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.
Upgrade U feat. Lil' Wayne
Beyoncé Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Talk yo' shit
(Partner let me upgrade you)
How you gon' upgrade me what's higher than number one?
You know I used to beat that block
Now I be's the block (partner let me upgrade you)
I hear you be the block, but I'm the lights that keep the streets on
I'm known to walk alone, but I'm alone for a reason
Sending me a drink ain't appeasing, believe me
Come harder, this won't be easy
Don't doubt yourself trust me, you need me
This ain't no shoulder with a chip, or an ego
But what you think they all mad at me for?
You need a real woman in your life (that's a good look)
Taking care, home and still fly (that's a good look)
And I'ma help you build up your account (that's a good look)
Better yet a hood look, believe me (ladies that's a good look)
When you're in them big meetings, for the mills (that's a good look)
You take me just to complement the deals (that's a good look)
And anything you cop, I'll split the bill (that's a good look)
Better yet a hood look, believe me (ladies that's a good look)
Partner, let me upgrade you, Audemars-Piguet you
Switch your neck ties to purple labels
Upgrade you, I can (up), can I? (Up), lett me (up) grade you
Partner, let me upgrade you
Partner, let me upgrade you
Flip a new page
Introduce you to some new things, and upgrade you
I can (up), can I? (Up), let me, upgrade you?
Partner, let me upgrade you
I can do for you, what Martin did for the people
Ran by the men, but the women keep the tempo
It's very seldom, that you're blessed to find your equal
Still played my part and let you take the lead role, believe me
I'll follow, this could be easy
I'll be the help, whenever you need me (you need me)
I see your hustle with my hustle, I can keep you
Focused on your focus, I can feed you
You need a real woman in your life (that's a good look)
Taking care, home and still fly (that's a good look)
I can help you build up your account (that's a good look)
Better yet a hood look, believe me (ladies that's a good look)
When you're in the big meetings, for the mills (that's a good look)
You take me just to complement the deals (that's a good look)
Anything you cop, I'll split the bill (that's a good look)
Better yet a hood look, believe me I can upgrade you (ladies that's a good look)
Partner, let me upgrade you, Audemars-Piguet you
Switch your neckties to purple labels (have you rocking purple labels)
Upgrade you, I can (up), can I? (Up), let me (up) grade you
Partner, let me upgrade you
Partner, let me upgrade you
Flip a new page
Introduce you to some new things, and (uh) Upgrade (HOV) You
I can (up), (uh), can I? (Up), let me, (HOV), upgrade you
Partner, let me upgrade you
Uh huh, I be's the d-boy, who infiltrated all the corporate dudes
They call shots, I call audibles
Jacob the Jeweler, baubles, Lauraine Schwartz, oughta do
It's big balling baby, when I'm courting you
I'm talking spy bags, and fly pads, and
Rooms at the Bloomberg, and rumors you on the verge
Of a new merge, 'cause that rock on ya finger'ss like a tumor
You can't fit ya hand in ya new purse
It's humorous, to me they watching and we just yachting
Island hopping off the Amalfi coast
Mafios, oh baby, you ever seen Saturn?
