Cash Grab Carter: A Parasocial Introspection

[@TeeNoir]

Hi everyone! 💖 I'm here reading the comments so overwhelmed with gratitude, thank you for such a warm welcome back! I know the killer bees are on their way 😂...but for now I'm dancing with my butterflies 🥰🦋 Subtitles will be up soon, hopefully by tomorrow. Thank you thank you!!

[@daijoubougie]

Girl you gotta tell us where that wig is from 😩 inquiring minds want to know!

[@AdoseofAlana_]

Girl I was worried. It's weird tho I just asked myself the other day where u at?! I figured you were just on patreon only. Someday I'll make that leap lol

[@Laydeejay800]

I see very clearly now because of you. This was phenomenal!!!!! Thank you for sharing your talent with us ❤❤❤❤

[@Bubbles603]

@@AdoseofAlana_I was on it for a month as a b day gift to myself and it was a fun time though full disclosure I prefer the YT comments to the Patreon ones

[@Lucidly222]

Hi beautiful! Every time I watch your videos it feels like I’m chatting with a cool older sister. Thank you for using your platform to educate and spread positivity. I know you will make it big some day keep doing yo thang!

[@emilyz3932]

people aren’t eating the rich because deep down they want to be them

[@jbell7105]

Hello! 👏🏾

[@a1ntcry1noveru]

The American education, somewhere along the way, essentially ingrains this desire deep down in the psyche

[@jojolollipop7121]

Which is why they refuse to destroy them because somewhere in side, their is hope that’s their dreams of being rich will come true.

[@racquelhill8840]

And everyone thinks they can be 🙄

[@newdawn7586]

🎯

[@tonidiane6153]

Black faces in high places will not save us. - Professor Ruha Benjamin

[@nikkiu.2148]

I've thought about that quote SO MUCH since I first heard her say it. That and what the Black Panthers had to say about black celebrities.

[@KrispyKrunchee]

Thank you for this…🙌🏾 Both you and the original author.

[@nightlove5642]

​@nikkiu.2148 to me as a South Africa, it just makes me think of all the corrupt African leaders and how they have the power to do so much good but choose not to.

[@FeLima91]

@@nikkiu.2148 what quote?

[@nikkiu.2148]

@@FeLima91 The one that all of our replies are under. "Black faces in high places will not save us." -Ruha Benjamin

[@yousiftom3120]

I’m a Sudanese war refugee and we had to evacuate shortly after war hit because it was not safe to stay any longer, we left 2 weeks after it all began leaving literally everything behind and starting off fresh somewhere else, the war is still going strong a year later as of today. It’s really sad and this video really resonated with me and I’m glad you are talking and spreading awareness about political issues like that. Sudan has been the centre of capitalism (agriculturally and resource wise) for any wealthy person who invested in it and this is the backbone of what started the war altogether. So hearing you talk about how capitalism, some way or another, has affected my country really shed some light on the whole situation. Now I’ve been a Beyoncé fan from a very young age and I still listen to her very catchy music but I cannot full heartedly support her for what she stands for and the agenda she tries to portray of power and owning whatever the heck she wants. I’m a black person and also the race she actively tries to empower, so in times like these when all we need is just support and basic humanity, it’s extremely upsetting that no one is willing to help or even raise awareness at that. Thank you for the amazing video!

[@scorpionwarrior9179]

Тоже в России - “EXCLUSIVE concert, the second in recent days saw Beyonce perform for a small group of VIPs including Vladimir Putin miles from the frontlines of the Ukrainian invasion, forcing fans to once again jump to the music legend’s defence”.

[@RebelWithoutABoss]

You should tell that dude from Fresh and Fit to bring awareness to the plight of his Sudanese people.

