In 2003, Beyoncé performed her hit single “Crazy in Love” for the BET Awards. Her performance embodied the legacy and culture of Black artists from Josephine Baker to Tina Turner, James Brown, and Prince. The way she commanded the stage and led her band was transcendent. That performance secured her place in the pantheon as one of the greatest Black female artists of our time.
After being approached to work on her 2022 album Renaissance, I realized very quickly that I was contributing to yet another historic moment—not only for dance music, but also as a celebration of the foundations of Black music. From R&B to house, gospel to techno, hip-hop to vogue, Beyoncé wove a tapestry of music on Renaissance that celebrated all facets of Black music, including the immense contributions of the Black gay and queer community. Then she became the most-decorated Grammy winner ever.
Beyoncé’s fearlessness, talent, beauty, and artistry will continue to influence and inspire Black female artists for millennia.
Honey Dijon is a DJ and music producer
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