No, not the car, but everywhere we are
You're sure to see stars, this is high level not eye level
My bezel, courtesy of Audemars
I order yours tomorrow, now look at the time I saved you
Mama, let me upgrade you
Just when you think we had it all
Big ends, condos, collecting cars
Picture your life elevating with me
Make you my project celebrity I keep your name hot in them streets
And it's that little glimpse of light that makes that diamond really shine
And you already is a star, but
Unless you're flawless
Then ya dynasty ain't complete without a chief, like me
Partner, let me upgrade you, Audemars Piguet you
Switch your neckties to purple labels
Upgrade you, I can (up), can I? (Up) let me upgrade you
Partner, let me upgrade you
Partner, let me upgrade you
Flip a new page
Introduce you to some new things, and upgrade you
I can (up), can I? (Up), let me, upgrade you
Partner, let me upgrade you, upgrade you
Audemars Piguet watch, dimples in ya necktie
Hermès briefcase, Cartier tie clips
Silk-lined blazers, diamond creamed facials
Vvs cuff-links, six-star pent suites
Partner, let me, upgrade ya, 'grade ya
Partner, partner, let me, upgrade you, 'grade you
Let me, let me, let me, upgrade you, 'grade you
Partner, partner, partner, let me upgrade you
The lyrics of Upgrade U by Beyoncé Knowless and Jay-Z are symbolic of a power couple thriving in their excellence. The song is essentially about the woman upgrading her man in the same way he had previously supported her. Throughout the song, the woman informs her partner about how she can improve his life by introducing him to new things and experiences. She speaks of how she can elevate his status by becoming a good partner who takes care of their home, helps him build his financial strength, and supports him in his professional endeavors. The woman is confident in her abilities to bring success and happiness to their relationship and encourages her partner to trust her with his life.
The song shows how a woman can be a positive influence in a relationship and help her partner grow in every aspect of his life. In essence, the lyrics suggest that the woman is not inferior to the man and is capable of bringing just as much to the partnership as he is. She knows her worth and is not afraid to let her partner know how much she can contribute to their growth together.
Overall, Upgrade U is a motivational song that encourages individuals to embrace their partner's strengths and help them grow. The lyrics showcase the power of a strong partnership, where both parties can support each other and thrive together.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah B
Talk yo' shit
Expressing confidence and urging to speak freely
(Partner let me upgrade you)
How you gon' upgrade me what's higher than number one?
Questioning how one can be upgraded from being the best
You know I used to beat that block
Now I be's the block (partner let me upgrade you)
Went from being a victim of the streets to dominating them and offering to help upgrade another
I hear you be the block, but I'm the lights that keep the streets on
Asserting that they are the force that truly keeps the streets flourishing
Notice you the type, that like to keep them on a leash though
I'm known to walk alone, but I'm alone for a reason
Observing that the other person likes control whereas they value independence
Sending me a drink ain't appeasing, believe me
Come harder, this won't be easy
Flattery won't sway them, challenging the other person to prove their worth
Don't doubt yourself trust me you need me
This ain't a shoulder with a chip, or an ego
But what you think they all mad at me for
Offering support and asserting that their abilities speak for themselves
You need a real woman in your life, that's a good look
Taking care, home is still fly, that's a good look
And I'mma help you build up your account, that's a good look
Better yet a hood look, ladies that's a good look
Recognizing that they can offer more in a relationship, which is mutually beneficial
When you're in them big meetings for the mills, that's a good look
It take me just to compliment the deals, that's a good look
Anything you cop I'll split the bill, that's a good look
Better yet a hood look, believe me, ladies that's a good look
Expressing willingness to support and contribute to each other's success
Partner, let me upgrade you, Audemars Piguet you
Switch your neck ties to purple labels
Offering to elevate the other person's style and possessions
Flip a new page
Introduce you to some new things, and upgrade you
Showing a willingness to offer new experiences and opportunities to the other person
I can do for you, what Martin did for the people
Ran by the men, but the women keep the tempo
Comparing themselves to Martin Luther King Jr. and recognizing the important role that women play in society
It's very seldom, that you're blessed to find your equal
Still play my part and let you take the lead role, believe me
Acknowledging that finding an equal is rare and willing to play a supportive role
I'll follow, this could be easy
I'll be the help, whenever you need me
Expressing a willingness to follow the lead and be a helpful partner
I see your hustle with my hustle, I can keep you
Focused, on your focus I can feed you
Recognizing their shared drive and offering to provide support to maintain focus
I be the d-boy, who infiltrated all the corporate dudes
They call shots, I call all-the-booze
Boasting about their ability to infiltrate and manipulate powerful people
Jacob the jeweler, baubles, Lauraine Schwartz, oughta do
It's big balling baby, when I'm courting you
Listing high-end jewelers and expressing a desire to flaunt their wealth when impressing the other person
I'm talking spy bags, and fly pads, and
Rooms at the Bloomberg, and rumors you on the verge
Of a new merge, 'cause that rock on ya finger, is like a Tumor
You can't fit ya hand in ya new purse
Listing more luxury items and implying that they will be instrumental in the other person's future success
It's humorous, to me they watching and we just yachting off the island hopping off the Amalfi coast
Mafioso! Oh baby, you ever seen Saturn?
