Beyonce "Formation"

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“Formation”
Based off the lyrics, the song is all about who Queen Bey is deep down. Every carefully chosen word applies to her heritage, her family, and what her fame means to her — even her sweet daughter Blue Ivy appears in the video, adding a powerful, multi-generational touch. Beyoncé is doing more than talking about slaying here — she is explaining to us all how she does it with lyrics that cut deep. This is a side of Beyoncé you haven't seen before, but will definitely want to see again.
Additionally, "Formation" is a declaration of female empowerment. Beyoncé showcases black women in positions of strength, grace, and authority. The video challenges conventional beauty standards and celebrates black women's diverse identities, hairstyles, and body types.
The song's lyrics reinforce these themes, with Beyoncé asserting her personal power, success, and pride in her heritage. She addresses the criticism and controversy she has faced throughout her career and proudly embraces her blackness.
"Formation" and its music video sparked widespread discussion and debate, generating both praise and criticism. Many praised Beyoncé for using her platform to raise awareness about important social issues and celebrating black culture. Others interpreted the video as divisive or controversial. Nonetheless, "Formation" remains a significant cultural moment and a powerful artistic expression of identity, empowerment, and social commentary.
Watch the video and take notes on the visuals as well as annotating the lyrics.  Then, in a well-written essay, analyze the visual and lyrical rhetorical strategies Beyonce uses to convey her message about her family, her cultural heritage and what fame means to her. 



Y'all haters corny with that illuminati mess
Paparazzi, catch my fly, and my cocky fresh
I'm so reckless when I rock my Givenchy dress (stylin')
I'm so possessive so I rock his Roc necklaces
My daddy Alabama, momma Louisiana
You mix that negro with that Creole make a Texas bamma
I like my baby hair, with baby hair and afros
I like my negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils
Earned all this money but they never take the country out me
I got a hot sauce in my bag, swag
I see it, I want it
I stunt, yellow bone it
I dream it, I work hard
I grind 'til I own it
I twirl on them haters
Albino alligators
El Camino with the seat low
Sippin' Cuervo with no chaser
Sometimes I go off, I go off
I go hard, I go hard
Get what's mine, take what's mine
I'm a star, I'm a star
'Cause I slay, slay
I slay, hey, I slay, okay
I slay, okay, all day, okay
I slay, okay, I slay okay
We gon' slay, slay
Gon' slay, okay
We slay, okay
I slay, okay
I slay, okay
Okay, okay, I slay, okay
Okay, okay, okay, okay
Okay, okay, ladies, now let's get in formation, 'cause I slay
Okay ladies, now let's get in formation, 'cause I slay
Prove to me you got some coordination, 'cause I slay
Slay trick, or you get eliminated
When he fuck me good I take his ass to Red Lobster, 'cause I slay
When he fuck me good I take his ass to Red Lobster, 'cause I slay
If he hit it right, I might take him on a flight on my chopper, 'cause I slay
Drop him off at the mall, let him buy some J's, let him shop up, 'cause I slay
I might get your song played on the radio station, 'cause I slay
I might get your song played on the radio station, 'cause I slay
You just might be a black Bill Gates in the making, 'cause I slay
I just might be a black Bill Gates in the making
I see it, I want it
I stunt, yellow bone it
I dream it, I work hard
I grind 'til I own it
I twirl on them haters
Albino alligators
El Camino with the seat low
Sippin' Cuervo with no chaser
Sometimes I go off, I go off
I go hard, I go hard
Take what's mine, take what's mine
I'm a star, I'm a star
'Cause I slay, slay
I slay, hey, I slay, okay
I slay, okay, I slay, okay
I slay, okay, I slay okay
I slay, okay
We gon' slay, slay
Gon' slay, okay
We slay, okay
I slay, okay
I slay, okay
Okay, okay, I slay, okay
Okay, okay, okay, okay
Okay, okay, ladies, now let's get in formation, I slay