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.
Welcome
Beyoncé Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Uhhhh) Welcome to Hollywood baby
(Take a picture) Uh huh, you coming with? (Let's not even talk about it)
Let's do it (Let's Go!)
I see your jealousy as you're watching
You're watching
It's kinda sexy to me how you're watching (You're watching)
I see your face (I see your face)
You wanna touch it (You wanna touch it)
Come to my place (Come to my place)
And let's discuss it (Let's chop it up)
Tonight you'll be a superstar
Come let me sign you up
(Let's get into it)
Ooh it's the lights (You're blinded by the)
Action! (You need that)
Hollywood!
Ooh it's the lights (You're blinded by the)
Satisfaction! (You need that)
Hollywood
You gots to get it
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Do you want it?
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
But you don't need it
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Until do you do, until do you do
Oh oh oh, hey
I see your face (I see your face)
You wanna touch it (You wanna touch it)
Come to my place (Come to my place)
And let's discuss it (Let's chop it up)
Tonight you'll be (uh)
A superstar
Come let me sign you up (up, up, up)
Ooh it's the lights (You're blinded by the)
Action! (You need that)
Hollywood
Ooh it's the lights (You're blinded by the)
Satisfaction! (You need that)
Hollywood (come on, come on, come on)
You hear it screamin'
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
The cameras rollin'
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
You're so addictive
Oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh
Like Hollywood
Nothing like hollywood
Oh oh oh, hey
And everybody's warning you about it (Oh!)
And once you taste you can't live without it (No, no, no, no!)
Not 'cause you choose to not live without it (Oh!)
It's now a part of you (It's now a part of you)
And everybody warning you about it (Hey!)
And once you taste it, you can't live
Ooh it's the lights (It's the lights, you're blinded by the)
Action! (Action, you need that)
Hollywood (Hollywood)
Ooh it's the lights (Satisfaction, you're blinded by the)
Satisfaction! (So addictive, you need that)
Hollywood (Hey, Hollywood)
Now you wanna be seen as male groupies
Now you've become what you once despised
James Dean, John Belushi
Blow your whole life, tryna' live in the lights
Heroines followin' Marilyn Hoppin'
Over the edges like Janice Joplin
River Phoenix, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Morrison
All of them ended by Hollywood
I see your face and uh you wanna touch it, yeah
Come to my place and we can discuss it
Hollywood, welcome to Hollywood
In the song Welcome to Hollywood, Beyoncé criticizes the culture of Hollywood and speaks to those who are tempted by its glamour, cautioning them to be aware of the perils of fame. Beyoncé warns that the culture of Hollywood can be seductive, and how vulnerable and insecure people fall victim to it. It shows how people's desire for fame and success can outweigh the risk and the potential danger that comes with it. The lines "I see your jealousy while watching / It's kinda sexy to me how you're watching" illustrate how people can be envious of those caught up in the culture of Hollywood, and the singer finds it somewhat appealing.
Beyoncé uses an extended metaphor of a drug addiction. In this case, the drug is the satisfaction of fame that people crave when they go to Hollywood. It is compared to a substance that people become addicted to, and as the song progresses, it becomes increasingly evident that Beyoncé is warning people not to fall into the trap of addiction that is living in Hollywood. The chorus is full of "oohs" and "ahhs," which make listeners feel starstruck and in shock about everything happening around them. In the end, the song suggests that people should be aware of what they're getting into before they go to Hollywood, and if they're not careful, they will be caught up in the craziness and eventually lose themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
It ain't for everybody!
Hollywood is not for everyone, only those who are willing to do what it takes to succeed.
(Uhhhh) Welcome to Hollywood baby
Welcome to the land of dreams and fame, where people come to make it big.
(Take a picture) Uh huh, you coming with? (Let's not even talk about it)
Are you ready to enter the world of Hollywood and all its glitz and glamour? Let's not discuss the challenges and pitfalls.
Let's do it (Let's Go!)
