On June 2nd, NBC (U.S.) aired a concert arranged by Chime for Change, an organization that generates support for causes that help disadvantaged women around the world & seeks to combat gender injustice. Beyonce` was not only the concert headliner, but is now involved with the group (NBC only aired a few songs from her 50 minute set; you can view it in full here). By joining Beyonce’s “Chime Team,” you can learn more about specific causes close to her heart and offer a donation. Just $5 or $10 can go a long way. Bees, if we can spend hundreds on concert tickets, we can spend a few dollars to help women in need. Beyonce’s dedication to women’s rights and female empowerment is one of the many reasons she’s my favorite artist. It’s good to see her be more vocal with her charitable activities, as it brings attention to important issues. In the past, Beyonce` has supported anti-sex-trafficking foundations and started a trade education center for formerly incarcerated women. Did you know that? If you follow the link and Beyonce’s projects are fully funded, please make a contribution to Chime for Change. 
#BeyActive #BeyAware #BeyLifeChanging 

Well, the BeyHive (Beyonce’s fanbase) has been aching for ANY sign of new material and it isn’t clear if Beyonce’s upcoming album is finished or if there are plans for a single release in the near future, so it seems the Queen Bey decided to try to pacify her eager fans with a short audio teaser. Recently posted to her Tumblr, “Bow Down/I Been On” has one sung verse and one verse in Houston “chopped/screwed” style. The chopped/screwed part is mostly thanks and random ramblings, while Beyonce` boasts about being top-notch and reminds everyone that taking an extended break (the singer took hiatuses right before her 2011“4” album and around her pregnancy) does not mean she’s “fallen off” and she isn’t solely defined by her marital status. While I liked the sentiments behind the reminders, I didn’t care for the bragging tone of the song, the expletives or the musical production; it gave me post-traumatic stress flashbacks of the inartistic, basic and unsophisticated “Sasha Fierce” portion of “I AM…Sasha Fierce” (ex. “Video Phone” & “Diva”). “Bow” gave me elements of what I don’t like about some of Rihanna’s music and if you follow my site, you know that’s never a good thing. I hope that this isn’t indicative of what her new album will sound like. Listen to the track here.

Seriously, this time, it's not a rumor! Beyonce` posted on her Facebook fan-page earlier today: "I am so proud to announce the first original Destiny's Child music in eight years!" One of the biggest-selling girl groups of all time returns with "Love Songs," a collection of previously released romantic tracks with a NEW song, “Nuclear," produced by Pharrell. I AM SO FREAKIN' EXCITED! No, it's not a new full-length album, but after almost 10 years, I'll take anything fresh! I'm so elated to know that the girls got back in the studio together. Anyone who knows me or follows this portion of the site knows that I adore and have great respect Destiny's Child and what they represented. I hope that this is only the beginning of reunion work. Who knows, maybe we'll see Kelly Rowland & Michelle Williams appear on stage with the Queen Bey at the Superbowl! "Love Songs" will be available on January 29th; you can pre-order it now here: http://smarturl.it/dc_lovesongs_amzn

BeyHive, we all get a little riled up when people suggest that Beyonce` isn’t a “real” artist or that there isn’t much of a difference between her and your average pop-tart. We only know better because we watch everything she does and listen to every bit of music. Despite how unfair or upsetting other’s criticisms are, we can’t blame them sometimes as they’re on the outside-looking-in and can only go off of what they see or hear. Beyonce` dons the February cover of GQ wearing a bikini piece and a tiny shirt with the bottom of her breasts peeking out. This is the type of cover that other female artists usually do, not Beyonce`. When I make the argument that Beyonce` isn’t as risqué or suggestive as some other artists, I mention that I’ve never seen even a sliver of Beyonce’s private parts; can’t use that as a talking point now. Bey has done a lot to differentiate herself musically, personally and with her image. She is often applauded for her regality and considered a healthy role model for women. A cover like this gives the impression to the unknowing that’s she just another scantily-clad singer whose career is dependent or based on sex appeal. I’m not saying it’s all over now because of this one magazine cover; I’m saying this cover is counteractive to a more positive perception. Not to mention, it gives more fuel to those who argue Bey’s status as a symbol of female empowerment and claim she objectifies herself. Do you think the cover is too sexy or revealing?

Today is definitely a “Seriously, Beyonce`, WTH?!” moment. MTV reports that Beyonce` confirmed to E! News on October 9th that she will NOT be filming the 3rd remake of the classic film “A Star is Born” with director/actor Clint Eastwood due to scheduling conflicts saying, "I was looking forward to the production of 'A Star Is Born' and the opportunity to work with Clint Eastwood. For months we tried to coordinate our schedules to bring this remake to life but it was just not possible. Hopefully in the future we will get a chance to work together." Now, most of the BeyHive (the pop culture name for Beyonce’s fanbase) is unbothered by the news, but I AM. I’m beyond pissed. I don’t know what Beyonce` has her calendar full with, but she needs to make filming this movie a priority. She needs to make it happen. Dropping out this project IS A HUGE MISTAKE.

Starring in this film is a monumental opportunity that could further solidify Beyonce’s staying-power and garner the respect from the film industry she desires. Not only was she a 1st choice hand-pick for Eastwood, a celebrated, Academy Award-winning actor and director, but she would be walking in the footsteps of legendary predecessors Judy Garland (1954 remake) and Barbara Streisand, who starred in the 1976 reincarnation with Kris Kristofferson. Smell the epic, yet? Add a potential Oscar nomination (assuming Beyonce` gets her acting game up; she’s said in previous interviews that she’s hungry for a nod) and the pivotal impact of the songstress being a woman of color in this role and it seems that much more ridiculous that the project would be bypassed. Perhaps Beyonce` needed the producers or film studio to wait longer than they were willing; they already made concessions during her pregnancy in 2011. No matter what the case, I don’t feel like she fought hard enough to stay involved. I could be wrong, but I just feel like scheduling could’ve been worked out. What is she thinking?