Beyonce’s Marketing Manager: “She Wouldn’t Release A Free Album”

Published: Saturday 27th Sep 2014 by Sam
beyonce-money-thatgrapejuice

U2‘s groundbreaking roll-out of their new album ‘Songs Of Innocence’ still has the industry abuzz.

Indeed, commentators are still split on whether the free, direct-to-device iTunes release of the project was envelope-pushing or a negative case of nepotism.

Naturally, the conversation evokes frequent mentions of Beyonce and comparisons too. After all, the diva’s surprise album release last year is still hailed by many as the definitive means of gorilla marketing in the music industry.

With some suggesting the rock group’s approach is an advancement of Bey’s ambitious campaign, the Financial Times sat down with Jim Sabey – head of Marketing at the singer’s Parkwood Entertainment – to discuss her career, the atmosphere prior to her shock release, and whether a similar roll out to U2 would be on the cards for the star in the future.

Peep the interesting soundbites below…

Via DS:

On Whether Beyonce Will Release A U2-Esque, Free LP:

“I never like to see anything free. We’ve never played the pricing game. 

There’s a misconception that recorded music sales are not an important piece of the mix of any artist business. They’re still really important.”

On Beyonce & Team Being Anxious About 2013’s Surprise Release:

“We were all sleepless, anxiety-ridden. We didn’t have a back-up plan. We really didn’t,” Sabey said, adding that Beyoncé chose iTunes over other retailers because “their corporate culture is shrouded in secrecy”.

On Beyonce’s Future Plans:

“When I started talking to Beyoncé about what she wanted to accomplish with the next 10, 15 years of her career it was inspiring. At the time she was 31 years old, but she [was] 16 years in the game. She has such a solid understanding of her own brand.”

{Check out the rest of the interview by clicking here. It makes for a riveting read.}

***************

It’s interesting to see Team Bey outrightly disassociating with the U2 approach. Because, upon the arrival of the band’s LP, it immediately had us thinking about whether she could, would, or should do something similar with her next release (which is alleged to be the pipeline). After all, she’s set the bar high for not just the industry, but herself too with ‘Beyonce’. As such, there’s almost a necessity to continue to think out of the box and deliver larger-than-life campaigns from here on out.

Which begs the question: how do you think Beyonce (or artists in general) should release projects moving forward. We have a few ideas…but what are yours?

Your thoughts?

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  1. maurice September 27, 2014

    “probably wont make money off of this… oh well”

    BISH YOU KNEW THE ALBUM WOULD SELL.

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  2. Did you say Justin Bieber,one Direction,miley,lady gaga or beyoncè (My Gal G dragged Molly on twitter) September 27, 2014

    waits for tha pressed LB. follow me on ask.fm @beykim

    • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) September 27, 2014

      Biitch

  3. The real xoxo September 27, 2014

    The ‘Beyonce’ album could’ve gone so wrong in many ways. It was a risk and it paid off.

    • Someone September 27, 2014

      Mostly paid off cuz of her name tho.

  4. blue September 27, 2014

    other then the surprise element i Dont see how this U2 and beyonce’s situations are similar…U2 are at a point were sales Dont matter they are they have past the business and are just about the music unlike beyonce despite her stans swearing up and down that she aint about sales, she is still required by her label to bring in those checks hence why you wont see a free album from her for some years still.

    • Did you say Justin Bieber,one Direction,miley,lady gaga or beyoncè (My Gal G dragged Molly on twitter) September 27, 2014

      yeah the record label does want checks

  5. Did you say Justin Bieber,one Direction,miley,lady gaga or beyoncè (My Gal G dragged Molly on twitter) September 27, 2014

    there is something i need to get off my chest for real. this done be site has helped me through tough times in my life & its a darn good one. its one of my fav site.and i love it

    • RICHIE_RICH September 27, 2014

      Stay strong. Just know GOD doesn’t put you thru nothing you can’t handle. God bless

      • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) September 27, 2014

        That ho just pressed honey

    • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) September 27, 2014

      Stfu u LIFELESS MUTHAFUCKN ho!!

  6. Beysus September 27, 2014

    I think she should continue with the surprise releases. Fans know to expect a body of work from Bey. Lol next thing you know she’ll be putting all her music videos and songs together to make like one big musical film or something so that you definitely can’t skip the songs!!!

    • CherylSoldierr September 27, 2014

      Have you heard the new Kylie ep?

      • Beysus September 27, 2014

        Nope. Didn’t know about it. I like Kylie though. Is it good?

  7. OMG Logic!!! September 27, 2014

    She wasn’t the first to release a surprise album, so I still don’t see what all the fuzz is about.

    • RICHIE_RICH September 27, 2014

      We all know she wasn’t the first to do it nor the last, but were the others as sucessful as her’s is the question.

    • IOWNTHEWORLD September 27, 2014

      You’re missing the point. No it wasn’t the first time an artist did this type of release. This was an ANTICIPATED album that people EXPECTED to come with a huge rollout but Beyoncé decided to forego all of that and just dropped it. That’s the difference.

  8. CherylSoldierr September 27, 2014

    Well my everything and prism are already free on Google play.

    • Rosie September 27, 2014

      The kii is that Ponytail’s team waited right up until it was eligible to chart with the discount on Billboard.

  9. RICHIE_RICH September 27, 2014

    This woman is just the Best at what she does!!!!!!

    I think the next release should be like a movie album…..

  10. RICHIE_RICH September 27, 2014

    She is giving the GIRLS FACE AND SHADE at the same time…..That pic is everthing to me.

  11. RICHIE_RICH September 27, 2014

    “Beyoncé has delivered countless surprises in her 15 years on top of the music world, but she’s never dropped a bombshell like this,” Rolling Stone’s Rob Sheffield wrote at the time. “The whole project is a celebration of the Beyoncé Philosophy, which basically boils down to the fact that Beyoncé can do anything the hell she wants to.”