Let's proceed and embrace everything Hollywood has to offer.
I see your jealousy as you're watching
I notice that you're envious as you watch me in Hollywood.
You're watching
You're paying close attention and observing me.
It's kinda sexy to me how you're watching (You're watching)
I find it attractive and appealing that you're keeping an eye on me here in Hollywood.
I see your face (I see your face)
I notice your facial expressions and reactions.
You wanna touch it (You wanna touch it)
You desire to physically interact with me.
Come to my place (Come to my place)
Come to my home or location.
And let's discuss it (Let's chop it up)
Let's chat or talk about it.
Tonight you'll be a superstar
Tonight you will achieve great fame and success.
Come let me sign you up
Allow me to sign you up on a record label so you can start your journey to stardom.
(Let's get into it)
Let's start this process right away.
Ooh it's the lights (You're blinded by the)
The lights and bright colors of Hollywood can be overwhelming and captivating.
Action! (You need that)
People crave the excitement and energy of Hollywood.
Hollywood!
This is what the song is all about.
Satisfaction! (You need that)
People need to feel satisfied in their pursuit of success in Hollywood.
You gots to get it
You need to work hard and strive to achieve success in Hollywood.
Oh oh oh oh
These are vocalizations that add energy and emotion to the song.
Do you want it?
Are you sure you want success in Hollywood?
But you don't need it
Perhaps you don't really need the fame and fortune that Hollywood can offer.
Until do you do, until do you do
Only you can decide if fame and fortune are worth it for you.
Tonight you'll be (uh)
Tonight you will achieve great success and fame.
A superstar
You will become a well-known and celebrated celebrity.
Ooh it's the lights (You're blinded by the)
The bright lights of Hollywood can be hypnotic and irresistible.
Hollywood
This line repeats the theme of the song.
You hear it screamin'
You can hear the excited screams of fans and paparazzi.
The cameras rollin'
The cameras are always rolling in Hollywood.
You're so addictive
Success in Hollywood can be very addicting.
Like Hollywood
This line emphasizes that it's not just the person, but the whole environment of Hollywood that can be addicting.
Nothing like hollywood
There is nothing else that compares to the allure and excitement of Hollywood.
And everybody's warning you about it (Oh!)
Everyone warns you about the challenges and risks of pursuing success and fame in Hollywood.
And once you taste you can't live without it (No, no, no, no!)
Once you experience the excitement and success of Hollywood, you may become addicted to it.
Not 'cause you choose to not live without it (Oh!)
It's not because you choose to be addicted to Hollywood, but because the environment and lifestyle make it difficult to leave.
It's now a part of you (It's now a part of you)
Hollywood becomes a significant part of who you are as a person.
And everybody warning you about it (Hey!)
People continue to warn you about the challenges and risks of Hollywood.
And once you taste it, you can't live
Once you succeed and experience life as a celebrity in Hollywood, it becomes difficult to leave.
Now you wanna be seen as male groupies
You now aspire to be like the male groupies in Hollywood, who follow celebrities around and try to get noticed.
Now you've become what you once despised
You have become like the people you used to despise.
Blow your whole life, tryna' live in the lights
You risk wasting your entire life trying to live in the spotlight of Hollywood.
Heroines followin' Marilyn Hoppin'
Women continue to emulate the behaviors of famous movie star Marilyn Monroe.
Over the edges like Janice Joplin
People who achieve success in Hollywood often struggle with addiction and mental health issues, like famous musician Janice Joplin.
River Phoenix, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Morrison
These are famous celebrities who died young after struggling with addiction and other issues in Hollywood.
All of them ended by Hollywood
All of these celebrities ultimately met an untimely death due to their involvement in the stressful and difficult environment of Hollywood.
Come to my place and we can discuss it
This line repeats earlier lyrics.
Welcome to Hollywood
This is the final line of the song, bringing it all full circle.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Beyonce Knowles, Reginald Perry, Shawn Carter, Schaffer Smith
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