[@rosewaters9991]

The ultra wealthy act like parasites and drain us all. They try to keep us living in fear so we can be controlled. They know we are the masses and actually have the power. Sending you love, though I know that won’t help Sudan or your loved ones😔 I truly hope we all rise one day and take back the power so that it can be evenly distributed. We don’t need the rich, they need us. Capitalism and authoritative rule need to be dismantled and faught against. As humans we’ve done this many times before. We’ve had egalitarian, anarchist societies where direct democracy ruled, sometimes for thousands of years. the elites won’t be able to get rid of us, they never have been able to. Love you my kin✊🏼

[@M4DForever]

Sounds like a you problem

[@EstherrOfficiall]

Is she the only celebrity? Go tell Rihanna Elon musk and the rest of Hollywood celebrities.

[@cameroncapers7807]

Jay-Z won an award named after Dr. Dre, got on stage to criticize the Grammys for Beyonce not winning AOTY, and then told black people we just have to keep showing up. Black capitalism/excellence won't liberate us.

[@BellesView]

He looked like a damn fool.

[@kween4u268]

@@BellesViewwhen doesn’t he these days

[@jujubee6030]

Then continued to say its subjective but complaining his wife didn't get it. 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@TreeHairedGingerAle]

☝🏾💯 This This This This This!!

[@nelsonmakay2522]

@@jujubee6030 he was hardly complaining.....y'all think everything is woke..he was merely talking about artistic merits..

[@springfire]

All Billionaires are Bad - no exceptions. No person can amass this kind of wealth without stepping on the necks of thousands if not millions

[@weare9770]

not only billionaires are bad; there a PLETHORA of crooked nagas out there, as bad as those billionaires. Y'all sound so ...nevermind.

[@sebastiaanv]

@@weare9770if the point went over your head just say that. The statement didnt say “all billionaires are bad and no else”. Comprehend.

[@jbslimshaddy]

Amen !

[@moniquewhite8002]

Right!!!! I was just saying this!!!

[@mrssuchafknladyy2078]

@@sebastiaanvthissss bc if you were speaking to HIM or the Pookies and Ray Rays he bypasses every fkn day you would have Directly said that but ofc you gonna have those 1/2 Deflectors and Selective Hearing Mfs to come thru the comments to Willingly be remedial, Goofy and 🌽 🤌🏾👌🏾💯🥴💯🤷🏾‍♀️😂😂😂

[@braules]

And let it be said again for the people that don't get it: This wouldn't be as much of an issue if they didn't paint themselves as freedom fighters. It's the hypocrisy of it all.

[@Karter-i8m]

Because we really didn't care at all. I was just bopping around until Self-Titled came out. That's definitely when the new intellectual wave of Bey came out. I always say, "I don't think she's that smart, yall." Her PR & marketing teams bring her back what's in the streets and making connections for her art. She's not a genius, she just happens to be incredibly talented and knows how to deliver a package.

[@beepbeepcasucha]

The collective consciousness is very much recognizing the insecure, disingenuous, greedy nature of celebrities right now. Speak your truth baby

[@TeeNoir]

A shift is really happening! long overdue but i'm glad to witness it

[@aielianna]

yes!!

[@iLLestBeautiiLuvah]

Yes yes yes, big this!

[@KairoK]

Yet, these same influencers are aspiring to their own version of Diet celebrity.

[@Laserhairremoval271]

Not to be woo woo about it but this has to do with us moving into the age of Aquarius. That is also why the Met Gala wasn’t as fascinating as it used to be. No one cares about the celebrity when there are bigger issues we have to deal with

[@heavenreece5269]

She did tell us she was "a Black Bill Gates in the making"... 🤷🏽‍♀

[@jojohyunjin5198]

And when exactly did she say this?

[@Yocyndie]

@@jojohyunjin5198formation

[@hagmimash]

@@jojohyunjin5198literally the lyrics of Formation

[@aliciarich2]

@@jojohyunjin5198said it and repeated it 🙄

[@KyKyy333]

@@jojohyunjin5198in her song “Formation”

[@PaigeSinclaire]

I definitely feel like Beyonce and Taylor Swift are so similar in their business practices than anyone realizes

[@elle2313]

Absolutely! That’s why Beyoncé has no problem supporting her publicly. She knows she benefits from being “friends” with Taylor and vice versa

[@nathanoglesby3762]

I think there's a similarity in their practices even while they engage in some stuff very differently. Taylor gives us waaaay too much access to herself, at least physically. She's always in public, always at events. She's always releasing music. But at the end of the day, they both have this super tight grip on their music, with lyrics and imagery that hints at deeper meanings, letting their fans fill in the gaps. And while I would argue that meaning is created between the artistic and the person observing the art, both of them rely heavily on their fans creating meaning. Heck, both of them released very long albums this year.

