Before I even begin to plunge into the intricate developments of Ms. Survivor #1, I would like to place a precursor to this feature. I do realize that Beyonce’ is at the top of her game, and I do respect Ms. Knowles for her diligence and dynamic work ethic. So those of you who are “Crazy in Love” with ole’ girl, you may not like what I have to say, but I’m sure that you’ll agree with me on at least one point I make.
I’m guessing that it’s safe for me to say that you’re familiar with Beyonce’s storyline: Flawless talent show record up until her loss with Gyrl’s Time on Star Search; lead vocalist for the #1 selling R&B group of all time (Destiny’s Child); first female to win ASCAP’s “Songwriter of the Year” award; breakthrough solo artist; burgeoning entrepreneur; Grammy award winner – Beyonce’ touches more bases than Mark McGuire, after the andro-. She is an all-perennial threat with limitless capabilities, methodical performance skills, an exquisitely powerful voice and a physical presence that transcends race and culture almost effortlessly.
But in 2006, Beyonce has had the toughest year of her career. Somewhere down the timeline Ms. Knowles’s “Midas touch” morphed into “Murphy’s Law”: If it can go wrong, it will go wrong. Imagine yourself standing on top of a mountain and instead of the old adage - what goes up must come down - the mountain begins to fracture around your feet. You are still on top of the world, but any move you make in any direction could very well result in your fall from grace. I bring to you the current life and time of Beyonce’ Knowles.
It was all a Dream…On an episode of BET’s popular music video show, 106 & Park, Beyonce’ made a special appearance handling press for the “Dreamgirls” soundtrack. When she was asked about one thing that she couldn’t stand, she talked about how she doesn’t like it when people who don’t know her personally, call her out by her nickname, “Bee.” C’mon Beyonce’, your nickname is the first syllable of your full name. People are going to call you “Bee” for the simple fact that they are so excited to see you in person; they can’t control their nerves enough to say your full name. I understand that you’re nickname holds a special level of significance for you and that we all have the right to our own set preferences, but when your consumers reach out to you, reach back with open arms and a smile. The age of the Diva is over and done with. If you treat someone like a peasant these days, you’re liable to get slapped, Hot 97 style.
Beyonce’ is naturally poised in the clutch whether she’s in front of a microphone or a camera. But during her media decline when she claimed to have written her #1 smash, ‘Irreplaceable’, it wasn’t long before the internet was buzzing with information that said otherwise. R&B crooner Ne-Yo actually wrote the song.
During a taped interview, Beyonce’ talked about how she’d like to be the first person to win a Grammy, Tony and Academy Award. The film adaptation of the Broadway play, “Dreamgirls” became her opportunity to knock out #2 of the trifecta. Everything was in place: a powerful story, a big budget, a cast of entertainment heavyweights, massive press buildup, topping it all off with a Christmas Day release. But absolutely no one predicted that the movie would be stolen by an American Idol reject (What the Effie?). And in the end, the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress goes to: Jennifer Hudson. Can someone say, “Involuntary Humbling Moment?” Beyonce’ had the entire entertainment engine behind her from being the face of the movie’s publicity to being the voice that people associated the movie with. To be reduced to a high-powered afterthought had to be hard on her winners’ soul.
Then in 2007, Beyonce’ became the first entertainer to grace the cover of the coveted Sports Illustrated, “Swimsuit Issue.” This opportunity had to be a win/win situation – Beyonce’ would be the face of a new era at SI, and there was no doubt that she would take her bikinis and burn the beach down during her photo-shoot. But in recent news, longtime subscribers of SI began canceling their subscriptions to the magazine. These disgruntled customers dubbed their previously favorite issue, “The Ghetto Issue.” Now honestly SI, did you think that your middle-class Caucasian demographic along with their teenage sons would actually want to see their favorite swimsuit models posted up with Kanye’ West or Academy Award Winners, Three 6 Mafia? How are they supposed to get their soft porn on to that? What should have been a win/win situation for Beyonce’ slowly drifted out of the window. Sensational spread and all, Beyonce’ still couldn’t catch a break.
Family TiesIn Chicago during a fashion event, Tina Knowles (mother) was being videotaped for an interview, when a member of the press went beyond their rules of questioning. The reporter began to talk about clothing stores who’ve complained about the “House of Dereon” clothing line in regards to irregular sizes. Beyonce’s mother then asked the reporter to turn off the camera, saying she would only speak about positive news and that talking about the store owners’ complaints were off limits. So does this mean that there were issues with the clothing line? Stay tuned…
As for her father (Matthew Knowles), there were reports that he tried to sign Jennifer Hudson to his management company during the filming of the movie. To take it a step further, there were reports that he was lying to people about being Jennifer’s manager. Your interests couldn’t get more conflicting than this. Jennifer whole heartedly turned down the offer.
Reversing the Curse
Beyonce’, as much as people love you, you have an extremely short pendulum. The sweetest love can become bitter hate if your actions seem anywhere near callous. People identify you with being at the top of the heap. You have become the center of every success story that you are less than 6 degrees from. Careers have skyrocketed based on the fact that people simply don’t want to see you on top anymore. But at the same time I wonder if you could care less about these events? Are you still humbled? Are there too many people in your ear these days? Are you finally being yourself? Are you officially out of reach? I wonder…
Your current solo career may be consumed by the Law of Murphy, but you still have at least one saving grace that can possibly get your good luck back in order. Yes, your girls, your sisters, your roots – Destiny’s Child. When you are glazed by the energy of DC, you appear to be calmed, empowered and above all things, humbled. Even if you have to make it happen independently, or sign a one album deal with, let’s say, Roc-A-Fella Records, maybe just being in the studio with your girls conversing about life’s lessons and ordering from every fast-food joint in the city, because that’s what you’ve all admitted that you loved to do together, will clear up your static filled reception.
Or if anything else, you should seriously consider taking a two year break from everything. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and most importantly, give the masses an opportunity to miss you. You’ve put 10 hard-working years into the growth of your career thus far. Rest up then regroup. I wish you nothing but the best…
Power producer, Wyclef Jean is a busy man these days. But you can take a look back at his historical musical past for the proof of his present stature. Wyclef might not hit the airwaves with hit after hit on a consecutive basis like the Neptune’s and Timbaland’s of the production world. But when he hits, Wyclef dismantles Pop culture in a way that is only true to himself.
