This week brings with it the 20th anniversary of Destiny’s Child‘s ‘Survivor.’
And while two decades may have passed, the project has lost none of its sheen, shine, or seismic impact.
Today’s From The Vault salutes one of its most resonating offerings – ‘Bootlycious.’
Issued as its parent-LP’s second single, the bouncy bop was penned by Beyonce, Rob Fusari, and Falonte Moore.
An ode to the embrace of one’s curves, the song not only embodied the changing tide of the times (see: female agency in the mediasphere), it would go on to have a cultural impact that directly helped shape the times to come. No longer were curves presented for being for the male gaze. Instead, the song served as a vehicle of self-appreciation, ownership, and celebration of one’s own curvature. Crucially, it potently pushed back at the patriarchy-shaped ideals that had been imposed on women for decades prior.
Its vivacious video stood as a visual exclamation mark of this too.
Directed by Matthew Rolston, the colorful clip saw DC3 dazzle in setups that ranged from playful to fierce. Throughout, their message of empowerment was potently palpable,
The masses agreed. Because they catapulted the track to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and lifted it to top 10 peaks across the globe. This included a #2 placement in the UK and #4 in both Australia and Canada.
Twenty years on, ‘Bootylicious’ is more than a song. It’s a movement, a mindset, and a mantra. It’s also an official word after being added to the Oxford English Dictionary.
Much like the women who sing it, ‘Bootlycious’ has carved out a legendary place in history that cannot be erased.
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