[@starchild7820]

​@@elle2313beyonce is an opportunist, she is nothing but a user we all see that now

[@AlexaSmith]

yesssss thats what i was thinking

[@obehiikhigbonoaremen1241]

Ok, but in terms of actual talent, Beyonce is better.

[@Opqrstuvwx]

Remember Jay Z saying "my presence is enough" when he was pressed about not concretely engaging in any actual activism in the way black public figures in the past did? That's their perspective. Just being seen in wealth is "revolutionary" to them. Pretty simplistic "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" but with gold chains and glitter.

[@chelscara]

And soooooo egotistical

[@javierasalinas8630]

well damn

[@yutisima]

I didn't interpret it that way... I feel it was more of a "people are mad enough at me for being here" not a "I am all the revolution I need"

[@lotussight]

​@@yutisimaHe wouldn't have said it like that then. He intentionally meant to show you all 'look at me I'm a black person in a position of power". Power knows no colour or creed, power is power. Eat the rich.

[@yutisima]

@lotussight I think he said it just fine. it's the first thing that came to my mind when I read it. we'll have to agree to disagree please do eat the rich tho

[@christianhillpt]

Para-social Introspection is so accurate. There needs to be more introspection in regards to who, what, and how we consume. Collectively, we need to stop idolizing celebrities, stop endorsing them as "leaders" in our communities, and stop expecting them to share our same ideals of freedom. At the end of the day, they are rich people selling a product.

[@Animefreak242]

It's funny because we can uphold those who actually share our views but those people are not "fun". Those people don't make what you consider good music. They don't allow people to escape so they aren't heralded. It's better, apparently, to develop weird relationships with grooming victims

[@TheLovesnowangel]

Yep and we've been doing this since the first black celebrity. We expect them to be our voices when they're just here to entertain

[@M4RI4TIGER]

Preach.

[@kaylabean3693]

Malcolm X talked about this! They push entertainers on us as our “leaders” but to the white community, they get scientists, professors, etc. I think the whole “culture” needs to be revamped and people need to unplug

[@chichilafemme6336]

As a beehive I hate to say it but I say it with love, you ate her up. Everything you said was 100% right, I forced myself to listen to this bc no one is above reproach. She should just make her art and be at peace with that. If she’s gonna be political go all the way, but she cannot bc that means she would lose a lot of power. She deserves to be called out bc she put herself in this position. She has no one to blame but herself for that. Also she and her peer Taylor swift have both done the same thing, just differently. Beyoncé with black power and Taylor swift with feminism.

[@Karter-i8m]

I'm saying. If this year has taught us nothing else: the blind items be true and your faves aint who you think they are.

[@RachelNHarrison]

One media savvy thing Beyoncé does is not saying much. She releases her albums, has some post made on her official social accounts and keeps making her money. This gives her most devoted fans the ability to attribute all kinds of things to her. They can make her a radical activist, a middle of the road liberal, a socialist, rugged capitalist, or even a right wing conservative depending on how they’re trying to defend against a good faith critique of her. There’s nothing she can do wrong in any circumstance. The para-social dynamic is so interesting since she does not engage that much.

[@cmg25]

We were around to see how fast her handlers removed her from the presence of cameras because when she spoke people defaulted to the country bumpkin assumptions.

[@wheatbread2002]

​@cmg25 facts. Millennials and Gen-Xers know. She was thirsty for interviews when she was in DC and trying to go solo. But they never aged well. The Carters basically copied the Smith's, when they weren't in the public eye. And like the Smith's, they are a business arrangement. And other nefarious acts. While she is a prisoner, she also parktakes in the f*ckery. We will soon see.

