Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Beyoncé began performing in local competitions at age 7, eventually forming the group Girl's Tyme in 1990 with help from her parents. Girl's Tyme became Destiny's Child in 1997.
During the hiatus of Destiny's Child in 2003, Beyoncé released her debut solo album, Dangerously in Love, which became one of the most successful albums of that year, and signaled her viability as a solo artist. The disbanding of Destiny's Child in 2005 facilitated her continued success: her sophomore solo album B'Day, released in 2006, debuted at number one on the Billboard charts. Her third solo album, I Am… Sasha Fierce, was released in November 2008, and in 2009 she received 10 Grammy Awards nominations. On January 31, 2010, she won 6 Grammy Awards, breaking the record for most Grammy awards won by a female artist in one night; she previously held the record of five awards with 5 other artists. Following a career hiatus, Beyoncé released her fourth studio album entitled "4" on June 24, 2011, which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200.
2013 - 5th Album - "Beyoncé"
On December 12, 2013, Beyoncé unexpectedly released her fifth and self-titled album in the iTunes Store. Beyoncé called it a "visual album" as it includes 14 songs and 18 videos - with each track having a music video together with additional bonus videos. The album has a list of collaborators including Drake, Frank Ocean and her husband, Jay-Z, and daughter, Blue Ivy.
2015
In February 2015 at the 57th Grammy Awards, Beyoncé won 3 Grammys (and was nominated for 6 Grammy awards) - Best R&B Song for "Drunk in Love", Best R&B Performance and Best Surround Sound Album for Beyoncé.
On April 4th, 2015, Beyoncé surprised her fans with the release of a new single and accompanying video, released exclusively on the streaming service "Tidal" which she co-owns with a number of other big name starts including Arcade Fire, Daft Punk, Jack White, Kanye West, Madonna, Rihanna and Usher. The track, "Die With You" is a stripped down ballad, with Beyoncé sitting at a piano with pigtail braids: the song celebrates the seventh anniversary of her marriage to Jay-Z.
Super Bowl - February 2016
Beyoncé appeared on stage to perform her latest single "Formation", supporting the headline act Coldplay at the much coverted Super Bowl 50 half-time show on February 7, 2016. Also appearing on stage was Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson who performed their hit "Uptown Funk".
2016 - 6th Album - "Lemonade"
"Lemonade" is Beyoncé's a sixth solo album and was released on April 23, 2016 as an exclusive on the music streaming service, Tidal after it premiered on the TV Network, HBO, as a conceptual short film. It was subsequently made available for purchase on Apple's iTunes Store on April 24, 2016. The album has 12 tracks, with contributions from artists such as James Blake and Kendrick Lamar. According to a press release from Tidal which accompanied the release, "Lemonade" is “based on every woman’s journey of self-knowledge and healing”.
2017 - Grammy Awards
At the 59th Grammy Awards on Sun, February 12, 2017, Beyoncé took awards for "Best Urban Contemporary Album" for "Lemonade" and "Best Music Video" for "Formation"
2022 - 7th Album - "RENAISSANCE" (ACT i)
After a 6 year hiatus from music, Beyoncé announced the lead single "BREAK MY SOUL" on June 20, 2022, for her seventh studio album “RENAISSANCE" which is the first installment of a three-part project. "RENAISSANCE" was released on July 29, 2022, and was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking to inspire joy in listeners. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became the best-rated album of 2022, named the best album of the year by publications such as the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, NPR, Pitchfork, and Rolling Stone, which would later place the record at number 71 on their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list. It then was nominated for Album of The Year at the 65 Annual Grammy Award Show and won Best Dance/Electronic Album.
2024 - 8th Album - "COWBOY CARTER" (ACT ii)
2 years after her seventh studio album, "RENAISSANCE", Beyoncé announced her eighth studio album "COWBOY CARTER" also known as “ACT ii” released on March 29, 2024. This serves as the second installment of the three-part project, and as long rumoured, its genre is country. The album was teased through a Verizon ad aired during the Super Bowl LVIII and was preceded with two surprise singles both released on February 10, 2024, "TEXAS HOLD 'EM" which hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and "16 CARRIAGES".
Miscellaneous
Beyoncé began her acting career in 2001, appearing in the musical film Carmen: A Hip Hopera. In 2006, she starred in the lead role in the film adaptation of the 1981 Broadway musical Dreamgirls, for which she earned two Golden Globe nominations.
On April 4, 2008, Beyoncé and Jay-Z were married in a small, private ceremony in New York. On January 7, 2012, Beyoncé gave birth to a daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. Beyoncé is sometimes referred to as Jay-Z's wifey and/or, Jay-Z's boo thang.
Beyoncé launched her family's fashion line, House of Deréon, in 2004, and has endorsed such brands as Pepsi, Tommy Hilfiger, Armani and L'Oréal.
In 2009, Forbes listed Beyoncé fourth on its list of the 100 Most Powerful and Influential Celebrities in the world, third on its list of the top-grossing musicians, and number one on the list of top Best-Paid Celebs Under 30 with over $87 million dollars in earnings between 2008 and 2009.
