video, shot in the UN, to the 2012 World Humanitarian Day campaign. In 2013, she signed on to work with Salma Hayek and Frida Giannini on a Gucci “Chime for Change” campaign to empower women. Beyoncé also participated in “Miss a Meal”, a food-donation campaign, and supported Goodwill Industries through online charity auctions at Charitybuzz that support job creation.

Before Beyoncé’s Formation World Tour show in Tampa, her team held a private luncheon for more than 20 community leaders to discuss how Beyoncé could support local charitable initiatives, including pledging on the spot to fund 10 schools. Tampa Sports Authority board member Thomas Scott said: “I don’t know of a prior artist meeting with the community, seeing their needs, and investing in the community. It says a lot about Beyoncé. She not only goes into a community and walks away with money, but she also gives money back.”[549]

Beyoncé gave the United Way of Genesee County $82,000 in June 2016 to help Flint water sufferers. Beyoncé and Jay-Z donated $1.5 million to civil rights groups Black Lives Matter, Hands Up United, and Dream Defenders in August 2016.[551] After Hurricane Matthew, they donated $15 million to the Usain Bolt Foundation to rebuild Haitian homes.

Beyoncé founded BeyGOOD Houston in August 2017 to help Houston residents devastated by Hurricane Harvey. On September 8, Beyoncé visited Houston, where she sponsored a lunch for 400 survivors at her local church, visited the George R Brown Convention Center to discuss the needs of flood victims, served meals to those who lost their homes, and made a significant donation to loca.

Beyoncé contributed $6 million to the National Alliance in Mental Health, UCLA, and other community-based groups in April 2020 to offer mental health and personal wellbeing services to COVID-19 pandemic employees. BeyGOOD also partnered with local organizations to provide food, water, cleaning supplies, medicines, and face masks to communities of color.[558] The same month, Beyoncé remixed Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage” to benefit Bread of Life Houston’s COVID-19 relief efforts, which include providing over 14 tons of food and supplies to 500 families and 100 senior citizens in Houston weekly.

Beyoncé and her mother’s #IDidMyPart program, which addressed African-American fatalities, gave 1,000 free COVID-19 testing in Houston in May 2020. In July 2020, Beyoncé and the NAACP established the Black-Owned Small Business Impact Fund, which provides $10,000 grants to black-owned small businesses in need after the George Floyd protests. All proceeds from Beyoncé’s single “Black Parade” were donated to the fund.

Beyoncé stated in October 2020 that she has been working with the Feminist Coalition to help End Sars supporters in Nigeria by covering medical costs for injured protestors, legal fees for arrested protestors, food, emergency shelter, transportation, and telecommunications. In December 2020, Beyoncé donated $500,000 to help alleviate the U.S. housing crisis caused by the eviction moratorium’s end, giving 100 $5,000 grants to individuals and families facing foreclosures and evictions.