Go to Beyonce, Consider Her Ways and Learn Wisdom
Hey people. Toolsman here welcoming everyone to another week. Trust we all had a good weekend and didn’t get too carried away in all the madness that ran through last week. So, sticking with the new format, I’ll run you guys through some of the stuff I’ve been reading/making headlines and then we’ll get into today’s Rush.
- Beyonce lip sync’d
- Olivia Pope (Scandal just wont go away)
- There’s a Black guy (Childish Gambino) on Girls
- Beyonce lip sync’d a song
- Kanye doesnt know how to play Words with friends (or he’s just gone back to school to learn new words)
- Brazilian Night Club Fire
- Beyonce lip sync’d the US National Anthem
For those who don’t know, last Monday, the United States of America celebrated two major events: the holiday of the civil rights pillar Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama. During the inauguration, Beyonce was on hand to perform the US National Anthem. She had a great performance, and everyone generally approved…until a few days later when news got out that Beyonce lip sync’d the song.
What followed was some sort of (social) media backlash. There were tweets, status updates, articles all over the blogosphere, news features, memes and all sorts and I just sat back amazed by how much people were willing to troll something that wasn’t exactly new. I mean, I read a post written by a fellow blogger (Streetz) and he cited the following instances where other celebs lip synced.
- In 1991, Whitney Houston lip-synced her iconic interpretation of “The Star Spangled Banner” at the Super Bowl.
- Oscar-winner and former “American Idol” contestant Jennifer Hudson did the same thing with the anthem at the Super Bowl in 2009.
- Faith Hill also performed to a backing track for “America The Beautiful” at the same event in 2009.
If you go online and search you’ll get several other examples. It was particularly strange to me because those who know me know I’m not exactly a Beyonce fan. From her days with Destiny’s Children, I just always looked at her as the super privileged chic who rode on the creativity and talent of her wing-women into success-ville. (Yes, kill me not). Kelly was and will always be my favourite Destiny’s Child. Why? Bite me if you will but place Kelly and Bey side by side and maybe y’all will have a clearer understanding of what I and Sirkastiq (whose birthday is today by the way) mean by a “Regular” girl. Beyonce was far from regular, she had a privileged upbringing, going to private school, and living in a nice house, complete with housekeeper. She once said:
“I wasn’t doing (singing) because I didn’t have a choice or to support the family or because I had to get out of a bad situation. I just was determined.”
If you notice, I underlined the word “was” in the sentence above. Yes, I did this because over the years what I felt for Bey has slowly and gradually evolved from ‘indifference’ (Ok, maybe not indifference, she wasn’t my favourite then but I still admitted that she was the sexiest and any man would be privileged to bed her) to respect and even admiration. And this has nothing to do with selling out. When it comes down to it, I’ll still pick Kelly ahead of her but even then I’d like my Kelly to learn a thing or three from King Bey.
Many people think Bey and JayZ met and hooked up sometime in 2002 but if you dig deep enough you’ll discover they probably hooked up sometime in 1999 when she was about 19 and he was 31. Before you shout cradle robber or something like that, undisclosed sources have confirm that it was actually Bey that came on to Jay (Yeah, I’m allowed to call them that since we’re like family friends and all). At 19? You probably think she was infatuated and blah blah blah. In the past she had been linked to the likes of Pharell Williams and Mos Def and all of a sudden she went from putting out songs like Independent Woman and Survivor to Cater 2 U in which she sang about bringing her man his slippers and running his bath. But it’s OK, she wasn’t selling out her feminist side she was quoted in an interview saying:
“I feel it’s still very strong, because in order to be a strong woman, you have to have a strong man. There’s nothing wrong with women doing that for their man if their man deserves it and he does the same for you.”
After years and years of speculation, the couple finally came out, appearing at basketball games and featuring on singles together and then the media went crazy about prospects of them getting married. Rumours about a lavish wedding in the Caribbean Islands and all kinds of stuff surfaced but when Bey was cornered, she said:
“You can’t rush a man into anything – whether it’s a relationship, marriage or having children. When he’s ready, he’ll let you know”
And it wasn’t until April 4, 2008 when the media went crazy with news of their marriage in a top-secret ceremony in New York. Flowers and candelabras were seen being delivered to Jay’s Manhattan apartment and a tent was set up on the roof for the reception held there afterwards. And years later, there’s still not one leaked wedding photo to prove it even happened.