Beyoncé has attained five Hot 100 number one singles, becoming one of the two female artists—joint with Rihanna—with the most number ones attained within the 2000s, excluding her three Hot 100 number one singles with Destiny's Child.
Bow Down
Beyoncé Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm coming down dripping candy on the ground
H, H-town, town, I'm coming down
Coming down dripping candy on the ground
I know when you were little girls
You dreamt of being in my world
Don't forget it, don't forget it
I took some time to live my life
But don't think I'm just his little wife
Don't get it twisted, get it twisted
This my shit, bow down bitches
Bow down bitches, bow bow down bitches
Bow down bitches, bow bow down bitches
H-Town vicious, H-H-Town vicious
I'm so crown, bow bow down bitches
I'm out that H-town
Coming, coming down
I'm coming down dripping candy on the ground
H-H-town, town, I'm coming down
Coming down dripping candy on the ground
I been on, I been on, I been on
Tell me who gon' take me off
Take me off, take me off, take me off
'Cause I been on, I been on, I been on
Tell me who gon' take me off
Take me off, take me off, take me off
Rolling high, leather and wood
Keep it trill, that's what good
Kiss my momma, show that love
Pop them bottles in that club
I heard your boo was talking lip
I told my crew, to smack that trick
Smack that trick, smack that trick
Guess what they did, smack that trick
Gold everything, gold ass chain
Gold ass rings, gold ass fangs
You can see me stunt when you turn on ya screen
You can see me stunt when you turn on ya screen
I'm bigger than life, my name in the lights
I'm the number one chick, ain't need no hype
The capital B means, I'm 'bout that life
The capital B means, I'm 'bout that life
I been on, I been on, I been on
Tell me who gon' take me off
Take me off, take me off, take me off
'Cause I been on
I remember my baby hair with my dookie braids
Frenchy's, Boudin in the parking lot
Shout out to Willie D
I was in that Willie D video when I was about fourteen, looking crazy
Shout out to Pimp C
You know we used to sneak and listen to that UGK
Didn't do your girl but your sister was alright, damn
In ya homeboy's Caddy last night man, ha ha
Hold up, Texas trill
H-town going down, man
The song "Bow Down / I Been On" by Beyoncé is an unapologetic statement of her status and power in the music industry. It opens with her asserting her Houston roots and declaring herself as "coming down dripping candy on the ground." She then addresses the women who aspired to be like her and reminds them to "Respect that, bow down bitches." She also challenges the notion that she is only known as her husband's wife by insisting that "This my shit, bow down bitches."
Throughout the song, Beyoncé highlights her achievements and status as the "number one chick." She reminds everyone that she's been in the game for a long time and asks, "Tell me who gon' take me off?" She boasts about her wealth and success, as well as the respect she commands from her peers. The song also pays homage to Houston music icons Willie D and Pimp C, and highlights her own experiences growing up in the city.
Overall, "Bow Down / I Been On" is a bold and unapologetic statement from Beyoncé about her power, success, and influence. It's a reminder to everyone that she's not to be underestimated and that she's earned her place at the top.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm out that H-town, coming, coming down
I'm leaving Houston and heading somewhere else.
I'm coming down dripping candy on the ground
I'm living the high life and making it rain.
H, H-town, town, I'm coming down
Houston, H-Town, is where I'm from and where I'm returning to.
I know when you were little girls
When you were younger and not famous, you idolized me.
You dreamt of being in my world
You wished to be as successful as I am and to have the same level of fame.
Don't forget it, don't forget it
Remember that you looked up to me and respect me for what I've accomplished.
Respect that, bow down bitches
Acknowledge and show respect for my success and power.
I took some time to live my life
I've taken some time for myself outside of my marriage and family obligations.
But don't think I'm just his little wife
I'm not just defined by my relationship to my husband.
Don't get it twisted, get it twisted
Don't misunderstand me or underestimate me.
This my shit, bow down bitches
I'm owning my brand and my success, and you should acknowledge it.
Bow down bitches, bow bow down bitches
I'm demanding respect and submission from other women.
H-Town vicious, H-H-Town vicious
Houston is a tough and competitive place to be successful.
I'm so crown, bow bow down bitches
I'm the queen of Houston and you should bow to me.
I been on, I been on, I been on
I've been successful and on top for awhile now.
Tell me who gon' take me off
Who is going to dethrone me and take my place?
Take me off, take me off, take me off
No one is capable of taking me down.
Rolling high, leather and wood
I'm driving in style with expensive leather and luxurious wood interior.
Keep it trill, that's what good
I'm staying true to myself and my roots.
Kiss my momma, show that love
I'm staying humble and respecting my family.
Pop them bottles in that club
I'm enjoying the high life and splurging on expensive drinks.
I heard your boo was talking lip
I heard that your partner was bad-mouthing me.
I told my crew, to smack that trick
I instructed my team to teach your partner a lesson.
Smack that trick, smack that trick
I'm encouraging my team to respond with violence towards your partner.
Guess what they did, smack that trick
My team took action and punished your partner for disrespecting me.
Gold everything, gold ass chain
I'm flaunting my wealth, wearing lots of gold and expensive jewelry.