[@skylar8685]

YESSS!! This is what prompts such interesting political discourse about her. It's actually taught me a lot about my own parasociality with celebs and public figures a like.

[@Naomi-gr7fm]

Honestly I think it's for the best. I would probably move the same being a very private person myself. People are weird when it comes to celebrity.

[@Burcakvie]

So, what you’re saying is she found the way to make the easiest cash. Being politically ambiguous.

[@FairyBogFather]

THANK YOU. Beyonce and her team are very clever to capitalize on her idolization by making her a moral figure and appropriating radical aesthetics (but not the politics, of course). People celebrity-worshipping her can then do so on moral grounds, which makes their faith even stronger. Beyonce is an incredible musician and entertainer--one of the best. But she is not an actual goddess or monarch. And... well, I was about to say she isn't a political figure either, but she is. She has made her politics clear: capitalism and neo-liberalism are her bread and butter. I hope people can realize that that's what they are worshipping when they idolize Beyonce. Give her her flowers, yes, but don't put these celebs on a pedestal.

[@TeeNoir]

🎯

[@aielianna]

perfect comment!

[@zerochocolatemilk]

I first noticed it in the dont hurt yourself music video where the screen flashed something about “god is god and i am not god” i fully understood the message of her not wanting to be idolised but coming after other music videos where she presents her fans and the media for obsession i just felt weird don’t idolise me yet u acknowledge it and stitch it together before this song which places it as cool don’t idolise me when my marketing for my products place me as inspiration for bodies hair and business i am not your god unless i want you to put money in my pockets and after lemonade which i loved black is king came out around the time drake was also getting into Afro beats and as a Nigerian i was tired love her but that never sat right with me

[@plumb0p]

well said

[@MissFaevyn]

I agree with this

[@PaigeSinclaire]

The Dixie chics wouldn’t be played on the radio because bush’s family had part ownership in Clearchannel than owned a lot of radio stations across the country

[@emilyslack6209]

billionaire artists don’t care about us? you mean taylor swift and beyoncé view us as dollar bills? crazy /s

[@jihadamcsween2677]

😂😂 the sarcasm on this deserves royalties

[@waffersmassacre]

Right like I never knew 😱

[@Eneri-z9v]

Thank you for naming two people I simply can't afford, ever. Them and their compatriots. Not in a billion lifetimes😂.

[@InspirationalSpaceship]

Taylor swift is the only artist ever to become billionaire off music and tours Alone.

[@ajwest5663]

@@InspirationalSpaceship sooo??

[@diamcole]

HA! Not Cash Grab Carter. 🤣Immediately put my Zoom meeting on mute.

[@MsTrueTy]

Oh if one thing Beyonce gonna do Everytime is collect that check! 😂 She is the queen of grabbing that cash 😄. Sis don't play about her Pay. She ain't gotta give it up she professional 😂

[@MissAnonyLink]

FAN=Fanatic! Love yourself. Freaky Ass Ninja! Lol

[@shannendunham8666]

😭🤣🤣

[@erikarereearl4128]

Not “da truth” …?

[@diamcole]

@@erikarereearl4128 Just general amusement lol didn't take it that seriously.

[@angelamusembi743]

I'm so so glad you talked about Bill the eco-coloniser Gates and the seed situation in African countries. Its so alarming and so terrible how much of a threat he is to food sovereignty. Love love love this video!

[@swampsprite9]

I think it's always a bad sign when a super rich American starts "helping" people in other countries and does nothing for disadvantaged people right here in the US.

[@iandayemojabukunmi6173]

As a PhD candidate and sociologist, just *chefs kiss*; it’s like all of my thoughts and analysis in a cohesive video, not scared to be “attacked”. Than you, the world needed this.

[@nwatson2773]

OK PH.D.

[@Truthteller978]

Yassssss🎉

[@bre4653]

AGREED! Agreed.

