So if you haven't heard from myself, or anyone else on the Earth, Beyoncé released her sixth album this past weekend, Lemonade. After waiting two long, long years BeyHivers were not only surprised but amused at the general theme of Bey's new album. Her main focus was the struggle of African American women facing fidelity, and whether or not this stems from the relationship they have with their fathers. But why is this something black people are grabbing onto so tightly? Here's why:
1. She calls out her husband, Jay-Z, on basically every track.
There is still no release of statements of what's real and what's not real, but we can all assume that the reason Bey's sister, Solange beat up Jay in the elevator a couple years ago was because of skeeving ways. How does Beyoncé respond to this? She makes a whole CD telling Jay he better get it together or her and Blue are bouncing! Lemonade is a declaration of Beyoncé saying enough is enough; if you love me prove it, otherwise there's no point in making this work.
2. There's black pride written all over this.
Formation, one of the singles of off Bey's new album caused an uproar of positivity from the black community and even a handful of concern from conservative white people who could not relate to the themes presented by Beyoncé in the video. Along with this absolute anthem for black people everywhere, another track, Freedom feat. Kendrick Lamar has the same type of feel. to it. Part of the chorus, "Freedom, freedom, where are you? Because I need Freedom too," is literally something all of our slave stricken ancestors would have been chanting while out in the fields. Along with Formation, Freedom is a reinforcement of the fact that black people are just as capable to achieve the same things as everyone else.
3. There's a quick history lesson involved
Like her last album, Beyoncé, there is a visual component to the album as well that consists of music videos for each song. In between one of the songs, you hear a snippet of "Who Taught You to Hate Yourself", by Malcolm X. I for one could not get over this! In this specific section of the video, X is giving a speech at this point you can hear him say how underrated, neglected, unrepresented, and under appreciated black women are. Black women are the most underpaid people in our society today, and Bey did a great job making light of this fact.
4. She praised ALL black women.
Throughout the visual portion, there were black women EVERYWHERE! Obviously her dancers made more than one cameo in each of her videos, but the important thing was that they didn't all look the same. Along with this fact, Beyoncé invited other black women activist to join her visual project. She included the lovely tennis player Serena Williams, outspoken women's right activists Zendaya and Amandla Sternberg, and even Quvenzhane Willis who was the 12 Years A Slave breakout star. I absolutely loved this fact because she celebrated the varying differences among black women and how they should be proud of these differences.
5. It was relatable.
Everyone knows that Beyoncé most likely isn't a human. So, for her to let us in they way she did, and show how vulnerable Jay left her if he in fact cheated was something no one was expecting. Since the release and realization that Jay might be a lil guilty there have been numerous memes that are spot on like:
6. It had a very different sound
The first time I listened to the album I was initially let down. There was no club banger or song that could be really partied to. But, after watching the video, that's exactly what Bey wanted. She didn't want people going out to this type of music because this was an album about her being deep, deep inside of her feelings. BeyHivers were used to the upbeat sing along pop songs that Bey has poured out before. But Lemonade, is literally the type of album you listen to when you're over someone's nonsense and we love it.
7. The features were unexpected
When I saw that Jack White, James Blake, the Weeknd, and Kendrick Lamar were features on the album, my initial reactions was confusion, who is he, and two subtle sighs of relief. But oh my gosh do they all work all so wonderfully. Since listening to the whole album over and over again, I am now an avid spokesperson for James Blake's career. But that's not all. Everyone who is by a Beyoncè fan has always made the initial argument: she doesn't even write her own music. Do movie producers and directors create an entire movie all on their own? No. There multiple contraptions that have to be put together for you to get the full experience of what they are trying to convey and Bey had the same mindset while writing this album.
8. The role of black men in black women's lives
There's a common saying that you marry your parents and Bey touches on this a little bit during the interlude of the track, Daddy Lessons. She talks asks questions like, "Are you a slave to the back of his head? Did he make you forget your own name? Did he convince you he was a god?" and ultimately, "Am I talking about your husband or your father?" She uses these question to ponder the thought that the so-called "men" that black women give their lives to don't always provide in the way that they should. As black men were supposed to be their protectors, not the ones who dish out the most pain and agony.
9. She produced the whole video on her own.
Lemonade is now even eligible for an Emmy. Do I really need to say more?