  12. JOHNVIDAL September 27, 2014

    Of course she wouldn´t do a surprise release FOR FREE. She likes money too much, oh and like others have said, she´s not on U2 and others level, she should release way more albums and try to improve her average catalogue before being there.

    • CherylSoldierr September 27, 2014

      Her touring numbers vs theirs at this stage in their career are comparable though. Stop being bitter. Your fave is the one that wouldn’t settle for less than $20 million on idol.

    • RICHIE_RICH September 27, 2014

      You come off very bitter at times John

      • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) September 27, 2014

        Ikr!! I hate we ppl post negative post.

      • BEYHIVE_MINAJ September 27, 2014

        @truth You’re one to talk about negativity…

    • JOHNVIDAL September 27, 2014

      I´m just realistic. Sorry guys. Of course Mariah also wants money, I didn´t say otherwise. What I meant, and I think it´s true, is that Beyonce is not on that level that you have such an amazing catalogue that it gets to a point when you release for free (U2, Prince), and I also said that she is in the business mainly to make money, seeing how little she interacts with fans and how orchestrated her concerts and every move are. Mariah wants the money, but the thing that moved her from the start was the need of making MUSIC.
      And yeah, it´s hilarous someone like this @truth person talking about negativity LOL
      I only pay attention to a few TGJ visitors, Beyonce fans are many here and I rarely focus on them, so I don´t know for sure, but I think you two guys are among the most respectful ones from what I´ve read sometimes from other people mentioning you. So sorry if my comments annoy you sometimes 🙂

  13. Valerie September 27, 2014

    Of course she wouldn’t. Her albums are not discounted after the first few months either.
    People forget that Beyonce is selling for almost double the price of most.

  14. Mingxxx September 27, 2014

    can thief beyonce stupid fans get it? THIEF BEYONCE DONT GIVE A DAMN ABOUT YOU she only wants your money. that rip off b.itch wld never do nothing unless you are spending your welfare checks. funny this b.itch can steal from others and not pay them. I see why that HBO docu was a flop and if the rip off thief wanna come at U2 they will finish whats left of her career. ha ha she dont give a single damn about her stupid fans all about your money.

    • Riri September 27, 2014

      i love ming’s posts because they are always so incoherent with hatred. my bf cheated on me and i don’t hate him as much as ming hates beyonce… get off of beyonce’s d***. its not healthy to hate someone like u do!!!

  15. Beysus September 27, 2014

    Even if she did, she’d get so much money from touring and endorsement deals… So it’s all good…

  16. Mingxxx September 27, 2014

    And that “surprise” album sold fast but flopped fast. Since it still is not doing big numbers in US or even outside. Under 2.1 mill US copies even with free promo. and continues to decline you morons have very low standards

    • truth (icki is the QWEEN OF PUSHBACK!! Iggy got her scuured honey. #IckiAFlop) September 27, 2014

      Girl…just stfu…

      • Memo September 27, 2014

        She ain’t done Adele’s numbers, tho.

  17. RICHIE_RICH September 27, 2014

    Why the Navy always MAD and PRESSED? Get over it Beyonce is a bigger artist than Rihanna, and thats FACT. Slice and Dice as you choose, but you can’t slice and dice FACTS. IMO if you stan for Rihanna you have very very very very very very low standards.

    • blue September 27, 2014

      why rihanna has some of the best pop music released in the past 2 decades. Every critic will agree on the fact that gggb, loud and rated r were one of if not thee best albums released by a pop artist in their respective years. Her sales more than rival beyonces and to this day only adele has managed to sell more albums than her since her debut (and this is something im assuming). Low standards? Great music matched by great sales whats low about that?

  18. Diamond Princess September 27, 2014

    I’m sorry but wasn’t her album a few months ago just certified as 1x-3xplatinum? The way people talked about it you would have thought she went 3x platinum in a month. I don’t believe the hype, eventhough apple said she broke itunes record. Digital sales of single songs bought? Like to this day I don’t understand what records she broke or how she was more successful thsn anyone else who did this before? No hate… I just don’t get what the fuss was ever about?

  19. blue September 27, 2014

    point is BEYONCE was one of the most talked about and hyped up albums this decade maybe for the past 2 decades close competition with 21 and BTW. And it did as good as its marketing strategy could do for it. beyonce is still an artist signed to a label that needs her to bring in the sales and she isnt yet at the point were she could drop an album not care whether it sold or not and still expect to sell out stadiums. U2 are.

    • Iamdiego September 28, 2014

      People kill me acting as if GP were talking about Adele’s album. She had 3 or 4 singles on the radio from (21) but I don’t know anyone with her album. Of course the bandwagon fans speak on the epic sales, but never the music. The people who bought it where old/white ppl. They have a completely different fan Base. Bey will may never sell 30,000,000. But don’t act as if she can’t go on a stadium tour and sellout because of her catalog. She’s a performer even if GP doesn’t know a Beyonce song by the end of it they are standing up. “Why Dont You Love Me” was never a single, but when Bey performs it you instantly love it. She sold over 2 million albums in the U.S. (in 9.5 months) and had her highest first week sales from only 3 Days of being on sale (Itunes only). Stop comparing her to other artist. I believe she will have another album that will do better and SOUND better. Thats the goal. Give her time. The point is that while the others come and go…Bey is one of the most consistent Artist over the last 15 yrs, and will still be 15 yrs from now.

  20. RICHIE_RICH September 27, 2014

    Point is U2 started in 1976 and Beyonce started in 1997.
    21yr gap…………

    • blue September 27, 2014

      like i said she isnt there yet. And that is nothing to take away from what she has achieved so far. It takes time to build up to that kinda level. Thats nothing negative for bey its just something U2 has over her. Much like how rihanna is at 9 years and she gets compared to bey 17 years and looked down on for not achieving something that took bey that much time to achieve and not get complimented for achieving at her age what bey couldnt than.

