One of One

Dear Choir,

It's BHM 2024, and the theme is African Americans and the Arts. https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/

So, I'm taking that as a timely invitation to weigh in here on yet another rivalry that wasn’t…between two record-breaking female artists with catalogues of anthems, amping megawatts of powerful lyrics on instant repeat, even from cartoon characters that shake it off and put a ring on it.

I'm focusing on one who brings interludes of political consciousness and drumbeats of resistance - culturally and economically - that strike more than a chord. They reverberate with resonance in the midst of our deepest discord. Lyrics that tie past, present and future - heritage to legacy - from the Coachella Homecoming, to the Formation Super Bowl halftime, to the Lion King reimagined, to the [BLACK] U.S.A. Presidential inauguration, to the heart of Africa. Lyrics that hit at the core of what’s broken in our patriarchal, racist, LGBTQ-hating segments of society, rife with greed and indulgence and self-righteousness, as social critics from within. They not only play up gender in the harmonies of love songs, they push the restrictive boundaries of gender through imagination (if i were a boy), genre (ballroom/House) and performance (center-staging drag performers alongside other straight and queer dancers). Each project also introduces new rhythms of Blackness, layers and contours of harmonies alongside disjointed beats in Black R&B/Soul/Broadway/Caribbean/Afrobeat/Jazz/Blues/Opera/ HipHop and Rap. Black is, indeed KING, but not without the QUEEN.

These are Choices. These are Risks. Choices and risks demand Tradeoffs and Consequences.

It would be easier to serve it up without the hot sauce. For the broad, mass appeal.

This Choice is the essence of Agency. And Agency is the act of claiming one’s Freedom - mind, body and soul. Embracing the consequences of breaking frames and breaking chains.

This is the Renaissance. This is the soul that cannot be broken.

“In this world that is very male-dominated, I’ve had to be really tough.” - Beyonce'

“To balance motherhood and being on this stage, it just reminds me of who I really am.” - Beyonce'

“When I am performing, I am nothing but free. My goal for this tour was to create a place where everyone is free and no one is judged.” -Beyonce'

And THIS is why Beyonce' : the independent, free-agent entrepreneur, executive, visionary, artist, singer, dancer, filmmaker, designer, mentor who is not OWNED by any label, platform or prototype beyond what she participates in (re)inventing… while married with three young children… cannot be justifiably compared to a focus, music, and lifestyle that is much more singular and easily melodified. Apples to oranges, people. Yet, mysteriously, with every key change, she becomes even more the celebrity’s celebrity.

Love it or leave it, the struggles and triumphs of Black womxnhood are laid bare. So there’s truly no basis on which to compare. Just as there was no comparison between Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers (who danced backwards and in high heels), Beyonce’ G. Knowles-Carter is one of one. No matter what piece of metal is or isn’t sitting on her shelf. Jay Z’s recent Grammy speech was a critique of the industry, knowing the costs of personal agency and pursuing freedom. It was fair and just to acknowledge this with his platform. But know that this couple speaks about more than just musical accolades and taste; it’s really about the “Business, Man.”

And that’s what I really want our people to understand about the journeys so many Black womxn travel.

“It’s not right, but it’s OK. I’m gonna make it anyway.” Whitney Houston

Enjoy the Super Bowl y’all. The only artist I’ll be scouting is Usher, who has also been in this game for decades, and somehow, miraculously, has catapulted his music career into $1000 concert ticket prices in a two year span while he is well into his 40s. This kind of exponential leap is so rare - I can only think of Tina Turner as a model!!

It’s not even a comeback. Consistency pays dividends. Stick to your craft, trust your voice, and let your music speak for you. Diversify your portfolio. Know your worth, claim it, and never, ever give it away to an undeserving world who seeks to squash it. Your gift WILL make room for you.

Much respect to those who have been able to sustain while they so magnificently entertain.

“Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper.” Beyonce'