If anything was learned this weekend, it was that Queen B should not be messed with. This past Saturday, Beyonce released a visual masterpiece in the form of her new album "Lemonade." Following through the stages of grief and acceptance, B chronicles her relationship with allegedly cheating husband Jay-Z, flowing from intuition all the way to redemption. Unlike most artists of our time, Beyonce does not hold back, allowing fans in on the details of her own personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Through masterfully created visuals and hard hitting poetry and lyrics, Beyonce creates a new name for pop in the 21st Century. If you have yet to watch the visual, here is what you have to look forward to.
1. She does not hold back when it comes to exposing her husband
They may still be married, but it seems that if Jay wanted to keep it that way, this album was inevitable. From stating, "Ashes to ashes, dust to side chicks" to "I drank the blood and drank the wine... But still inside me coiled deep was the need to know...Are you cheating on me?" and even, "Looking at my watch, he shoulda been home / Today I regret the night I put that ring on / He always got them f--king excuses" the audience knows that Beyonce does not mess around. Jay Z messed up, and in order for the marriage to be saved, the whole world has to know about it.
2. A whole slew of fabulous celebrities can be found making cameos- including Blue Ivy
From Serena Williams to Zendaya, Amandla Stenberg and her very own Blue Ivy, Beyonce pulls out all the stops with the cameos. Filling the visual with highly empowered black women further emphasizes Beyonces self-assuredness in this album, adding extra power and kick to the already revolutionary film.
3. The costume and set design are unlike anything you've seen
From the streets of Louisiana to an underwater bedroom of a mansion in a flowing gown and beautifully done hair, Beyonce changes the name of the game in terms of visual pleasure. She tries out all hair styles and forms of dress, making B even more of a Queen than ever before. Tribal makeup on extras as well as old home videos and pictures add personality and style to the artfully designed album.
4. Beyonce has embraced the art of the middle finger
Writing a song dedicated to flipping your husband off takes f&#k you to a new level. In case you didn't quite take her seriously when she first said it, Beyonce is mad. "Middle fingers up, put them hands high/ Wave it in his face, tell him, boy, bye/ Tell him, boy, bye, middle fingers up/ I ain't thinking 'bout you"</p><h2>5. She's still very grounded in where she comes from</h2><p>A good portion of the video is set in New Orleans, bringing it back to the hometown of her Mother. From the streets of Louisiana smashing car windows and fire hydrants to an old time house set there, Beyonce clearly still has ties to the places near and dear to her childhood.</p><h2>6. Beyonce doesn't just write R&B</h2><p>Strutting through the streets of New Orleans crooning country inspired "Hold Up", Beyonce proves, once again, that just when you think you've seen it all she still is full of surprises. Although her roots in singing and songwriting are based in the R&B culture, why should she not start a career in the country market?</p><h2>7. It just might make you cry</h2><p>The song dedicated to <em>Forgiveness</em> might be the most beautifully heartbreaking melody to grace this earth as B comes to terms with the realities of her love. As she makes her transition through the stages of grief, the pain in her eyes and her voice is evident, and you almost feel as though Jay Z cheated on you too. She may have forgiven him, but I'm not quite sure I'm there yet.</p><h2>8. Based on her poetry she might be the next Maya Angelou</h2><p>Before each new song is a beautifully written poem, ranging from bitter and pissed to sorrowful and reminiscent. Now no doubt can be had that Beyonce is a true artist. Honesty like this in art is hard to find.</p><h2>9. She's not above being bitter</h2><p>With lyrics like, "What's worse, looking jealous or crazy? Jealous or crazy? / More like being walked all over lately, walked all over lately, I'd rather be crazy" and ""You can taste the dishonesty/ it's on your breath"<span class="redactor-invisible-space"> even Beyonce deserves her moment of bitterness. Yes, it was fully warranted. </span> </p><h2>10. There will be a happy ending</h2><p>Even though the majority of the album bashes husband Jay Z, "Lemonade" comes to close with a happy ending to the story. With no divorce in sight, and the future of her family in mind, B has decided to forgive Jay in hopes of keeping the love of her life. In the song "Redemption," the cinematography turns back from black and white to color, and home videos are shown of her and Jay from their wedding to the birth of their child. If writing a masterpiece of an album is what it takes to get over being cheated on, the Beyonce has won it all.</p>