      • Marley September 27, 2014

        All the ‘Rihanna achieved it younger’ is b*******. Ask yourself how many eras did Beyonce have to her name age 26. At thins month and point 7 years ago when she was 26 she had just released her second solo album, compared to Rihanna who is going on to her eighth. I would expect her time frame to be smaller.

  21. blue September 27, 2014

    not really much of a risk, she released around xmas, the album had hype since a year before its release everyone knew it was coming it was just a matter of when, she is one of the biggest names in music, a surprise release from bey was always going to create a media spark, all her team needed to do was keep fanning those flames and ride the waves plus the limited release guaranteed huge itunes sales…hence itunes record set.

    • blue September 27, 2014

      that is not a negative to bey, that is smart marketing which is a positive to her and her team.

  22. LB September 27, 2014

    LMAO….DEATH!!!!

  23. Mark111 September 27, 2014

    The Beyoncé album wasn’t clear out of the blue. We knew she was coming, just not when. The fans were waiting all year for a single and got a full blown great album. I don’t think any other artist can ever pull that off. Maybe a popular boyband.

    The question is, is this a gimmick? Jay Z had Samsung buy most of his albums, U2 has Apple, are artists gonna have companies buy their music for to advertise their products?

    • LB September 27, 2014

      It’s a gimmick, if she did it again, well I’ll just give another example.

      20/20 LOCALperience Part 1 , 3,600,000

      20/20 LOCALperience Part 2 , 1,000,000

      Lighting doesn’t strike the same spot twice I guess.

      • Mark111 September 27, 2014

        JT first 2020 was all hype and a let down. That’s why the 2nd part didn’t do well. His next album will flop. He’s a past paste Usher with half the success.

      • LOL September 28, 2014

        JT’s album was bigger success than Thiefonce can ever dream about. Of course the second album wouldn’t have as big sales as the first one if it’s released few months after. And Ushit is a sad hasbeen. JT says hi from sold-out tour and I’m sure his next album will do great. Don’t worry.

    • CherylSoldierr September 27, 2014

      Jay z sold 1 million w/o Samsung, no?
      And that 20/20 experience is a horrible example. How many artists have released part 1 & 2 in the same year. Hell rihanna basically did it w how close her albums were and got the EXACT SAME sales.

  24. booboo bye September 27, 2014

    Beyonce’s p**** juice is overflowing again and that loose bottom samantha and the flies hive are drinking it all up as usual 🙂

  25. LB September 27, 2014

    Remember when Just Timberlake went platinum in one week and sold about the same figures as Unapologetic?

    Remember when Pink opened with 200K and went on to sell 5 million, or Bruno Mars who opened up with similar figures and went on to sell 5 million.

    Funny thing is the way these paid organizations talk about Beyonce and Jutin Timberlake, you would think Pink and Bruno weren’t there in the same period. That is what you call over hype, and what I call spin, propaganda and clever marketing.

    • Mark111 September 27, 2014

      Born This Way is a prime example of hype. The thing is, labels don’t want to put in the work or take the chance to push and support an album more than a week. It’s been a year of 20/20 and less than a year for part 2 and Beyoncé and those albums are gone. While Katy Perry is still doing well.

      • CherylSoldierr September 27, 2014

        Yes mark, but there’s a reason when you see katy Perry discounted at 5.99 on iTunes (advertised in the new releases section) or free on Google play. Beyonce hasn’t changed her price at all, which is one of the reasons the sales haven’t exploded like people initially thought. Bruno, pink and lana slay tho.

  26. LB September 27, 2014

    OMMMGGGG I just saw Naughty Boy and Emeli Sande contributed to that MJB album, I am so buying

  27. YoursGrande111 September 27, 2014

    She’s so talented. Was watching Cadillac Records for the first time. Wow that’s all imma say, she deserves everything she has. I think she should do a blues album for her next album very talented.

  28. Marley September 27, 2014

    This era is so iconic for its strategy. I still can’t get over the shock horror her haters had to face when the album dropped. After a year of ‘Beyonces album is not coming’. Lol. She knew what she was doing, and it’s not like it’s an album of trash music either. Beyonce, kudos to you girl. I don’t know one pop artist that doesn’t use a gimmick in one way shape or form. Dint be mad because Beyonce was smart with hers.

    • SURPRISE……(DEC.13) September 27, 2014

      WELL IT’S NOT A BEYONCE POST IF FAGGBIRD AND DAT D********’S STAN ARE NOT PERCHED IN HERE LIKE VULTURES FEEDING ON CARCAS…#HATERSWILLALWAYSHATETHO

  29. fatusankoh September 27, 2014

    Yoygo bey you are talented smart you work hard on your craft and love whart you do my fellow fans lets keep our support for our bey this haters want nor ting good for bey they want her to fail but thank god you haters are not God may God continue to bless protect her and her family for life long happy life ever lasting long happy married more success in all she do good luck with all you do

  30. YoursGrande111 September 27, 2014

    I feel like she’s becoming too much of a brand like Samsung, Apple, Sony etc, which is good very good but I want people to get into her artistry not only her star power and celebrity power because she’s really talented. She has the voice to do any genre & play around with her catalog she’s still young. Songs like Rocket, No Angel, Haunted really were impressive in terms of her vocal capabilities, she’s mastering the art of vocals, harmonies etc. I’d love her to strip down from her fierceness & all that choreography but I doubt it she’s a performer that’s her brand or signature.

    • LOL September 27, 2014

      LOL FRAUDS HAVE NO ARTISTRY THAT’S WHY THIS BYTCH DOESN’T GET ANY PROPS FOR IT LOL

      • XXX September 27, 2014

        Universal acclaim disagrees.