Four years, many awards and accolades later, they added their biggest trophy yet to their family. A baby girl – Blue Ivy, currently sitting at the top of the list of world’s most famous babies (and I’m sure Kate’s baby won’t move her). And this was after Bey was once quoted saying she would never have a baby after watching her sister, Solange give birth. Now before you think this is some sort of blogography of the Carters, let me get to the point.
Bey and Jay had very different backgrounds but even with her polished upbringing she knew she needed some not-so-polished elements if she wanted to take over the world. It wasn’t going to be easy, she needed to tone down the attitude, open up to seeing things from the other side of the coin, she didn’t lose herself, she didn’t lose her identity by going from Miss Independent to Miss Cater 2 U, she simply showed us, showed Jay, showed the world that she could compromise when necessary.
The Bey of 1999 – The bootylicious Bey would have probably thrown a big-ass lavish wedding but every time I watch the video for her single ‘Best thing you never had’, I almost always smile because I could imagine that was how close-knit her wedding was. It was small, fun and really looked good. She didn’t stop there; she went on to have a baby (even if there are still conspiracy theories around this) possibly against her wishes.
Of course I don’t know any of these things for sure. I just did my research online and drew up conclusions but from what I’ve seen, Beyonce may not have started out as our definition of “regular” but she has shown she can adapt. You might say it’s all for her selfish interest, after all, being with Jay has helped her climb faster to the top. To that I’ll say aren’t we all a little selfish? She did what she had to do and I’m sure we can all point out one or two people who have done worse things just to see their dreams come true. A lot of women out there idolize her and claim her as a model but I look at them and wonder, what exactly are they idolizing? What are they really learning from her? Is it just the fashion statements? Her carriage? She’s now hosting and dining with the President, buying lavish gifts for her man and causing a media raucous just because she did something so many people have done in the past. I don’t know about you but it seems King Bey is well on her way and right about now, I would like my Kelly to go learn from her.
Ok, so it’s time to hear from you. Do you agree with my views on Beyonce? Do you think her transformation is a form of adaptation, a means to an end? If so, for the ladies, would you be willing to do the same? For the guys, have you always been a fan of Bey? Tell us why you like her (apart from the obvious) and something you’d like your women to learn from her. Use the comment box to express you. Cheers.
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Funny my ex wrote a similar article about this Beyoncé.
Err.. Strange.. Pls share the link?
Second!!!
Going back to read now…
I like this article!! I do think about Beyoncé as a lady I want to be like, for the simple reason that she seems to have found a way to get what she wants without losing herself. I think part of being a sgtrong woman is knowing when to be soft, when to be malleable, when to tone it down – or else you just become a bitter, abrasive woman. To me, Beyoncé is the epitome (ok, you can tell I'm a fan right?) of a modern day independent woman, and I'm gonna be learning from her until I get there!
Tiki approves.. Yaayyy..
Bey did not ride on the creativity and talent of no wing woman, they split up and its pretty obvious the better person came out on top, from her lyrics to her videos to the beat you can’t compare with kelly’s, tho I love kelly. The fact that bey has managed to keep her private life abit private is very admirable, she might have chased jayZ or was a spoilt rich kid or wareva but she’s human, she’s not perfect dsnt mean u should cancel out her had work and achievements. You don’t see it; well dsnt mean its not there
Go easy on the hating
Wow.. Hating? Erm.. Did you read all I wrote? Yeah she's hard working all right, no one gets where she is,without hard work.
I ovbiously didn’t understand the post had to read again. So I’m recalling my comment.
“…she simply showed us, showed Jay, showed the world that she could compromise when necessary.”
When I saw the notification for this post, I came at it from a “lemme just finish reading it and then I’ll tear the writer to shreds” stance (the title is awfully annoying -_-) but in the end, I couldn’t help but like this Beyonce.
I am more than willing to compromise for my man, and gladly too.
The title was to get you to read.. Job well done :D
Nope. Beyoncé is boring. Bye,
Hahaha.. Really?
boring is good, no one likes drama mama
'she didn’t lose her identity by going from Miss Independent to Miss Cater 2 U, she simply showed us, showed Jay, showed the world that she could compromise when necessary.'
Very interesting piece, loved the line above the most, for a lot of people I think compromising without losing their identity would be where the issue is cos they dunno where to draw the line
Thanks:)
Beyonce is a king and she’s defo more talented than Kelly – (who has decided to go GHETTO). Anyway, moving on.
Every woman can learn from Bey – if they are honest. Being Independent is a fantastic thing… But you also need to balance it out by having someone you can share your life with – catering and ministering to that person.
She didn’t adapt to survive – she evolved. And I’m loving the whole work/life balance she has going. FIERCE!