No, not the car, but everywhere we are
Mocking their detractors and listing exotic locations they've visited
You're sure to see stars, this is high level not eye level
My bezel, courtesy of Audemars
I order yours tomorrow, now look at the time I saved you
Boasting about their expensive watch and offering to buy the same one for the other person
Mama, let me upgrade you
Just when you think we had it all
Big ends, condos, collecting cars
Picture your life elevating with me
Addressing the other person as 'mama' and painting a picture of further success and luxury together
Make you my project celebrity I keep your name hot in them streets
That little glimpse of light
Makes that diamond really shine
And you already is a star
Unless your flawless
Then ya dynasty ain't complete without a chief, like me
Describing the other person as a star and offering to further elevate their status and shine a spotlight on them
Silk-lined blazers, diamond creamed facials
VVS , six-star pent suites
Partner, let me, upgrade ya, grade ya
Listing more luxury items and urging the other person to let them upgrade their life
Partner, partner, let me, upgrade you, grade you
Let me, let me, let me, upgrade you, grade you
Partner, partner, partner, let me upgrade you
Reinforcing their desire to upgrade the other person throughout the song
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Solange Knowles, Willie James Clarke, Beyonce Knowles, Makeba Riddick, Clarence Henry Reid, Shawn Carter, Angela Beyince, Sean Garrett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MKODJO
Lyrics 🎵🎶
Yeah B
Talk yo' shit
(Partner let me upgrade you)
How you gon' upgrade me what's higher than number one?
You know I used to beat that block
Now I be's the block (partner let me upgrade you)
I hear you be the block, but I'm the lights that keep the streets on
Notice you the type, that like to keep them on a leash though
I'm known to walk alone, but I'm alone for a reason
Sending me a drink ain't appeasing, believe me
Come harder, this won't be easy
Don't doubt yourself trust me, you need me
This ain't no shoulder with a chip, or an ego
But what you think they all mad at me for?
You need a real woman in your life (that's a good look)
Taking care, home and still fly (that's a good look)
And I'ma help you build up your account (that's a good look)
Better yet a hood look, believe me (ladies that's a good look)
When you're in them big meetings, for the mills (that's a good look)
You take me just to complement the deals (that's a good look)
And anything you cop, I'll split the bill (that's a good look)
Better yet a hood look, believe me (ladies that's a good look)
Partner, let me upgrade you, Audemars-Piguet you
Switch your neck ties to purple labels
Upgrade you, I can (up), can I? (Up), lett me (up) grade you
Partner, let me upgrade you
Partner, let me upgrade you
Flip a new page
Introduce you to some new things, and upgrade you
I can (up), can I? (Up), let me, upgrade you?