  31. SMH September 27, 2014

    More bloated overhype from the beyonce propaganda machine. Doesn’t matter what gimmick she used, the numbers don’t back up the hype. Neither does the staying power. Less than 4 million copies WW after all of this hype doesn’t read like a spectacular success to me. THAT’S why she can never release a free album. Her name isn’t powerful enough to make that type of a strategy a success like an artist of U2’s caliber.

  32. LOL September 27, 2014

    LOL THEY SHOULD HAVE ASKED HIM WHY IS IT STILL STRUGGLING TO OUTSELL UNAPOLOGETIC LOL

    • Barb B**** September 27, 2014

      Its not though. Its already outsold it in the US and is less than 20k away from outselling it completley. The fact that yall waiting for it to outsell it though is a kii.

      • LOL September 27, 2014

        LOL SAVE YOUR PIPE DREAMS, BYTCH. SHE HASN’T OUTSOLD RIHANNA YET, BOTTOM LINE. LESS THAN 20K AWAY AFTER ALMOST A YEAR OF GIMMICKS MEANS IT’S STILL STRUGGLING TO PASS RIRI LOL.

        LESS THAN 20K AWAY, LESS THAN 888K VIEWERS, NOTICE HOW THE BYTCH IS ALWAYS ‘LESS THAN’ LOL

      • Barb B**** September 27, 2014

        Lol. Your logic is so flawed. So you’re waiting for it to outsell a 2 year old album? It will. No wonder Gaga stays flopping. Yall worryimg ebout everyone else. Beyonce is like 2x platinum while gaga barely scraping Gold. Be seated.

      • Barb B**** September 27, 2014

        And the nerve to speak about less than. Hasnt gaga sold less than all of them?

      • LOL September 27, 2014

        LOL BUT WHY DO THE FLEAS KEEP TRYING TO DEFLECT FROM BASICYONCE NOT BEING ABLE TO SELL PAST RIHANNA? LOL

        ANSWER THAT QUESTION BEFORE U BRING SOMEBODY ELSE UP.

        SINCE U WANNA BRING UP GAGA, WHY COULDN’T STRUGGLEYONCE PULL IN AS MANY VIEWERS AS THE MONSTER BALL? LOL

      • Barb B**** September 27, 2014

        But she IS going to outsell Rihanna.

    • YoursGrande111 September 27, 2014

      Like stfu she’s gonna outsell by december. One discount its over for that album smh she already outsold it in US rihanna’s domestic market

      • LOL September 27, 2014

        LOL BYTCH STFU AND WORRY ABOUT FLOPIANA’S NON SALES.

        YOU BUGS BEEN SAYING SHE’S GONNA OUTSELL RIHANNA SINCE LAST DECEMBER LOL

        NOW SIT AND TRY TO HELP FLOPIANA FIND SOME RELEVANCY LOL

      • Rosie September 27, 2014

        A Fad stan coming for sales when its’s faves attempt at winning back the GP is on track to be blocked by a fad country artist and Barbra Strisand’s second week?
        When it’s been begging its fans to spam with album links “in the next 72 hours”?

      • LOL September 27, 2014

        LOL A LANA DEL WHAT STAN NEEDS TO REMAIN HUSHED UNTIL PEOPLE KNOW WHO SHE IS LOL

  33. Barb B**** September 27, 2014

    Love Beyonce shes such a young legend.

    • LOL September 27, 2014

      LMAO

      • SURPRISE……(DEC.13) September 27, 2014

        LMAO?? U MEAN LIKE FLOPGA AND OLDY BENNET’S B*** CHEEK TO B*** CHEEK FIRST WEEK SALES……..LOL INDEED….
        U ARE SO PRESSED OVER BEY, BUT UR FAVE IS CLINGING TO OLD SAGGY COCKK FOR RELEVANCY…NOBODY IS TALKING ABOUT THE “FLOPRAVE BALL”, SOME EVEN THINK IT’S OVER.. NO ATTENTION IS BEING PAID TO UR FAVE AND YET U WANT TO START DRAGGING BEY….H** BYE AND HAVE YANKEE STADUIM FULL OF SEATS FILLED WITH RAZORS..LOL

      • LOL September 27, 2014

        LOL THAT’S WHY STRUGGLEYONCE GOT SLAYED BY CARTOONS WHEN SHE WAS ON HBO RIGHT LOL

        AND WHY THE MONSTER BALL COMMERCIALS PULLED MORE VIEWERS RIGHT LOL

        LOL SIT YO SEETHING ASS DOWN TIL THE BYTCH CAN MATCH UNAPOLOGETIC’S SALES LOL

  34. Everyone’s A Critic September 27, 2014

    Would you do your job for free? Didn’t think so

    • SURPRISE……(DEC.13) September 27, 2014

      EXACTLY!!!!! UNLESS UR DOING CHARITY WORK.. AND I KNOW MY FAVE (BEY) AIN’T SPENDING YEARS TO WORK ON AN ALBUM AND GIVE IT OUT FOR FREE. P.S PEOPLE FORGET DAT U2 GOT PAID, DEY GOT MONEY OF THEIR DEAL.

  35. Mingxxx September 27, 2014

    You mean thief beyonce hasnt out sold young rihanna un apologetic worldwide? after all that free promo a flop hbo show and mtv awards concert. that album really is a flop.

    • SURPRISE……(DEC.13) September 27, 2014

      AND RIHJECTION IS SOMEWHERE GETTING HER ROTATIONAL CHECK AT THE CLINIC FOR S.T.D AND H*****….YOUR POINT BEING?????? LOL

  36. blue September 27, 2014

    actually no it isnt nothing prevented bey from achieving at 26 what rihanna has. They simply took different paths. Just like how rihanna could have just as easily have done an album every two years and could have been on her 3rd-4th album by now or she could have started out in a girl group too and she almost did. Point is at 26yrs old with only 9 years in the game rihanna is standing neck-neck with 32yrs with 17 yrs in the industry beyonce. And at lets be honest 26yrs old bey couldnt stand next to 32 year old bey.