Very very well said.. Funny thing about adaptation and evolution.. I agree with you yeah but I'm sure most women will find it easier to adapt don't you think?
i love Bey, she is a wise woman. love d way u use King Bey, so apt.
that's how a real woman should be, subtly going about getting what you want and still making your man feel like a king and that he runs the show.
She n marilyn monroe and very few other women have that kinda deep wisdom. You can even see some of that in Michelle Obama.
lots to learn from there no doubt plus d fact that she is mega hard working.
stoop to conquer ladies, stoop to conquer!
Lol @ stoop to conquer someone will bite you for that one.. Thank you for the Michelle reference, very apt.
And the bite arrives…stoop to conquer? why must you stoop? Can't you just bash their head in till you are above? lol
Seriously though, there is nothing remotely conquerous about stooping. Plus, @Kunbillionaire, you make it sound like the 'battle of the sexes', like somebody is trying to win. I think that goes against the 'Beyoncé ideal', which is that you can conquer without necessarily stooping, but by standing shoulder to shoulder!
You could try bashing, but I doubt it would take you far.
I honestly believe in stooping to conquer, and all said and done it would always be a battle of the sexes as seen in today's world and probably the future. KingBey demonstrated that in loads of subtle actions, and I doubt she'd be where she is now if she hadn't made some compromises.
d concept of stooping to conquer is like knowing which battles to fight. even men do it.
Yes I’d definitely be willingly to change parts of me for the man who has shown me he’s worth it.
I’m not a Beyonce fan but even I have to admit she has found her winning formular. When news about her are dwindling down she finds new sharp ways to stay afloat in the media.
And yes with the description you have up there, I guess the main thing females could learn from her is, you can be strong and approachable at the same time wihout losing your values or standards. And when you find a man who isn’t threatened by your level of success and he asks for little things like BLUE IVY……its ok to take time out to carry a “fake pregnancy”. All is compromise.
lol.. Little things like Blue Ivy.. Nice..
Beyonce has always been mis-understood from sands of time, I would call her Life a Controversial Topic, but One thing cannot be disputed! She was Determined. Whatever be the means through which she climbed up, she would always be a Role Model. Her Split,Her Career,Jay,Ivy? It just kept getting better. (I am a Fan)
We can tell …
I mean, the Caps — ____–
Wait!!!!!! The age gap is like 12yrs!!!! OMG!!! What am I rushing for then? I'll just wait till I'm a lil older than toolsman is now n get me a lil girl in Uni (or just graduating Uni) to marry
-___________-
Me too
@thetoolsman, I bet your mother sent this one, because seriously…
Yo, sup fuckers?
1st off, fuck a beyonce. dnt no real nigga wanna see her independent ass. We luv us some down n dirty bitches, u feel me? that public pussy. That 7/11 ass. That UPS type bitch that always deliver. Dem Rihanna types, That rita Ora type pussy. Bey don gon married some rich fucker wit lips lik a parachute, den start singin bout she run the world? shiiii
Nah my nigga, Bey shud get her ass fucked by a mandingo fo lip syncin my national nathem. shit got me emotional son. how you gon lip sync my song? the fuck is up wit that? bitch cant sing no more? throat sore from sucking Jay dick?
Fuck that.
In summary
1) Fuck a Beyonce, where my Rihannas n Rita Oras at?
2) Dont nobody got d right ta lip sync my national anthem
3) Jay better fuck Bey up the ass for fucking up so bad.
Riley out.
I have really missed reading your comments… Kai!!!
Funneh!
The way this person speaks really repulses me. Am I the only one?
No. U are not
hahaha.. surely you are not new here.. Riley is our in-house erm.. (can't find the word), I'd pick him over the insect -__-
Is yo ass a learner?
Finally!!!!! Someone sees her same way I do. In my opinion, Beyonce is a 'just there' female that sings well. Kelly over her any day! I think she tries too hard. Which fashion statement, biko? Abeg!
Before they say I'm hating, we can't like everyone,can we?
This is a very interestin write-up. Kelly has always bin my fave for the same reason. I’m not a Beyonce fan either but she’s driven.
However @Toolsman, dnt think u knw Beyonce or u can read her. All u can see is what she wants you to see. Half of what these celebs say in interviews are given to them, or taken down for em, rephrased, rehearsed b4 u hear em say it on tv. Singing Cater2U? Dnt read much to that either. It was written by Destiny’s Child n 3 other pple. She sang Cater2U with the group n went on to sing Ego n Run the World. They r not solely her words n deciding to sing or drop a song is not entirely her decision. Also, the video for Best thing I never had? The concept wasn’t solely hers. Beyonce is driven and ambitious n strives for excellence, also, she has the good sense to keep a tight lock on her personal affairs n that’s wat I can see from afar n I respect her for. But don’t jump to conclusions on what u actually don’t knw from afar. Lovely write-up tho.
