Beyonce, 34, has been a member of R&B royalty for nearly twenty years -- ever since Destiny’s Child released its self-titled debut album in 1998.
She has become more of of an experimentalist in recent years. But even before she edged nearer to R&B’s sonic frontier, she was eager to take risks and place her explosive, physical, sexual vocal delivery in unfamiliar environments.
This week in #TBT, we revisit Beyonce’s early singles: three from 2006’s B’day, three from 2003’s Dangerously in Love, and four of Destiny’s Child’s biggest hits. Check out the Spotify playlist below and click through the galleries to watch the videos (we advise the latter).
Deja Vu feat. Jay-Z
Possibly the most underrated Beyonce-Hov joint. For some reason, “‘03 Bonnie & Clyde” gets more shine, probably because it uses the framework of a classic love story. But the true Gs know it’s all about “Deja Vu.” I USED TO RUN BASE LIKE JUAN PIERRE.
Ring the Alarm
Produced by Swizz Beatz, “Ring the Alarm” references the first stage of Beyonce’s Lemonade: intuition -- “And my female intuition telling me you a dog” -- but tonally it is closer to the third chapter of the film: anger. The single was released at a time when Bey-Hov-Rihanna love triangle rumors were swirling -- turns out they were fabricated to give Rihanna’s career a boost.
Irreplaceable
Produced by Stargate, the Norwegian duo behind Wiz Khalifa’s “Black & Yellow,” “Irreplaceable” features the sort of acoustic guitar strummin’ you’d expect to sooner find in early Taylor Swift records than a Beyonce song. But through lyrical plainness (co-written by Ne-Yo!) and the combination of pain, confidence, and detachment that Beyonce injects into her vocals, she makes it her unequivocally her own.
Crazy in Love feat. Jay-Z
Unbelievably, Beyonce was 22 when she made “Crazy in Love,” which VH1 named the best song of the ‘00s. “Crazy in Love” has aged remarkably well. It just goes to show… the game needs more horns.
Me, Myself, & I
“Me, Myself, & I” is about a woman who finds out her beau has been cheating. The vibe is wistful, but lyrically it’s an affirmation of inner strength. “I took a vow from now on... I’m gonna be my own best friend.”
Head here to watch a video of producer Scott Storch playing the “Me, Myself, & I” lick on piano with a cigarette drooping out of his mouth. 2:17 mark. Storch!!!!!
Baby Boy feat. Sean Paul
Also produced by Storch, “Baby Boy” is a perfect artifact of early-’00s R&B: Minimal drums, dramatic, vaguely Arabic string stabs, and ad-libs by Jamaican legend Sean Paul. I saw Sean Paul live in ‘07. I’ll never forget it. Sean Paul needs a proper comeback.
Bootylicious
“Bootylicious” did for Stevie Nicks what “Ice Ice Baby” did for Queen. At first, you don’t know if it’s a sample or the original song. In both instances it’s a win-win.
When you compare the “Bootylicious” video to Nicki Minaj’s “Anaconda” video, you’ll see just how porn-ified our culture has become in 15 years. Not that that’s a bad thing... necessarily...
Survivor
Destiny’s Child album Survivor sold 7.8 million albums worldwide in 2001, but it wasn’t even the most successful “Survivor” of the year. That honor would go the TV show “Survivor,” which averaged 30 million American viewers per episode and was the top-rated show of 2011. America was addicted.
This track still goes.
Jumpin’ Jumpin’
Destiny’s Child greatest club anthem, “Jumpin’ Jumpin’” begins with a clear set of instructions: “Ladies, leave your man at home.” Go to the club, cheat on your lame boyfriend with some ballers!! While the song is ostensibly about female empowerment, it actually empowers the men listening to it as well. Because if you’re a guy at the club listening to this, you’re one of the ballers with your “pockets full grown.”
Say My Name
The most popular Destiny’s Child song ever and still the definitive pump-up track if you’re about to confront your cheating significant other. Beyonce probably played this song when she sniffed infidelity on Jay Z’s breath.