Partner, let me upgrade you
I can do for you, what Martin did for the people
Ran by the men, but the women keep the tempo
It's very seldom, that you're blessed to find your equal
Still played my part and let you take the lead role, believe me
I'll follow, this could be easy
I'll be the help, whenever you need me (you need me)
I see your hustle with my hustle, I can keep you
Focused on your focus, I can feed you
You need a real woman in your life (that's a good look)
Taking care, home and still fly (that's a good look)
I can help you build up your account (that's a good look)
Better yet a hood look, believe me (ladies that's a good look)
When you're in the big meetings, for the mills (that's a good look)
You take me just to complement the deals (that's a good look)
Anything you cop, I'll split the bill (that's a good look)
Better yet a hood look, believe me I can upgrade you (ladies that's a good look)
Partner, let me upgrade you, Audemars-Piguet you
Switch your neckties to purple labels (have you rocking purple labels)
Upgrade you, I can (up), can I? (Up), let me (up) grade you
Partner, let me upgrade you
Partner, let me upgrade you
Flip a new page
Introduce you to some new things, and (uh) Upgrade (HOV) You
I can (up), (uh), can I? (Up), let me, (HOV), upgrade you
Partner, let me upgrade you
Uh huh, I be's the d-boy, who infiltrated all the corporate dudes
They call shots, I call audibles
Jacob the Jeweler, baubles, Lauraine Schwartz, oughta do
It's big balling baby, when I'm courting you
I'm talking spy bags, and fly pads, and
Rooms at the Bloomberg, and rumors you on the verge
Of a new merge, 'cause that rock on ya finger'ss like a tumor
You can't fit ya hand in ya new purse
It's humorous, to me they watching and we just yachting
Island hopping off the Amalfi coast
Mafios, oh baby, you ever seen Saturn?
No, not the car, but everywhere we are
You're sure to see stars, this is high level not eye level
My bezel, courtesy of Audemars
I order yours tomorrow, now look at the time I saved you
Mama, let me upgrade you
Just when you think we had it all
Big ends, condos, collecting cars
Picture your life elevating with me
Make you my project celebrity I keep your name hot in them streets
And it's that little glimpse of light that makes that diamond really shine
And you already is a star, but
Unless you're flawless
Then ya dynasty ain't complete without a chief, like me
Partner, let me upgrade you, Audemars Piguet you
Switch your neckties to purple labels
Upgrade you, I can (up), can I? (Up) let me upgrade you
Partner, let me upgrade you
Partner, let me upgrade you
Flip a new page
Introduce you to some new things, and upgrade you
I can (up), can I? (Up), let me, upgrade you
Partner, let me upgrade you, upgrade you
Audemars Piguet watch, dimples in ya necktie
Hermès briefcase, Cartier tie clips
Silk-lined blazers, diamond creamed facials
Vvs cuff-links, six-star pent suites
Partner, let me, upgrade ya, 'grade ya
Partner, partner, let me, upgrade you, 'grade you
Let me, let me, let me, upgrade you, 'grade you
Partner, partner, partner, let me upgrade you
Enjoy this masterpiece 😊
Everything she stated in this song, she did it, she made it happen. She spoke her reality into existence. Wow.
@byronpendleton8272
This is probably my favorite Beyonce song. From the beginning she let him know she can take him higher than #1.
“I am the light to keep the street on…” Fellas listen closely this is a “BAD” sista right here.
“Picture your life elevating with me
Make you my project celebrity
I keep your name hot in them streets”
She has done all of this for Jay.
@justine2392
Producer: So Jay is running a little late
Bey: No problem, I got it covered
@erintoney7137
Lol it’s funny because he actually filmed his scenes first and she watched to get his mannerisms down 😁
@seanbullex1
😂😂
@bluenotbloo8848
Doesn’t every woman upgrade their man ....
@thinkingoutloud3358
I remember this video came out around the rumors that they broke up so that scene confirmed it but then! Lol I remember being so shocked and happy and thinking they were so cool for this Lolol
@sweetdreams4321
Crowned Rite! She did the Premiere on 106&Park had everybody mouths on the floor when he popped in the video out of nowhere That was Brilliant shut those Rumors down real quick!
@DreamOfJaide
This era of Beyoncé is UNMATCHED.
She was snatching every edge 😍
@PinkYellowGreen2023
Period...
@calvingadson7863
was? she's still snatching
@zainabtouray7681
Upgrade U (ft. Jay-Z)