    • Slay_Hive September 27, 2014

      How is Rihanna standing neck to neck with Beyonce? Explain…………

  37. cmplxbeing September 27, 2014

    For a site that’s always claiming to be unbiased I’m wondering why the girls that run this site never posted about the awful numbers that the OTR HBO special pulled in? Especially since they assisted with hyping the special!! Had Rihanna, GaGa, or Mariah pulled these numbers Sam & Company would be all over it branding it a MAJOR FLOP….but since this is Beyone I guess they are giving her a pass!! IMO that’s bad business, & bad blogging!! If you are going to be an unbiased site please be fair & unbiased even when your fave pulls in less than stellar numbers that had been hyped & promoted well over a month #please & #thankyou

  38. S****** Blonde September 27, 2014

    That b**** was trying to shade U2 with the “I never like to see anything free”, the band was paid like 20 million to do that, what you think is charitable in the music industry, in reality is business, they have already earned more than any other music act, without touring or much publicity, that’s what you call a smart move, i know some of you don’t know a thing about Rock music or how big and influential some bands are for music, so all of you better not try with U2, not in the name of that woman, she is not on their level and she will never be, she could only wish to have the talent those old guys have, stick to compare her to her Pop peers.

    • CherylSoldierr September 27, 2014

      Girl stop seething. It’s a different type of music and they’ve been overrated since beautiful day. The new album is literally sh!t.

  39. Slay_Hive September 27, 2014

    I’m over the navy trying to discredit Bey to make their basic fave look good. Fact is Beyonce has always been the bigger star, dating back to her DC days. She was the lead singer and the most famous out of the group. At the age of 26, Beyonce had only just released her second album. She already had several grammy awards, and she was performing for dignitaries and performing with legends(Prince).She had two major acting roles, Austin Powers being one, and Dreamgirls. She was nominated for a golden globe. Her overall movie gross is near 1 billion.

    As you can see Rihanna had to work twice as hard for the little success she has. Bey has accomplished more at a younger age than Rihject. It’s so insulting for her to even be compared to Bey

    • NOLIES September 27, 2014

      STFU! YOU’RE one of the most PRESSED f****** on this site.

      • Slay_Hive September 27, 2014

        LOOOL I think you have me confused with yourself! kii Was all that necessary? Did i hit a nerve b****? #nothingbutfacts *chuckles*

      • NOLIES September 27, 2014

        No nerves hit hun. It seems way more easier to hit a nerve anytime someone mentions how OVERRATED B’s mediocre discography and “vocals.” She isn’t Queen of anything but having F**** like your loose hole and looser mouth ass brainwashed. The b**** simply is NOTHING but a product of Daddy Multiple Kids Knowles. Stay mad, because you can’t go a day unless you’re typing an essay on how amazing she is. Who are you trying to convince? Us or yourself? #HaveSeveralSeats

      • Slay_Hive September 27, 2014

        Oh b**** you mad aint ya??? 😀 😀 😀

        Beyonce is a superstar because she is more talented than any b**** you stan for. Mathew helped her accomplish her dream but Bey’s talent is what made her the star she is. Not her father.

        Death @ you asking me who I’m trying to convince. The GP and several critics agree that she is Queen

        This’ll be the last bone I throw your way. Rihtarded h**. LOOL

      • NOLIES September 27, 2014

        B**** sit down. The b**** isn’t more talented than anyone I stan for, because I stan for no one but Jesus. This h** can’t even be in the same sentence. This b**** is so ‘talented’ yet can’t sing live, do anything on her merit, be original, have a fan base that actually graduated past the 5th grade, and birth her own child w/o posting pics of her before her miscarriage. This b**** isn’t anywhere on the charts, she isn’t on any real vocalist levrl, she damn sure isn’t on anyone real dancer level with those unoriginal water aerobics, and she can’t sell 5 million WW. FLOP B****! As I said she is OVERRATED & YOU are a delusional f**.

      • Slay_Hive September 27, 2014

        Hun I stopped reading after you said you stan For jesus Lmaooo And you cursing like a sailor! smh 😀

      • NOLIES September 27, 2014

        I believe that your stripper fav claims to be a Christian, but yet makes videos like Partition… So I’m not anymore hypocritical than your lip singing fav…

  40. Badcici September 27, 2014

    Beyonce is cool but I think she is overrated. Musically, she is a notch above mediocre. Her catalogue is nothing to rave about…at all. Her branding and ability to bring those dry songs to life onstage are what saved her. A lot of rnb females have far more interesting discographies than she does. People worship her like she is God but I know one thing……. Her next album better be groundbreaking if she wants to truly become a legend. Her last album was cute but forgettable and this is my opinion.

    • Slay_Hive September 27, 2014

      All of that is your opinion. I can’t sit here and post countless interviews and from legends, peers, and critics alike. She gets nothing but praise. Beyonce is the performer of this generation and her music is no where mediocre with an 85 metacritic score for BEYONCE.

      I hate when people say the Hive is worshipping when, they are doing the same thing with there faves. It’s just bothers so many people that Bey is STILL that chick 17+ years later..

      BTW I believe you are a r****** fan hiding behind ciara. kii If not Ciara is basic and not even worth mentioning

      • NOLIES September 27, 2014

        Typing essays. Like I said, the PRESSED one here is CLEARLY as obvious as B’s photoshop.

      • Slay_Hive September 27, 2014

        LOL Please tell me what I have to be pressed over sweetheart? and this is a paragraph not an essay dumb b****!