Gold ass rings, gold ass fangs
I'm showing off even more, wearing lots of gold accessories including teeth or fangs.
You can see me stunt when you turn on ya screen
My over-the-top lifestyle and wealth is visible whenever you see me on TV or online.
I'm bigger than life, my name in the lights
I'm larger-than-life and my name is prominently displayed everywhere.
I'm the number one chick, ain't need no hype
I'm already famous as the top woman in the game, I don't need any other publicity or promotion.
The capital B means, I'm 'bout that life
The capital 'B' in my name symbolizes that I live, breathe, and own the game.
I remember my baby hair with my dookie braids
I'm looking back on my past and remembering my childhood hairstyle.
Frenchy's, Boudin in the parking lot
I'm reminiscing about classic Houston fast food restaurants where I spent time as a child.
Shout out to Willie D
I'm giving a nod to Houston rapper Willie D.
I was in that Willie D video when I was about fourteen, looking crazy
I was featured in a music video by Willie D as a teenager, and I looked wild and unconventional.
Shout out to Pimp C
I'm also recognizing the late Houston rapper Pimp C.
You know we used to sneak and listen to that UGK
I'm revealing that I once listened to underground Houston rap group UGK on the sly.
Didn't do your girl but your sister was alright, damn
I'm boasting about my sexual exploits, writing off a former partner and admitting to hooking up with their sister.
In ya homeboy's Caddy last night man, ha ha
I had sex with someone else's friend in a Cadillac last night, and I'm laughing about it.
Hold up, Texas trill
I'm calling out to all of my fans and fellow Texans that live the authentic and truest form of the state's culture.
H-town going down, man
I'm hyping up my hometown Houston, and telling everyone to pay attention to the great things that are happening here.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Beyonce Knowles, Chauncey Alexander Hollis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
josiah
on CUFF IT
I feel like fallin' in love (fallin' love)
I'm in the mood to fuck somethin' up (tonight, I'm fuckin' somethin' up, baby)
I need some drink in my cup (I need a drink)
Hey (pour me a drink)
I'm in the mood to fuck somethin' up (I'm in the mood to fuck somethin' up)
I wanna go missin'
I need a prescription
I wanna go higher, can I sit on top of you? (Ooh-la-la-la, la-la-la)
I wanna go where nobody's been (wanna go where nobody's been)
Have you ever had fun like this? (Have you ever had fun? Yeah)
We gon' fuck up the night, black lights
Spaceships fly (spaceships fly)
Yeah, unapologetic when we fuck up the night
Fuck up the night
We gettin' fucked up tonight
We gon' fuck up the night
Bet you you'll see far
Bet you you'll see stars
Bet you you'll elevate
Bet you you'll meet God
'Cause I feel like fallin' in love
I'm in the mood to fuck somethin' up
'Cause we gon' fuck up the night
What's in these four walls?
You sexy, my love (turn it up)
Don't miss this roll-call
Is you here or what? (Roll it up)
Yeah, show up, show up (show up, show up)
Po' up, po' up (po' up, po' up)
Uh, you Mr. Nasty, I'll clean it up
Go where nobody's been (wanna go where nobody's been)
Have you ever had fun like this? (Have you ever had fun? Yeah)
I wanna go missin'
I need a prescription
I wanna go higher, can I sit on top of you?
We gon' fuck up the night (funk it up, funk it up)
Black lights
Spaceships fly (spaceships fly)
Yeah, unapologetic when we fuck up the night (funk it up, funk it up)
Fuck up tonight
We gettin' fucked up tonight
We gon' fuck up the night
Bet you you'll see far
Bet you you'll see stars
Bet you you'll elevate
Bet you you'll meet God
'Cause I feel like fallin' in love
I'm in the mood to fuck somethin' up
We gon' fuck up the night
Hypersonic, sex erotic
On my body, boy, you got it
Hit them 'draulics, while I ride it
Got me actin' hella thotty
So excited, so exotic
I'm a seasoned professional
Squeeze it, don't let it go
Tease it, no self control
I got time today (I got time today, I got time)
Oh, I (I got time today, I got time)
I can't wait 'to come out and play
Ooh, yeah you
Come and cuff it, cuff it, cuff it, cuff it, baby
While I buss it, buss it, buss it, for you baby, ayy
Oh, baby
Anywhere, any time
I don't mind, I don't mind
Yeah (I don't mind)
For you (all for you)
I'm backin' the truck up, huh (back that truck up)
For you (all for you, for you)
A bitch'll get fucked up, huh (I fucked her up)
For you (all for you)
I'm puttin' my cup up, huh (put my cup up, yeah)
For you (all for you, you)
'Cause we gon' fuck up the night
Take flight (woo), blindin' lights (yeah)
Fuck it up, fuck it up, fuck it up
(Unapologetic when we fuck up the night)
Bet you you'll see stars (night)
Bet you you'll go far (night)
Bet you you'll levitate (night)
Bet you you'll meet God (party people, roll up)
Ooh (yeah)
We gon' fuck up the night (huh, yeah)
Spaceships fly
Fuck it up, fuck it up