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Destiny Fulfilled: 10th Anniversary

11/25/2014

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I remember when I received notice that Destiny’s Child was releasing Destiny Fulfilled. I was in the library staring at the computer in complete shock and overwhelmed with excitement. “It’s actually happening,” I kept repeating to myself. After 2001’s Survivor, Beyonce`, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams announced they would temporarily separate to do solo projects. Pop history had many (including me) taking their vow to regroup lightly, but they were following through. I almost caused my roommate to have a car accident when I suddenly shrieked and turned the radio way up to hear the launch of 1st single, “Lose My Breath.” Back then, it wasn’t easily accessible mass knowledge when something going to radio. I made a schedule of their upcoming television appearances and taped them all. Yes, taped. On VHS. I feel old. Anyway, it had only been 3 years since their last LP, but it felt like a lifetime. Media and retail went a flutter with anticipation. Press, promotional photos and the now marked album cover with a seemingly nude and makeup-less DC were everywhere. Walmart had banners every so many feet in stores and filmed a holiday commercial with the ladies and their respective family members. The pictorials signified what we would hear on the record. Many were high glamour with a touch of classic Hollywood, sophisticatedly sexy and elegant with a sleek sense of power. Gone were the girlish, teeny bopper nuances; destiny’s children had become women. Fulfilled hit the United States market on November 16, 2004.

The tremendous amount of maturity and artistic growth displayed (especially over a 3 year period) was staggering. Knocking down the proverbial “fourth wall,” they wrote their most guttural and connected album yet, telling a progressing story of the deterioration and reconstruction of a woman’s spirit while loving another person more than herself. It was therapy on wax, as most of the songs described the psychology of a woman whose acquisition of love is unhealthy. It boldly confronted the backwards practice of using the heart, mind and body as a bargaining chip; offering it all instantly in a hopeful exchange for affection, instead of a gift given after it is earned. The various layers of this are explored—1) rejection and competition, 2) bitterness, 3) susceptibility to emotional manipulations, 4) forfeiting trueness to and development of the self to become someone else’s ideal, 5) rationalizing mistreatment and abuse and 6) forcing yourself to accept things you honestly dislike to get whatever attachment you can from a potential mate. A few of the tracks tackle multiple layers; “Through with Love” nearly took on the whole enchilada: “I gave up my friends…threw out my dreams if you said you didn't approve…compromised my life just to see I'd find you were trying hold me back, slowly throwing me off my track…there you go comparing me to every little model on the TV screen…my esteem has gone down…you make me feel dumb and alone…paralyzed my growth for you, I gave you control, felt so helpless without you…I have given so much in the past for a love I never had…through with love, I'm finally giving it up.”

“Is She the Reason” bluntly hits layer 6 on the nail while addressing the epidemic of ‘giving the milk for free:’ “…remember we were different…I was cool with no commitment, let me take that back, it was you, so I was with it.” “Reason,” along with the Japanese bonus track “Why You Actin’,” tells what usually happens after the milk’s been taken. With no titles, you’re not entitled. The person has the freedom to leave, so they do and you’re left feeling inadequate, foolish and emotionally bankrupt after a bad investment into someone with no credit.

Concession is discussed even to the point of spiritual confliction and revelation. Rumored eliminated song “Have Your Way” was likely on the chopping block for its melodic dryness, but its saddening tale was a familiar one and a powerful statement: “I changed my life for you and all that you could do is betray me…Lord I'm trying to do what pleasing in your sight, but I'm in love; right now I'm caught up. Instead of leaving, I know you’ll be right by my side and you'll make a way… I've spent too much time playing wife...O Lord forgive me, I thought by now we'd be married… you've shown no commitment to me… I cannot blame you for using me if I continue to let this be, ‘cause shacking with a man just ain't me.” Faith-based values are rarely approached in secular music; it shows how much DC looked within to make this album (the members have a religious background). Lines in “Bad Habit” and “Through” compensate in “Way’s” absence. In fact, “Through’s” conclusion is finding resolve in spiritual love. It completes Fulfilled’s closing “reconstruction” trifecta that includes my favorites, “If” and the inner peace anthem “Free.” I love “If” partly for the same reason I love Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable:” they musically seem sweet and gentle, but have a feisty message. 


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My Top 20 Favorite Beyonce` Videos

5/13/2014

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PictureBeyonce` on the "Party" set
 After helping a potential bee binge on Beyonce` videos, I decided make a list of my top 20 favorites. Despite releasing anthologies for 2 of her solo albums (“B’Day” &“BEYONCE`”), King B isn’t known for pop-culture crazing videos outside of “Single Ladies” and I think I know why. A good number of her videos are “pretty posey,” where all you get are shots and close-ups of Beyonce` posing pretty in various costumes, with no theme or storyline (videos are one area where her contemporary, Britney Spears, has her beat). This is particularly annoying when the song gives all the plot needed and it’s not utilized; case in point, the most disappointing “Best Thing I Never Had,” where she spent majority of the video singing into a flower decked in lingerie and running around a grassy knoll in an (epic) wedding dress. There’s nothing wrong with an occasional premise-less video, some are on this list, but the emphasis needs to be on “occasional.” That acknowledged, it wasn’t too hard to pick just 20 videos, but I did have a few outliers that I hated excluding, so those honorable mentions are under the list at the bottom. The omission most likely to shock is “Crazy in Love.” Yes, I love the song, it was her debut, the Versace was amazing, it had the “uh-oh” dance  and it’s hard to beat her strutting in those red heels and perfect, curve hugging jean shorts and white tank, but…it’s not my favorite video to watch beyond the opening and closing moments. I’m sorry. If it made the list, it’s because I thought it was creative, just plain love it, it was a great memory for me, or a combination. The ranking was based on what I’d likely watch 1st. Enjoy and let me know if you agree.

