Beyonce strikes a bold pose on the cover of the “Style & Design” issue of Complex Magazine!
In her cover story, the “Run the World” singer discusses a number of topics, including the creative process for her new album “4,” working with R&B newcomer Frank Ocean, how her husband Jay-Z inspires her and why people who complain get her nerves. She also talks about how she feels about being compared to other female artists, her legacy and much more.
Check out a few excerpts (and pics) below:
On wanting to bring back “old school” R&B with her new music:
“Figuring out a way to get R&B back on the radio is challenging. Everything sounds the same on the radio. With 4 I tried to mix R&B from the ’70s and the ’90s with rock ‘n’ roll and a lot of horns to create something new and exciting. I wanted musical changes, bridges, vibrata, live instrumentation, and classic songwriting.”On hearing Frank Ocean for the first time and wanting to work with him for her new album:
“Jay had a CD playing in the car one Sunday when we were driving to Brooklyn. I noticed his tone, his arrangements, and his storytelling. I immediately reached out to him—literally the next morning. I asked him to fly to New York and work on my record.”On being married to a rap genius:
“Jay’s music is more than music. His lyrics have fathered generations. All that he has overcome gives millions so much hope. There are moments when I see his lips moving and I can see lyrics floating above his head and I think, ‘Wow! How did I get so lucky to be able to witness this level of genius so closely?'”On using negativity and “feeling bad” to motivate her:
“Whenever I feel bad, I use that feeling to motivate me to work harder. I only allow myself one day to feel sorry for myself. People who complain really get on my nerves. When I’m not feeling my best I ask myself, ‘What are you gonna do about it?’ I use the negativity to fuel the transformation into a better me.”On her talent separating her from everyone else:
“There is room on this earth for many queens. I have an authentic, God-given talent, drive, and longevity that will always separate me from everyone else. I’ve been fortunate to accomplish things that the younger generation of queens dream of accomplishing. I have no desire for anyone else’s throne. I am very comfortable in the throne I’ve been building for the past 15 years.”On her music being limitless:
“It’s important to have no boundaries in my music. The beautiful thing about art is that you can create a fantasy in your mind about what you think a song is about. Only the writer truly knows what or whom the song is about.”On her legacy:
“I just want my legacy to be great music. Someone who was a risk taker and someone who had songs that struck conversation and emotion.”
