Beyoncé's Evolution

August 11, 2021 8:17 AM

After more than two decades in the spotlight, Beyoncé has become much more than a pop icon. She’s a cultural force who has routinely defied expectations and transformed the way we understand the power of art to change how we see ourselves and each other. But at 40, she feels like she’s just scratched the surface. [Harper's Bazaar]
posted by ellieBOA (11 comments total)

I don't think this is paywalled but comment if it is and I will get an archive link.
posted by ellieBOA at 8:17 AM on August 11, 2021 [1 favorite]

Mod note: Couple comments deleted. In general, please skip the early short "who cares"/"she's not so great" type dismissive comments. And more so in a thread like this - dropping a comment like that here comes across as a microaggression, diminishing a major Black figure, and that's something we're asking people to consciously avoid.
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 9:30 AM on August 11, 2021 [36 favorites]

I watched her Kennedy Honors tribute to Tina Turner, last night. She is breathtaking. They flashed to George W. Bush's reaction to her entrance, he was clearly stricken by her presence! She is such a force for women, for the power of the creative. Her self possession is a lesson for anyone. Give it all you got! Many people have no idea of their gifts.
posted by Oyéah at 9:51 AM on August 11, 2021 [8 favorites]

I remember her doing a guest spot on "Blossom" years ago. I just remember thinking,"wow, she's so nice. She deserves success". Wouldn't ya know!
posted by Dhertiiboi at 10:26 AM on August 11, 2021

From the interview: And I’m so happy that my daughters will have the example of those rituals from me. One of my most satisfying moments as a mom is when I found Blue one day soaking in the bath with her eyes closed, using blends I created and taking time for herself to decompress and be at peace.

So much calming imagery, packed into a few words.
posted by rogerroger at 11:46 AM on August 11, 2021 [3 favorites]

Great article! I find Beyonce such a source of inspiration. Lemonade was a masterpiece and is the only "album" (video included) that I've bought in years. I've always liked her and some of her songs but it made me a huge fan. I pay much more attention to her now. She has a tremendous work ethic and it shows. She has also really supported her community.

I like her "no scroll rule" advice re social media, because good and bad comments affect you.
posted by shoesietart at 12:24 PM on August 11, 2021 [6 favorites]

As a card-carrying, dues-paying member of the Beyhive, I love this article. What I love the most about Beyonce is how -- just free -- she is as a black woman. The black community, the rest of society -- puts so much pressure on us black women to be a certain thing. Beyonce resists those pressures to craft the image, the music, the media that is most meaningful to her. And that makes me so proud, so happy.
posted by simonelikenina at 12:34 PM on August 11, 2021 [14 favorites]

The article mentions Beyoncé's new cowgirl/cowboy- and Western-flavored season of her IVY PARK fashion line in collaboration with Adidas. However, the online version of the article does not include a link to the promotional video, IVY PARK RODEO, which features a cameo appearance by actor Glynn Turman. IRL Turman is an accomplished horseman and rodeo champion.

Meanwhile, The Root wondered why Lil Nas X wasn't tapped for the IVY PARK RODEO video, or the cast of the upcoming Black Western movie, The Harder They Fall.
posted by fuse theorem at 1:23 PM on August 11, 2021

I absolutely love Beyoncé and wish her nothing but good luck in her future works.
posted by kfholy at 2:24 PM on August 11, 2021 [3 favorites]

Nice article. I feel like Beyonce is someone who sort of appears from a parting in the clouds and hands us something from the mountaintop. I really know nothing about her other than her occasional music releases. The visual album for Lemonade is still one of my favorite music films.

I don't usually say stuff like this, but the clothes in the photos are really great. That Gucci jacket (really a cape) is really impressive. Also, the gold lame fringe pants are super fun. I don't know how I feel about Adidas-striped cloth chaps, but it's an idea. And that coiled hairstyle, I don't know if that's a wig or what, but that is an amazing work of art in and of itself!

Thanks for posting. I enjoyed this a lot!
posted by hippybear at 7:47 PM on August 11, 2021 [3 favorites]

Good old Bouncy. Absolute legend of a woman.
posted by GallonOfAlan at 4:12 AM on August 12, 2021 [1 favorite]