    • Knowles Carter September 27, 2014

      Ciara’s discography isn’t seeing Bey’s that’s for damn sure!!!

    • Tyo September 27, 2014

      @Badcici to the point!

  41. NOLIES September 27, 2014

    Ummmm DUH! Who the hell gives their work away for free? I don’t even like mixtapes. Your artistry can only be taken serious of people have to buy it, regardless of what type sales it garners. U2 doing it is different from ANY other artist doing it, because they are U2. The album is also pretty good.

  42. CATFISH CAREY September 27, 2014

    WELL DUH BEYONCE WOULD NEVER GIVE HER WORK AWAY FOR FREE SHE IS SELFISH AND WANTS TO MAKE SURE THAT HER FANS PAY FOR WORK THAT SHE RIPPED OFF FROM OTHER ARTISTS AND SONGWRITTERS

    • NOLIES September 27, 2014

      LMAOOOOOOO Exactly.

  43. Patrick September 27, 2014

    I like the way Beyonce did it. If I was her, I wouldnt have given that away for free either. Imagine how much time and money it took to create? No way it should be free. Sam, can you switch to Discuss commentaries so I dont have to log in on this s*** every time?

  44. Slay_Hive September 27, 2014

    Beyonce is a business woman. Of course she’s not going to give away anything for free. That doesn’t even make sense. At this stage in her career, she’s bigger than all of the other pop girls, and she wants to make her coin. She is known for giving her fans 100%, and that’s why her fans STILL support her and buy her albums.

    Let’s not act like Rihanna hasn’t ripped off of several photographers, for her videos S&M video is the perfect example. I could list more but I’m sure you get the point 😉

  45. LOL September 27, 2014

    LOL. THE FLEAS SEETHING CUZ SLAVEONCE HAS TO REMAIN A S**** SINCE SHE’LL NEVER BE THE LEGEND THAT U2 IS LOL

    • Slay_Hive September 27, 2014

      Madonna reject’s decline tho 🙂

  46. african music lover September 27, 2014

    why do you always let beyonce make you seethe like this?? i have been here for 3 years and i have always seen how she makes you seethe and make this racist comments..you used to be sooo objective,you know how to give credit where its due but there is this effect that beyonce has on you that makes you spew all this much hate on her and then you will use “the hive cant take critism” excuse for your hate.. why do you hate her so much man?

    • african music lover September 27, 2014

      that is for s****** blonde.

  47. Knowles Carter September 27, 2014

    Idk but ever since 12/13/13, almost every fanbase has been pressed over the FORCE that is Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter.

  48. Kyle September 27, 2014

    I personally think Beyoncé’s next album will be a challenge to roll out for her and her creative team because how can you top what they did with “Beyoncé”!? They probably don’t want to repeat it but I can’t see her doing the traditional album release set-up anymore. I’ll be really curious to see what she does next. If anything, I bet she will take a year or two off again and have another child. Until then…we’ll be patiently waiting:)

  49. Diamond Album are iconic September 27, 2014

    I am a fan of Beys but the truth is the album did not do iconic numbers. Ya’ll are over hyping her as usual. The strategy of of the release was good but not iconic. That album should of went diamond for it to be iconic, period. Like Music Box, Daydream, and Thriller

    • Diamond Album are iconic September 27, 2014

      And 21

      • CATFISH CAREY September 27, 2014

        IVE BEEN SAYING
        LETS BE HONEST THOUGH HER CURRENT ALBUM SALES ARE A TAD MEDIOCRE I WONT COMMENT ABOUT THE REST BUT I EXPECT THE SURPRISE ALBUM TO ATLEAST SELL 5 MILL WW BUT IS CURRENT STALLING AT 3 SOMETHING

  50. Diamond Albums are iconic September 27, 2014

    When be gets a diamond album then I would welcome the ICONIC status. Ya’ll clinging to the surprise release

    • Slay_Hive September 27, 2014

      Nobody is getting a diamond album from this generation. Adele is the only one, and that is a rare occurrence.

      I’m glad everyone holds Bey to this high standard, that she is the only one who HAS to get a diamond record. LOL

      The music industry is in shambles right now. GET REAL

  51. Diamond Albums are iconic September 27, 2014

    Even the emancipation of Mimi did bigger numbers

  52. Diamond Albums are iconic September 27, 2014

    Here is the truth. The truth is, Beyonce Is iconic (herself) she is the number 1 in the game today, but her album sales are just okay. The album was good but the visuals were not cohesive. They were just a bunch of different videos released at one time. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to a real iconic visual release, thriller and moonwalker. They both told a story that was cohesive and both had iconic releases. Beyonce the visual album should of been directed like a movie/story. It was too random but trying to get her fans to see that would be like trying to get them to see real artistry.

  53. blue September 27, 2014

    how are they not?
    When you think beyonce you thing rihanna and vice versa, you simply have to look at their current sales to notice that they are selling about the same. Rihanna has a lead on singles and beyonce has a lead on touring.

    • Mark111 September 27, 2014

      Rihanna is the 17th highest selling artist of all time with 150 million records sold and certified. Bey only has 75 and is nowhere near the top, not even top 40. Rihanna’s name is the youngest in the top 20, second is Mariah. The hive can try to chop it up as much as they like, but Rihanna is bigger on a international scale and that’s more important. World Wide vs Nation Wide. Thriller isn’t the highest selling album in the US, but it is the highest seller in the world. #deal

      • XXX September 27, 2014

        Wait. On average Beyonce sells more than Rihanna WW also. You need to re look at their album sales boo. Rihanna has sold more records because she has more. That is all.

