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.
Tory Lanez may be embroiled in drama aplenty, but he’s still pressing on with his music. And it looks like he’s doing so in partnership with fellow R&B performer Chris Brown.
The ‘Real Housewives’ All-Stars have shared the first look at them together.
As reported, ladies from various franchises have been tapped to appear in the first-ever blended special.
Set to arrive on Peacock streaming service later this year, filming is underway and will see Kenya Moore, Teresa Giudice, Cynthia Bailey, Ramona Singer, Kyle Richards, Luann de Lesseps, and Melissa Gorga in action.
And while folk are no doubt anticipating the drama, the group have shared a clip of themselves together. One which skews more harmonious.
Billie Eilish electrifies in the June issue of British Vogue.
The performer serves blonde bombshell in the shoot, which arrives during the week she announced her hotly anticipated sophomore album ‘Happier Than Ever.’
Due July 30, the set is preceded by single ‘Your Power’ – which was unleashed this week.
Since blazing onto the scene, the 19-year-old has eschewed expected aesthetic conventions and marched to the beat of her own drum on all fronts.
Proving that she defines unpredictable, check out Billie blazing like never before after the jump…
The Vocal Bible makes for an arresting sight in her newest photoshoot lensed by Blair Caldwell.
Rocking a stunning red ensemble, B-Rocka radiates regality.
The spread comes as the star gears up for the release of her new song ‘Start Now’ on May 21. As reported, the Oak Felder produced track serves as the anthem of Disney‘s Ultimate Princess Celebration – apt given Brandy’s now-iconic performance as Cinderella alongside Whitney Houston in the 1997 Rodgers and Hammerstein TV movie.
She’s also filming as one of the leads in ABC music drama pilot ‘Queens,’ alongside Eve and Naturi Naughton.
Needless to say, just times for the GRAMMY winner.
In the here and now, though, check out more from Brandy below…
JoJo has marked the first anniversary of her fourth album ‘Good To Know’ in trademark form – by way of performance.
Backed by a full band and luminous lighting spectacle, the songbird took vocal flight as she hatched rousing live renditions of tracks such as ‘Comeback,’ ‘Man,’ and ‘Don’t Talk Me Down.’
The 30-year-old had been set to embark on a world tour in support of the LP, but like many artists had to put a pause on plans due to the global health crisis.
Still, fans needn’t fret because they can now press play on a virtual concert showcasing the magic the star is renowned for.
Watch JoJo soar in the Alfredo Flores production after the jump…