It seems with almost every diva, there is always a point where their lives are plagued with turmoil, either personally (Whitney), professionally (J. Lo), or both (Mariah). At the moment, Beyonce's career is all that's at stake, but considering some of the recent choices she's made concerning her music (and music videos, for that matter), I'd be inclined to think something's not quite right upstairs.
Yes, her first single off the moderately anticipated B-Day, "Deja Vu," did make it to number four on the Billboard Hot 100, but 1.) that had a lot do with the maneuverings of her record label when it came to downloads, and 2.) it dropped out of the top 10 faster than Paris Hilton's panties in a night club restroom. Yes, it made it to number one on the rhythmic charts, but honestly that doesn't mean much.
Beyonce is probably the biggest star in R&B at the moment, and rhythmic radio would play her songs 'round the clock, even if she delivered us a three minute track of her farting. Despite the fact that "Ain't No Other Man" was released before "Deja Vu", Christina Aguilera's fun and funky hit is still in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, even after "Deja Vu" fell drastically. Why? Because it's actually a good song.
Aside from the fact the song itself is quite possibly one of the worst things I've heard on radio this year (let's not get started on Rihanna and Cassie), the video may be funnier and even creepier than any music video I've ever encountered.
For some reason Jay Z is in the song – there for nothing, of course, except to superfluously add "UH!" over and over as the song begins, and then for the few obligatory bars of rapping about something completely unrelated to the song before the bridge. The video has absolutely nothing to do with the song, which makes it that much more surreal.
The video starts with her banging her fist against the wall in an ugly dress not meant for her body as Jay Z strums at a non-existent bass guitar. She swishes her hands around, moving them all around her face, which for some reason is shaking like she has the clap. Then she's in front of some flowers, wearing one white glove in Michael Jackson fashion, once again swishing it around.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - black gay men are a joke
Dumb blog, stop using Beyonce for attention.
2 - Bianca Elle
Deja Vu was #1 on MTV's TRL numerous times at the time of this so-called petition's circulation. The video petition was compiled not by fans, but by haters who signed the petetion with such names as TINA, Beyonce's mom and KELLY, Beyonce's bandmate. In fact, another petition in FAVOR of Deja Vu was sent to Columbia Records with 10,000 signatures on it. The BET Performance of Deja Vu was amazing and BET credited Beyonce's Opening Performance with bringing in one of the biggest tv audiences that the awards show had ever had previously.
Deja Vu hitting #4 on Billboard HOT 100 was not record company manipulation-It was the fans going out and buying the itunes single that made the single jump from #32 to #4. Chrsitina's single, even though I like it, never made it past #6 on Billboard.
Regarding the comment that it does not mean anything that Deja Vu hit #1 on the Billboard R& B Charts, it does mean something-as R&B music has had a major impact on music history. This is a major accomplishment and Beyonce should be proud. In addition to being #1 on the R&B Chart, Deja Vu is #1 on the Billboard Single Sales Chart.
Ring the Alarm (RTA) is an amazing single where Beyonce took chances with her voice. The RTA video showcases her acting ability and I encourage all people to vote for the video on TRL and request RTA at radio and buy the single and the album B'DAY. After Beyonce's MTV Video Music Awards Performance on 8/31, RTA will be #1 on all formats shortly. Congratulations to Beyonce-The Baddest Chick in the Game and An Acomplished Young Woman who will be around for decades.
3 - jms
I think you overexaggerated a little bit. I actually loved a lot of the songs on the album. And the videos are cool. Some people may not like it but it isn't the complete train wreck you are making it out to be.
4 - Bryan
I actually really like the two singles off the new album (especially "Deja Vu"), though I agree that the videos are absurd. Really, they're just embarassing.
5 - roland
I totally agree with Bianca Elle. The song didn't just jump to number four by itself, the fans went and downloaded and supported the song. I think you are simply a Beyonce hater. She had to do something different or people would be criticising her for just trying to get publicity. She knows what she is doing and I like it.
6 - Ave.
"Deja Vu" just went #1 on the singles chart in the UK!
It's also #1 in US RB charts & #1 in US Best Selling singles.
7 - asdf
You didn't like the BET Awards performance? That was one of the best performances ever on BET and def. the best that year. Everyone says that. I don't know if I can take your comments seriously. You seem to have something PERSONAL against her. Oh yeah, she did just go #1 in the UK. Can't deny that.
8 - Kate
"RING THE ALARM" has SOME melody to it, kinda like "SURVIVOR"...But as for deja vu? hmm...dont know about that one. Kinda monotonous it seems. Well see how the album sells. Then well make the judgement about Beyoces star power.
9 - Sterfish
This is just a case of sophomore slump. For one thing, it's usually a bad idea for a musician to try to do a movie and album within the same year (ask Mariah Carey or, possibly, OutKast). It also doesn't help that the videos for "Deja Vu" and "Ring The Alarm" were both directed by Sophie Muller. She's a competent director but really doesn't have a clue what to do with an R&B song.
Also, let's not forget that the video for "Deja Vu" is actually kind of similar to the video for "Crazy In Love." In both videos, Beyonce is thrashing around in various unrelated locales (in "Crazy In Love" she's walking in high heels and shorts, standing in a circle of flashes for example). Also, Jay-Z wasn't all that enamored with her in either of the videos. I mean...he blew up a car that presumably had HER in it in "Crazy In Love." What saved "Crazy In Love" from being "Deja Vu" was the quality of the song and the memorable dance numbers.
