It is no secret that 2016 is the year of confidence. Many people are taking a stand in self-expression by embracing sexuality, fashion, race, culture and identity as a whole. The perfect mainstream example of this pride and self-esteem can be seen with recent releases by Beyoncé and Rihanna.
These two moguls have been in the music game for years and have rightfully gained space in the hearts and playlists of many. I am included in this many. I’ve loved Beyoncé since her Destiny's Child days. It is very evident in her music that she has grown as an artist and woman.
Although Rihanna hasn’t been in the game as long as Queen Bey, her music has topped the charts alongside Bey's. I still play my “A Girl Like Me” CD when I want to reminisce. I grew up listening to both of these artists, so when I heard “Work” and “Formation” I noticed a change. The sound for both tracks is different. The lyrics for both tracks are different. The tracks are unique. Why? Why are these tracks so different from the hundreds of tracks we have heard over the years? It’s simple. Beyoncé and Rihanna show the ultimate form of self-love in these two tracks which is simply being themselves.
Both tracks received a lot of backlash from new and old fans because some fans just could not relate. Rihanna, who is from Barbados and proud of it, uses a language and dialect in her song “Work” that a majority of people don’t know. She received much criticism for the “gibberish” used throughout the song.
On the website, Black Girl With Long Hair, you’ll learn that the “gibberish” is Jamaican Patois. I’ve gotten a Caribbean feel from a couple Rih Rih’s songs, however, she definitely puts herself (culture and pain) into “Work,” and I love it!
I love Beyoncé’s “Formation” even more. This song is exudes black pride. “I like my baby heir with baby hair and afros.” It’s beautiful! It wasn’t too long ago when Beyoncé was called out about not doing her daughter’s hair.
Well, Bey sure did straighten that up. “Formation” has an overall southern hip-hop feel that I believe is a real reflection of Beyoncé. She no longer has to hide behind Sasha Fierce for acceptance: she can curse as Beyoncé, say what she’ll do to her man as Beyoncé and own the “slay” she has worked so hard to obtain.
Why did these song receive so much negative feedback? I believe people forget at times that music is a form of self-expression, an outlet for individuality. Yes, Bey and Rih are entertainers but they are also real people, too. I am so happy to be able to finally see it. Now, let me go work on my slayage because “I might just be a black Bill Gates in the making."