20. Haunted (from “BEYONCE`,” directed by Jonas Akerlund)
This clip is very different from anything else in Beyoncé’s videography. It was dark. It was creepy. It was fantastic! Most pop videos with strange or abstract visuals have such without much context or theme consistency, causing them to come off like they were “trying too hard” to be unique or profound. “Haunted’s” interpretation is open, but it’s still simple and (mostly) sensible. The song is called “Haunted” and mentions ghosts, so we’re going to give you Beyonce` walking through a vintage hotel seeing freakshow and eerie figures that may not actually be there. It was like a music video for “American Horror Story.” Wait! There’s more! We’re going to be really relevant to the song and add images that have to do with sexuality. Wow! Figurative and concrete representations! My other favorite thing about Haunted: Bey’s classic Hollywood fashions and sultry makeup-it was dusky-emo done right. I’m obsessed with it. Oh, and I was happy to see that B’Day-era logo on her luggage. Get “Haunted” here.
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19. Run the World (Girls) (from “4,” directed by Francis Lawrence)
The song was kind of hard to melodically catch onto, but the video was much easier to chew on. For those who love the version of Beyonce` that’s militant and fierce, “Run the World” is where it’s at: she’s riding horses (in an awesome outfit), blowing stuff up and marching, with her face painted on the walls and iconic, eye-catching insignia-anyone know where I can get one of those red “B” flags? I still want one. I loved the choreography, I loved the clothes (the Givenchy dress was to die for), it was a Beyonce` revolution and I was joining with a hair toss and shoulder bounce.

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10 Live Signs Beyonce` is Everything

5/26/2012

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I’ve found that anyone who’s skeptical about Beyonce` as an artist often becomes a believer after seeing a performance. She has many fantastic live appearances, but here are 10 that I find to be representative of her vocal ability, versatility and talent.

Halo- 2008 or 2009.
Beyonce` live and unplugged. Excellent showcase of her raw vocals.
The Beautiful Ones/Sex on Fire-Glastonbury 2011
Her powerful and emotive rendition of a Prince classic and a Kings of Leon hit is a great testament to Beyonce’s versatility genre-wise. It stirs me every time. I go to another place when I hear this.
Star Spangled Banner-2004 Superbowl
This performance is great, not because it’s the coveted Superbowl national anthem spot, but because she didn’t ruin it by over-singing as anticipated. I thought Bey was going to do a lot of vocal acrobatics because she has a tendency for it and every Superbowl singer does so in an attempt to match the greatness of Whitney Houston’s appearance, but Bey was smart enough to realize the best way to remotely reach Whitney was to scale back and keep it classy. All bias aside, Bey’s interpretation of the U.S. national anthem was the closest to Whitney’s since. This moment was especially memorable for fans as Bey won her first round of multiple Grammys that same month.
Why Don’t You Love Me?-Glastonbury 2011
“Why Don’t You Love Me?” is one of Beyonce’s most underrated songs. The harmonies are terrific on the studio version, and the lyrics are great and relatable to many. In her 1st performance of this song, Bey is soulful, vivacious and takes us to church. I love the unfiltered energy and love the band even more. Her all-female band shows out.
Love On Top-MTV Video Music Awards 2011
This performance got a lot of attention because she revealed her baby bump for the 1st time publicly, but the bump wasn’t the only star in this show. Her vocals are INSANE here. Towards the end of the song, the chorus is repeated with quick, modulating key changes, which is very difficult to sing as the notes are high and maintaining breath and correct pitch is tasking. With not as much as a neck vein showing, Bey effortlessly delivers.

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Beyonce` 30th Birthday Tribute

9/3/2011

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Here is a tribute video I made in commemoration of Beyonce's 30th birthday and to congratulate her on her pregnancy. I hope all of you bees enjoy it. Click the photo below the video to sign Beyonce's baby book that will be sent to the House of Dereon`. :) Here's the direct video link just in case there's an error: http://youtu.be/xMtxjQ72H_0
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Letter to Beyonce` & Fan Reaction to Pregnancy

8/29/2011

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Proud of her baby bump at MTV VMA's.
Emotionally moved and excited to hear about Beyonce's pregnancy (click the photo to read about the official announcement), I wrote this brief letter and I wanted to share it with you all, my fellow happy bees. ;) Below the letter is a HILARIOUS and cute video of bees reacting to Beyonce's baby bump reveal.

