As far as pop culture goes, this past week was definitely a big one. On April 23, Beyonce snatched everyone when she premiered her HBO special "Lemonade," then subsequently dropped her album immediately after it aired. To put it very simply, everyone was in shock and Beyonce slayed us all (as usual).
But what really killed us all was the message behind "Lemonade." After "Formation" dropped awhile back, everyone was curious as to what else was to come on this album. Unless you've been under a rock and avoided all forms of media this past week, you've heard the album in some way, shape or form. One thing that is very clear about "Lemonade" is that Beyonce is out to say something, and she's not going to say it quietly.
People only seem to pay attention to Beyonce blatantly calling out Jay Z's alleged (though I'm sure everyone believes Bey) infidelity. This is a big deal, do not get me wrong, but honestly, the entirety of the album is, at least in my opinion, is a new era for Beyonce. We're used to pop-star Beyonce, who is aloof, doesn't really have many scandals (but when she does EVERYONE is interested), and seemingly stays out of politics.
One thing that needs to be said is that she always been political, just maybe not as blatant as now, but either way, who's to say people are not allowed to change? You are not the same person you were 10 years ago, five years ago, one year ago, etc., and neither is Beyonce. She has always shown support to causes such as Katrina, #BlackLivesMatter and benefit concerts for Haiti. With this album she's more blatantly supporting black women, black womanhood, and black lives in general.
Why is this such a big deal? This is such a controversy because people have forgotten that Beyonce is, shockingly, black. Yes, she is light-skinned, yes, she has Eurocentric features, but she still is a black women, dealing with things other black women have to deal with. People like Piers Morgan complain about her songs "Formation," which she shows her love for her husbands "Jackson five nostrils," and her daughter's afro, "Freedom," with Kendrick Lamar, that shows mothers of black children who were killed by police,and the entirety of her album because it is too "racially charged," and saying that she is using mothers of black children who were killed.
To be completely honest, people who are upset about "Lemonade" calling out racism and other claims they are making is ridiculous. Beyonce is an artist, and artists throughout time have used their mediums to speak about issues that are going on in the world and things that are bothering them. Beyonce does not have to cater to everyone. This album was about her, her issues, thought and feelings, and guess what? Not everyone feels the same thing! This album was made for black women who have felt the same pain and struggle she has, whether it is infidelity, issues with family, or constantly hearing about another black child being killed for just being black. Just because she is a pop star does not mean she has to be politically vague and ambiguous with her music.
"But Beyonce is racist too! She didn't use any white people in "Lemonade" at all! She called us Becky!!" How do you think black people, or people of color feel all the time? Yes, there is representation of blacks in the media, but overall it is still predominantly white. Beyonce used this album to celebrate black women and girls who don't feel like they have a voice or even a face in the media. She even features women who have been scrutinized in the media such as Serena Williams, Quevenzhane Wallis, Amandia Stenberg, Zendaya, and Winnie Harlow.
Do you have to agree with what Beyonce is saying in "Lemonade?" No, of course not. Everyone is allowed to have their opinion and allowed to like or dislike something. But the fact of the matter is that "Lemonade" was made for black people. The point was to celebrate black lives and black womanhood and to show us that we are just as capable of feeling and being everything white people and non-black people of color are. If the album makes you feel uncomfortable, good. Then it's getting you to think how P.O.C. feel when music, movies, television, etc. leave us out or use us in stereotypical ways.
The Nightly show's Francesca Ramsey probably described "Lemonade" the best:
"it's like if you want to wear a pair of apple bottom jeans. Sure, you can get them on, but without a big booty, they might not fit that well. It doesn't mean you can't wear them, but you might have a hard time being comfortable because they weren't created for your comfort."
I for one, am here for Beyonce and any artist creating art they feel is relevant for the time and their feelings. No one asks other artists to stay out of politics, so why should Beyonce? If she's angry, hurt, whatever, this is how she gets it out. There's no reason an artist should have to apologize for using their medium how they choose.