      • CherylSoldierr September 27, 2014

        Beyonce also has bigger ww touring numbers so how can you say rihanna is bigger ww when ppl spend more money on bey? 90% of rihannas intl sales are 1.29 singles lol

      • blue September 27, 2014

        rihanna has only had like 3 major tour outings and you expect her to be pulling in the same kind of money as someone whose built in tour audience goes beyond her first solo album? also rihanna was doing stadiums months before beyonce felt she could pull them off and even then beyonce needed jayz’s name on the ticket to fill them up.

        also you forget that $1.29 is also money. take the girls total albums to be 40mil each and rihanna would have sold enough singles to cover 9mil extra at $15 per album beyonce would have added only 3mil.

        that is besides the point because rihanna leads beyonce in album sales by 1-2mil so that extra 70-80 mil singles she sold over bey just cements what a selling power she is.

      • LDN Chick September 27, 2014

        Only 3? Thats the same amount as Beyonces major solo Tours. The excuses. Rihanna has wayyy more eras than beyonce to go by @Blue. Thats a load of rubbish.

      • LDN Chick September 27, 2014

        And Beyonce could easily fill up stadiums. She sold over 100,000 tickets in London alone. Why she didn’t do it will remain a mystery.

      • LDN Chick September 27, 2014

        Sorry I mean 200,000 tickets!

      • blue September 27, 2014

        she didnt do it thats all the is to it. also rihanna could have just as easily added more dates to her tour and grossed over 200mil too. she had 96 dates and grossed 142mil on her tour thats 1.5mil on average every night. 30-40 more dates could have more than done it.

      • LDN Chick September 27, 2014

        Nope I doubt it. If she’s confident enough to add that many dates in one city (selling more tickets than two stadium dates) AND charge more than the likes of Rihanna then logic will tell you she knows she’s very much capable. It’s probably something to do with finance.

    • blue September 27, 2014

      but again she didnt because she wasnt ready. like bey wasnt ready for a stadium tour than until she joined up with jay maybe after the realization that she could do it.

  54. blue September 27, 2014

    Beyonce the brand has always been bigger than the music. Her catalogue aint really that impressive she neither has some of the best rnb/pop music released in her time. But that was how matthew choose to promote her and she has embraced it. The surprise album look at her tour posters, superbowl opening…its all about the image of this larger than life character. And the surprise release played on that, it made a Beyonce release seem like an even unlike any other but you look at the actual sales and she aint doing anything the other girls arent doing with less shouting an praise.

  55. Slay_Hive September 27, 2014

    NO they are not neck and neck! Beyonce has always been superior! Bey has countless endorsements, countless acting roles, golden globe nomination, She was named artist of last decade, she has 17 grammys, and she’s a force when it comes to touring. She can tour off of her name, and not need a new album supporting. The ONLY thing Rihanna has over Bey is more genric albums and more generic singles. Bey has plenty of great songs that didn’t make it to #1, that the GP know. If I were a Boy, Sweet Dreams and Halo are perfect examples.

    Beyonce has sold 17 million albums in America with 5 #1 singles, Rihanna has sold a sorry 10 Million albums with 13 #1 hits and seven albums. America is her domestic market as well.

    • blue September 27, 2014

      but america is not her home which is why rihanna strives outside of it more than she does it, rihanna has a stronger standing and respect in Europe than she has in America hence why she sells 1:2 USA:WW and bey does 2:1. as evidenced by their last 3 releases

  56. Slay_Hive September 27, 2014

    Rihanna’s music is not the great either hence the reason she doesn’t win many grammys. Her songs are all forgettable microwave pop tracks. Her singles and albums burn out quickly, the reason she has to constantly move on to the project.

    Rihanna is the one who relies on “image” That is her gimmick. When it’s time to release a new album. Her look changes, and all of a sudden this new persona arrives. She is not genuine, nor is she talented in my opinion.

    Yes she has all these #1 singles, but her album sales don’t match

    Beyonce took a risk when she did the surprise release,there was no guarantee that the album would have sold. She has millions of fans and whenever she releases something, her fans know it’s going to be worth their money! Beyonce is also outselling EVERY pop girl that has released in the past nine months. Katy, Gaga, Britney, and Miley. They all released around the same time. Katy has TWO #1’s for this album and hasn’t reach double platinum yet.

    You have to respect Bey, because her talent is just as big as her brand. Hater gone hate tho

    • Mark111 September 27, 2014

      Rihanna’s music has made more of an im than any of Beyoncé’s. If anyone is going to be forgotten is Beyoncé out of the two. Prime example, DC Vs TLC. TLC is still known to this day for setting trends, making social statements and music with a message. DC is not and known for Beyoncé herself and Bootylious. They’re styles were tacky, their songs were mainly male bashers and that’s about it. Where’s Beyoncé’s Diamond? Umbrella? I’m sorry, but Beyoncé music is blah. Beyonce has as much depth in her music as her speaking ability in interviews.

      • XXX September 27, 2014

        Lies. Rihanna has more number ones but Beyonces music has more impact, even her flops.
        -Crazy in Love (still gets more spins than Umbrella)
        -Singlr ladies
        -Halo
        -Run The World

        Will be her most remembered songs.

        For Rihanna

        -We Found Love
        -Umbrella
        -Diamonds

      • XXX September 27, 2014

        And the thing is. Unlike Rihanna, Beyonce will be remebered as performing ACT. Rihanna will be remembered for her fashion over everything else. Mark my words.

      • XXX September 27, 2014

        And also the depth thing is debatable. Especially in comparison to Rihanna. Explain why Beyonce has on average high acclaim than Rihanna if her music is so blah.

      • blue September 27, 2014

        beyonce’s average acclaim is comparable to how gaga is praised for every little thing she does even when it really is the shittiest thing you have ever seen/heard. they are hyped up to be more than what they are. but take her album apart track by track and it wouldnt stand next to loud or gggb. rihanna doesnt make cohesive albums because she is a by the song kinda artist, each song is good enough to be a single, bey is an album kinda artist were each song has to lead into the next for the experience but apart the songs fall flat.