To My “Big Sister” Beyonce`:

When Destiny’s Child’s 1st single, “No, No, No” was released, I was 12 years old. Mesmerized, I thought “if that’s what 16 looks like, let me hurry up and get there.” Ever since then, Destiny’s Child was the standard of how I should look and behave within the next four years of my life. Some parents might have been concerned about their child having that type of mentality about public figures, but mine didn’t because I picked up on nothing but positive things-- to carry myself with poise and elegance and know that I am a capable, beautiful, intelligent, resilient and powerful force to be reckoned with and I should never expect less than the best from and for myself. I’ve learned so much from you and the ladies of Destiny’s Child, it’s almost like you all are my “big sisters”; right there leading the way and advising me of what’s ahead. And like a little sister, I squirm when I hear you talk about sex (I still can’t listen to “T-Shirt” from Destiny Fulfilled lol) and feel very protective when I hear about your romantic relationships. 

Beyonce`, as I’ve watched you mature as a person and artist, I’ve matured, and even though I’m an adult, you are STILL my hero. Sometimes it brings tears to my eyes to watch you perform these days; I have such vivid memories of the young lady you were years ago, it’s awe-inspiring to behold your development. The precious 16 year old on a swing in the “No, No, No” video is all grown up. I’m so proud of all that you’ve achieved and I’m happy to hear about your pregnancy. Congratulations. “BeeBee,” as I like to call you, is having a baby :) As you go into this next phase of your life, I hope that you will continue to share your experiences and life lessons with me and all of your other “little sisters.”

Love You Sis, 
Jasmine

Did you hear them singing countdown at the end? "I'm tryna' make us 3, from that 2, he' still the 1." LOL!! Love it!
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Dang, I Love Beyonce`! 1-23-11

1/23/2011

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Here is an awesome tribute video megamix. :)
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Dang, I Love Beyonce`! 1-22-11

1/22/2011

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Today’s generation needs a Beyonce` hero.

I recently had a debate about whether or not Beyonce` was a “valuable, good example” for young women. I certainly think so. I’ve learned many invaluable lessons from Beyonce` and Destiny’s Child over the years. When the “Survivor” album was released, I was 16; a usually very confusing and emotional time for a young woman. That album was my soundtrack and motivated me to set certain standards for my life. By the end of the record, I learned that 1) there’s power in self-sufficiency and I should always have my own resources 2) never allow myself to be so immersed in a relationship that I lose my sense of identity 3) require much of myself and 4) no matter what size I am or how I look, I’m “bootylicious” lol (hearing “Bootylicious” got me off an extreme “salad only diet” in high school). I can’t speak for anyone else, but I personally found that album to be empowering and self-esteem building, and I’ve been garnering strength from the girls of “DC” ever since.

There are a host of things I’ve learned from their example, but to list a few specific songs that have inspired me along the way:  I bumped “Yes” (Dangerously in Love) every time a man didn’t respect my choice to reserve sex for marriage, I listen to “Me, Myself and I” whenever I need a reminder to be self-reliant and “My Time Has Come” (Destiny’s Child’s self-titled 1st album) comes in handy for the days where I consider letting fear dictate a life decision. I have a lot more songs to add to that list, but you’d be reading all day if I noted them all. The moral to the story is that I feel fortunate to have grown up listening to Bee.  In my opinion, there aren’t many current female recording artists suitable for the role of “mentor.” Rihanna mostly only talks about sex these days, Kesha is always bragging about being drunk and irresponsible, Miley Cyrus is always doing something questionable and Lady Gaga isn’t really for younger crowds, despite have their support. Today’s generation unfortunately doesn’t have a Beyonce` to make a hero out of.

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Dang, I Love Beyonce`! 1-20-11

1/20/2011

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Yes, this page is typically for constructive fan criticism of Beyonce`, but every now and then, us "bees" gush with so much honey, we can't help but let it overflow :). Here's the Queen Bee singing ACAPELLA at a children's hospital in 2010. It's freakin' awesome.
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Dang, I Love Beyonce`! 9/13/10

9/13/2010

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A new feature on "Seriously, Beyonce` WTH?!". Sometimes, I love Beyonce` so much I can't stand it and feel the need to reiterate it. So, here's the 1st "Dang, I Love Beyonce`" post. I was so freakin' proud of my "Bee-Bee" after seeing this "60 Minutes" interview and the subsequent Grammy Awards telecast, in which she acquired her 16th Grammy. What's she's accomplished at such as young age is astounding; Watching her career as so far filled me with cultural and feministic pride. LOVE U BEE!
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    Seriously Beyonce`, WTH?!?

    Most people figure out pretty quickly that I LOVE Beyonce`. She is my queen diva of choice. But every now and then, she does something that irritates or perplexes me. Here, I tell what's been buggin me about the Bee lately (with reviews and love for the Queen Bee in between).

    Note: Occasionally, other individuals will be writing posts and they will be marked as such. Want to be a contributor for this section? Click the "Contact/Info" tab and fill out the form to apply.(Please only apply for this section if you are a genuine Beyonce` fan; thank you.)

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