Beyoncé
Beyoncé is an American singer, songwriter, and performer whose career spans girl-group success with Destiny’s Child and a major solo career.
Dangerously in Love: Beyoncé’s 2003 debut solo album, featuring the singles “Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy.” Its commercial success established her as a solo star after Destiny’s Child.
Destiny's Child: An American girl group that became one of the best-selling female groups of all time. Beyoncé rose to prominence as the group’s lead singer before launching her solo career.
Vocal performance: The use of the voice to communicate music through pitch, tone, rhythm, and expression. Beyoncé’s recorded and live work depends on controlled, expressive singing.
Feminism in music: The study and practice of challenging gender inequality through music and its surrounding culture. Songs and performances such as “***Flawless” made feminist language prominent in her pop work.
Rihanna: A Barbadian singer, businesswoman, and actress known for global pop hits and genre-spanning albums. Her distinct release strategy and public image offer a useful contrast with Beyoncé’s album-centered career.
B'Day: Beyoncé’s 2006 second solo studio album, known for its energetic R&B sound. It extended her solo career with a tighter, more assertive musical style.
Kelly Rowland: An American singer and actress who rose to fame as a member of Destiny’s Child. Her long partnership with Beyoncé began in the group and continued through later collaborations.
Choreography: The design and arrangement of movements for a dance or staged performance. Precisely synchronized choreography is central to many of her concerts and videos.
Black feminism: A tradition of thought and activism addressing the intersecting effects of racism and sexism on Black women. Lemonade draws on Black women’s histories and experiences central to this tradition.
Lady Gaga: An American singer, songwriter, and actress known for theatrical pop and frequent reinvention. Her performance-driven approach provides a comparison with Beyoncé’s emphasis on choreography and visual albums.