10 - Marisol Daniels
Yes! Finally someone has summarized all the thoughts, jokes (in truth), and crtitiques my friends and I have had about Beyonce's Deja Vu and Ring the Alarm video's. This is Sophomore Slump if I ever saw it. Kudo's to Beyonce for wanting to be an artist and go-it-alone on this one but she has to remember what quality of material got her to this point (i.e. Daddy's Management and Direction) and reapply it to new visions for her album...By the way my friends and I equivalent of the ending of the Deja Vu, what you called a "cockroach trying to die", is what we call Beyonce on Raid!
11 - Heloise
IMHO, Beyonce is gorgeous, she can actually sing, but I hate her songs. I like Mariah's songs much better. Beyonce only has about two songs that I can stand to listen to.
That JAY Z is so ugly I can't stand to look at him. And I am sure her Creole, New Orleans mother is non too happy if she were to marry him, and have some ugly Jayz's running around the house. Even all of the Knowles good looks could not counter those lips.
I am sure he is rich and a rapper, but what else is new? Beyonce can do better than that. Why can't she kick him to the curb and get a white guy like Halle finally got smart and did?
I am a teacher and I am glad that the schools here in Texas have finally put their foot down about dress. Just in time. Have you seen the new look that Beyonce and her sister are fronting? I am sure it's cute stuff, but those little and big kids better not show up in those rags.
Next year the standards will get even tougher so that they will have to save the stage duds for the nightclubs.
Heloise
12 - Tntra
Deja Vu is number 1 in the UK. Go figure.
13 - Lee
Why did you bother writing this ? i've never read anything so pathetic !! you obviously have issues - or are just plain retarded. Beyoncé went to #1 in the UK singles chart today which proves she IS popular and has a big fan following!. I love all her new material and i have heard a few songs from her upcoming album which are all fab. I love 'Deja Vu' and 'Ring The Alarm', even more so her songs "Upgrade U" and "Get Me Bodied" from the album. Get over it - Beyoncé is the hottest R'n'B singer there is and she is on a rise, her B'Day album confirm her status - you'll be eating your words haha =]
14 - Bryan
Beyonce can do better than that. Why can't she kick him to the curb and get a white guy like Halle finally got smart and did?
WHAT!?
15 - V. Smith
I don't know why you thought Beyonce was interesting in the first place. She's attractive, but is she really worth the attention?
I have to attack all the people who have the "well she's #1" argument. So was Vanilla Ice. Big deal. It just means that there were enough people to believe in the hype.
Beyonce's not that phenominal of a talent. Yeah, she can sing, but how good of a songwriter is she? She hasn't had a song that evoked much emotion in me. How many songs does she write per album?
16 - Charlene
BEYONCE'S (aka Bee)new album titled B'DAY available SEPTEMBER 5th. Bee is about to sting-so stand back........
17 - LouLou
Beyonce is the modern day Tina Turner. She is a true survivor who is going to keep rising despite all the lies and negativity. Beyonce do your thing girl- you got mad talent-and see you at the top of the charts in a few days.
18 - Jason
I don't have an opinion about Deja Vu, but I do have facts:
#1 Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
#1 Billboard Hot Single Sales
#1 Billboard Hot R&B Single Sales
#1 Billboard Hot Dance Single Sales
#1 UK Single Sales Charts (out only two weeks)
#1 MTV TRL
Ladies and Gentleman, The facts speak for themselves.
19 - destiny
yo its was ok deja vu but ring the alarm when she was goin marbles she need to be in a crazy house fo real but all above shes a good person i mean beyonce can go but jay z got to stay
20 - luvbee
All hail The Queen Bee-September 5, 2006 B'Day in stores.
21 - Jewels
Chris, I enjoyed reading this, it is freaking hilarious. I have to see the video now! Really great. Needed a laugh, Thanks.
22 - christopher
u need to stop haten on b (aka Sasha) shes the shit rather u like it our not she has millions and your still tryen to make it in the world who are u to juge her get a life
23 - Marie
Ya know, I actually agree with you. I own all the Destiny's Child albums, and bought Beyonce's first solo. I wasn't too impressed with it, but it wasn't awful. And now, I know that I am NOT buying this new Beyonce album. The songs suck. THere is no thought, no emotion behind them. You can tell that it was rushed. The quality is awful.
I'll buy Mya's new album, Nov. 14, instead.
24 - Jazz
Thank you for the blog!! Why does everyone think that someone is hating on Beyonce when they do not like material from her..i.e video, clothes, hair song etc...Beyonce is not running for president. It's okay not to like everything she does. This new album is garbage. Take Alicia Keys for example, it's my opinion (ONLY OPINION) that she takes her time in puttinh her stuff out and she also maintains pretty good control over her image. Not to say that she has not had her times. Beyonce should have focused on Dream Girls and laid back for a minute. Boasting that it only took two weeks to make the album only draws attention to the fact that she should have waited. The material sounds rushed. I don't think it's the point that she's trying something new more than the fact it seems like she had a point to prove. I think she is a talented person and have always thought she was a little overrated, but still enjoyed her music. She is a beautiful woman, but it is what it is - - this new stuff is not the move. An opinion abouy Beyonce does not = a hater. I do think people should chill out on bashing her about being with Jay Z. Saying she can do better than that is not coming from anything concrete other than her apperance.
25 - princess
Beyonce hasn't fallen. DON'T U KNOW THIS IS JUST THE START