#ISlay: 9 Lessons Learned From Beyoncé's ‘Formation’
When #BlackGirlMagic meets #BlackLivesMatter.
1 / 10
We Slay All Day! - Beyoncé stunned the world when she dropped the visually stunning video for “Formation.” The song, which is the Blackest thing we’ve seen from Beyoncé in the history of her career, sends out some powerful messages about race, gender, sexuality and empowerment. Here are some of the biggest takeaways. By Kellee Terrell(Photo: Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records)
2 / 10
Tune Out Your Critics - When you have talent and drive, there are always going to be people who want to undermine your success with their negativity and hating. Instead of being consumed with them, block out them “corny” folks and just continue to “twirl” on them by keeping your eye on the prize. (Photo: Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Corbis)
3 / 10
Stay True to Yourself - Yes, at one point, Bey played it really safe during her career. But now it seems that she isn’t playing those respectability politics games — and her art has been way better for it. It’s not easy to be authentic in a world that rejects who we are, but you just have to keep staying as true to who you really are in order to reach your full potential. Don’t worry about fitting in. Worry about being great.(Photo: Steve Prezant/Corbis)
4 / 10
Black Is Beautiful - This video is SO Black — and that is an incredible thing! From Blue Ivy’s hair to Bey’s love for Black noses and features to the amazingness of her dancers, this video affirms so much about who we are. That’s an empowering message that we need to hear. We are enough. We are amazing. And we are beautiful — even with our hot sauce in our bags.(Photo: Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records)
5 / 10
You Gotta Grind Hard - Beyoncé is clear in this song: working hard and “grinding” are huge factors behind her success and her “paper.” And while us everyday folk will never have Bey money, there is something to be said about the importance of putting in work in order to make your dreams come true. No one is going to hand you anything.(Photo: Ariel Skelley/Blend Images/Corbis)
ADVERTISEMENT