Growing up we were all spellbound by the tales of Kings and Queens, hoping one day we could have our very own royalty. At such a young age I had absolutely no idea about the Kings and Queens I would find in my life. The next thing I knew I was amongst three very important women who helped me grow up and become the man I am today.
Beyonce Giselle Knowles Carter is probably the most important woman of these three. I used to believe waking up was the best time of my day. For a split second in the absence of any problems, I was just alive and happy to be only that. Then, of course, reality would set in, causing me to think about my responsibilities and roles, as well as my flaws.
Beyonce, however, has taught me to be myself; through every one of her moves, she embodies a confident, care-free attitude. In 2011 Beyoncé released her 4th studio album, "4." "4" was a compilation of confidence. My earliest memory of her impact was the "Run the World" music video. She was able to stand up to and maintain her true self in the face of power, mirroring my recognition that I too could stand up to power— not only survive, but thrive. She reassured me that I was flawless and that I woke up like this. Flawless. My raw and very natural state is simply flawless.
Beyonce told me that I’m just human. I get jealous, I feel resentment, I’m no angel, I'm irreplaceable. I was here. I lived and I loved. But most importantly I run the world. It didn’t matter what other people thought about me but what I thought about myself. It was about me, looking in the mirror, and feeling just as I did when I woke up: flawless.
January 30th, 2011 was my first time watching SNL; like most young kids I did not understand a majority of the jokes. However, I was still able to watch the screen and observe. That night, I was introduced to a woman that would later become so important to me. Onika Tanya Maraj, AKA Nicki Minaj, sang “Right Thru Me,” and I will never forget that moment. With her Pink hair and Pink dress, she was my Barbie doll; instantaneously I became infatuated with her every move, her every song and feature, her performances, all of it. All of her.
As I grew older, I made it my mission to know everything about my queen. Watching interviews and performances, I learned about Nicki’s secret: her love of school— her desire for all her fans to go to school. So, in my devotion, I made it my mission to do well academically. I can honestly say in times of desperation and procrastination, she has always been there. Nicki’s there at 2 a.m. when I need to finish my English paper and at 5 p.m. when I just want to fall asleep after a rigorous practice session and not even think about opening that book bag. She is my constant reminder to do well in school, get that college degree, and live happily ever after.
The third member of the Holy Trinity is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, who taught me an early but very valuable lesson about Love. In songs like “Photographs,” “We Found Love,” and “Stay,” Rihanna taught me to love, unapologetically— not only my friends, but also my parents and teachers, even my customers, and ultimately, my enemies. Everyone. In her most recent album "ANTI," Rihanna addresses the transient and intangible nature of love, appropriate for the changes I currently face in my own life.
Despite the end of some phases of love, Rihanna still loves, and she still wants the best for her love. Throughout her career and eight albums, Rihanna has taken me through eight journeys of love, each different—so pure, real, and raw, each relating to a new situation in my life. I thank God every day that I have the beautiful Rihanna to teach me this.
Confidence. Dedication. Love.What else do I need?