Well said, I also stated in the post that I don't know these things for sure. I probably will never know. I just did my research and wrote this based on my findings. Because we don't know, we can have this discussion based on what's out there and if something changes tomorrow, I'll definitely do another post to tackle it :)
Why is it a problem that she was privileged? Regardless of how you feel about the beginning, you must be crazy to think she hasn’t earned the right to be #1. I don’t get that point, Mr. Tools.
Secondly- the lip syncing. Isn’t it funny how no singers have come out to criticise her for lip syncing? I don’t understand the drama surrounding this because we all know she can sing. I believe y’all are just mad that she gave so much life to the lip syncing. Would you guys have rather preferred that she just held the mic?
Finally. She has been on the scene for more than ten years. We’ve all got to watch her grow up as an artiste. Is it impossible that as a person, she cannot change? She can’t go from being an eager teen wanting an obscene wedding to a really coded grown up? I don’t understand.
I want Monday Rush back. This right here, is not it. I don’t wna talk about Scandal or any re-cap of the goings on in the entertainment world. I’ve got E! for that. Thanks.
Whoooaaaa.. calm down Kene.. I think you read this with a certain mindset ( yes, I can tell you're a fan).. but there's nothing wrong with that.. take a step back and read again. You'll see that I was
At no point did I say she hasn't earned the right to be at the top. I only highlighted her background to show that she didn't need to work hard at this music thing but she still did.
Lipsyncing.. We have the same views on this..
I didn't say she cant change as a person, if anything at all, I wrote this post to address/celebrate her change.
Finally, the only thing different about Monday Rush is how I start off the post. It has always been about writing something based on a recent happening/something I read online.
You are a regular here so more than ever I cherish your opinion so please tell me what other issues you have here so we can address them and keep you happy :)
heyy
I actually feel a little embarrassed for rushing in like that. I’ve been super Bey defensive lately ( ._.)
Read it again and I realised we’re on the same side (except the Kelly bit) :)
What happened to Wet Fridays?
As much as I'm not a fan of Beyonce (or her music), I have to admit that people have a thing or two to learn from her.
The most impressive thing she has done is compromising without loosing her identity.
Word!
Okay. Heated Stan mode off. Bye. X_X
hahaha.. wow.. I just knew it..
Riley to sing our anthem!!!!
Aye Aye…
Firstly, I just had to highlight "Destiny's Children"…made me laugh a bit….
That being said, I don't know who I'll bed first but I definitely know who is more talented. Just look at the songs they sing. When Bey sings songs like Countdown and Ave Maria, Kelly Rowland is grinding Sean Paul and Lil Wayne (who has turned into absolute shit!) over above average songs. Kelly MAY be finer but we all know who has the talent, no matter how she got it.
+ I believe any musician worth their salt shouldn't be lip-syncing, talk less of her own country's National Anthem. Even if she is a great performer, it shouldn't excuse her being accountable for lip-syncing the National Anthem in front of the President. People are saying she didn't do it, but it would be a shame if she did. She's a great role model for women and all these foolish Nigerian public nuisances we have that call themselves actors and celebrities…
Lovely Write-up…
Oh, Riley's back?… Cool.
I miss Preying Mantis *sigh*
me too! :(
Beyonce is not finer than average but she is fine. Her voice, maybe not the best but girl can sing. I admire her privacy, her determination and her hardwork. She doesn't wow me all the time (still hate that RunThe World song sometimes) but she'll always keep the world interested coz we want to see what lies beneath. I will learn good choreography from her videos, I'll also learn not to overdo the dance like she does. Last last, she is just a human being that Fascinates us.
Toolsman tho, why would you think her birthing her baby was a compromise? You are aware that people eveolve right? The things you may have loved yesterday you may absolutely detest today. The things you may have never thought you would do, you find yourself going for them. As a woman, isn't it possible her God-given maternal instinct kicked in? Enough of my sermon, you get what I'm saying.
Good article. You got us talking.
@thetoolsman I'm not a bey fan but I showed ur post to my sister who is a fan n she sed it wud interest u to know dat bey didn't rili av a privileged childhood. She had to stop school @ some point. So don't blame her for striving to be @ d top. No one wants to be a loser… Just saying. Nice post tho. And shout out to my girl kelly rowland!!!!