      • XXX September 27, 2014

        Average acclaim? Beyonce has Universal acclaim. Rihanna does not. And all the rest of that jibberish is your personal opinion. Call me when Rihanna can deliver a song like Dangerously In Love, Resentment or Love On Top. Then we’ll talk about ‘standing up’ against. And yes she is by the song kind of artist, thats not good thing. A body of work>>>>> Songs thrown together for the Hot 100. And lets not talk about falling flat when Rihanna had 5 flops on Unapologetic after her first couple of songs.

      • blue September 27, 2014

        right now is the only song that flopped off unapologetic every else did moderately well or impressive well seeing as loveee song and pour it up charted without a release. and if those are flops then what are bey’s single that did worse with albums out?

      • XXX September 27, 2014

        Honey, the album fell flat after Stay. Not good for so one who is ‘by the song’. Deal with it.

      • XXX September 27, 2014

        Someone

      • blue September 27, 2014

        yeah the album suffered after stay as she hardly promoted it much like how BEYONCE started to slip after the mammoth media buzz died out. but by then rihanna was already guaranteed her usual 1 mil in the usa and 3 mil ww sales

      • XXX September 27, 2014

        But Beyonces not a ‘by the song’ girl. Like you said. And Rihanna hasn’t sold 3 million over seas. 3.4 million WW (1.1 mill coming from the US) is not 3 million overseas. That’s just over 2 million.

      • blue September 28, 2014

        last time i checked the USA is part of the WW(earth)
        She does 1mil in the USA and 3mil ww. as in 3mil total.

      • XXX September 28, 2014

        So why did you mention 1 mill in the US seperatley?

  57. XXX September 27, 2014

    I wouldn’t work for free either personally. Especially not an entire project.

  58. CherylSoldierr September 27, 2014

    Mark stop being a bitter stan. Beyonce is the bigger name and star worldwide lol. That’s literally a fact. Rihanna has time but she’s not it right now.

    • NOLIES September 27, 2014

      We KNOW it’s not Ciara’s lessor: Common Cold

  59. XXX September 27, 2014

    Musicality wise. What will Rihanna be remebered for. Her stage presence? No. Singing skills? No. Dancing? No. And her catalogue is no more memorable than Beyonces. 80% of her #1s are no more memorable than Beyonce songs that have not gone to #1. When was the last time someone covered or did a routine to S&M or take a boy compared to Girls (Run the world) or Love on Top. Musicality wise she is weak, she will remebered for her FASHION over
    Yes she sold more records (purely because she has more) that does not mean her legacy will be stronger. Ask Tina Turner, Prince or Aretha Franklin.

    • XXX September 27, 2014

      Take a Bow*

      • XXX September 27, 2014

        That still doesn’t answer the full question.

      • blue September 27, 2014

        it jolly well does, they are a current band covering her work and they aren’t the first nor the last. didnt jlo sample rihanna’s rudeboy for a song of hers?

      • XXX September 27, 2014

        Girl the question was with regards to TWO SPECIFIC songs that were #1s and very forgettable (out of many) Now, unless it was either of those songs mention, the link is still irrelevant to my fundamental point.

      • blue September 27, 2014

        so of the 10’s of songs rihanna has released over the years you expect people to only cover two? she has give such a variety of great songs why why why would people limit themselves to only those two?

      • XXX September 27, 2014

        *Sigh. No you don’t get it babe. Forget it. (No pun intended)

      • blue September 27, 2014

        that band is covering her music, which is answers the fundamental basis of your question which is simply: who thinks her music good enough to cover…

        they and countless others do.let me see, alexandra burke, jared leto, chris martin, jessie j, selena gomez, patti smith to name a few recent ones

      • XXX September 27, 2014

        And this is why I said forget it. That was not my fundamental question. My fundamental question was regarding #1s. Rihanna songs top the charts, but most of them are no more stand out than many Beyonce songs that have not topped the charts.

    • blue September 28, 2014

      fact people do cover her work, they sample her work (pixie lott another name i remember), draw inspiration from her work… But you are saying that if it isnt on those 13 that managed to top the chart in one country than it dont matter?
      Again 13 out of over 120 songs?
      So bey’s career is to be judged on the 6 that managed to go #1. Couldnt the overall body of work be the key here?

      • XXX September 28, 2014

        You need a seat now. You still dont get it. I never said people dont cover her work. It was a casual example in comparison to Beyonce songs that do not go to the top of the charts.

  60. XXX September 27, 2014

    And Im not saying Rihanna wont be remembered. Just putting it into perspective. No ones gonna say in 10 years time ‘i want to sing or dance like Rihanna’.

  61. LB September 27, 2014

    Someone with:

    13 US #1s
    8 UK #1s
    5 German #1s
    4 French #1s
    9 Canadian #1s
    8 Australian #1s

    to name a few;

    Let’s not forget someone who has charted,

    Umbrella – UK (10 WEEKS @ #1)
    Diamonds – Germany (10 weeks @ #1)
    We found love – Canada (11 weeks @ #1)
    We found love – USA (10 weeks @ #1)
    SOS – Australia (8 weeks @ #1)

    ;
    to name a few;

    someone who has sold over 150 million records, will not be forgotten. It’s just common sense.

    • XXX September 27, 2014

      No one said she will be forgotten. Save it.

  62. LDN Chick September 27, 2014

    U2s album is horrible. I was pisssed when it popped up on my phone to be even more disappointed when I actually listened. People will automatically defend because they’re supposed to legends but even critics have dragged that mess.
    And HELL NO why should be Beyonce give anything away for free. I would love money in her position too. Don’t like Beyonce hasn’t done A LOT of charitable stuff that often goes amiss because she doesn’t shout and scream to the press about it. So do your research first.

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