[@Mpxyzm2by]

Then why can’t you spell thank you properly? Dafuq?

[@dodaprettygirlrock]

I’m planning to pursue my PhD. What program? My undergrad is sociology and masters is social work

[@YazzyJ0521]

“Fuck it I don’t like jay z” When I say I SCREAMED cause REAL 😭😭

[@prettybrwneyez7757]

He wants to be Alistar Crowley sooooo bad. He’s sickening

[@Karter-i8m]

Literally.

[@gattogateaux7852]

Trademarking crop seeds is bio warfare imo. Making seed-saving punishable is despicable!

[@MG-sc4xr]

I totally agree with the part that Beyonce should be seen as what she is: An entertainer. Nothing less nothing more. I love love love Beyonce. But I would never refer to her as an activist of any sorts. Even more than that, I think that her activism was very conveniently timed: Self titled with the feminism (when girl boss feminism was starting to trend ) while simultaniously selling Ivy Park clothes made by the exploited hands of women. Lemonade during BLM. Renaissance when Ballroom Culture was everywhere.....That´s the only thing that makes her "evil" in my eyes: Exploting social issues or waves for profit.

[@progress2success317]

Well said 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@tylasiabollar1311]

This is your opinion and you're entitled to it. I just wonder what the difference between beyonce using her albums to reflect and capture specific moments of american history and the albums and music made during the Civil rights era. Or even during the 70s with the likes of Bruce Springsteen and his iconic song born in the USA? I personally don't see anything insidious about capturing specific parts of history in various art forms. Isn't it something that's always been done?

[@suoutubez19]

Question why you love love love love a billionaire celebrity who doesn’t know who you are

[@tylasiabollar1311]

@@suoutubez19 me commenting my opinion and my geniune perspective on something does not mean I'm gone in the head over any celebrity. A difference in opinion doesn't automatically equate to agreence for the topic being discussed. What a ridiculous comment

[@theConquerersMama]

​@tylasiabollar1311 Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA came out in 1984. It was very much a push back anti war, look at the Vietnam Vet experience song because of the pendulum swing to the "Greed is Good", war mongering Reagan era. I remember it and how it was percieved at the the time. I agree with you about not getting too caught up in criticizing artist for observing trends or being snap shots of the climate of the times.

[@Housewarmin]

Everyone put your pitchforks down!! LET HER SPEAK!

[@unhingedvirgo2711]

let her cook!!

[@TeeNoir]

Cuz ima speak up either way! Hahahaha

[@cooliohoolio30]

@@TeeNoirIKDRRRR

[@nelsonth]

No, pick them up, for billionaires.

[@daligogh1]

I swear my jaw dropped when I read the title 😂 but I’ll watch first

[@kai-jr6jt]

when lemonade was released i was 13/14. i kept saying “this isn’t authentic” but i didn’t have the tools to really piece together what i felt. you put the words to it perfectly. while lemonade is still my SHIT, i listen now with refined eyes, newer contexts, and an understanding of the world around me.

[@tv9820]

Genuine question, what about Lemonade doesn't feel authentic to you? I feel that the topics discussed on that album aren't things a 13-14 year old can fully grasp

[@lovelifeloveyourself9870]

This is what i always said about Jay-Z. "The man sold drugs to his own community. What makes you think he cares about you?" And Beyoncé was always late to the conversation. After the heat starts dying down, she becomes an activist. She is slow to speak for a reason...

[@cmg25]

They put the kabbash on her interviews back in the day because of that slow speech.

[@The-Growroom]

Still unsure what the outcome of the Black Lives Matter movement was other than boosting Beyoncé album sales

[@alisonmercer5946]

I thought he said that about himself somewhere along the way.

[@MariahIsSkinnyFuckBlueLives]

Humans have partaken in drug use for millennia, so I don't get the demonization of drug dealers. It's not like drug dealers are giving people substance use disorders, it's the soul-crushing unjust society we live in doing that.

[@zhibell1942]

Genius clarification 👌 👏 👍

[@mykhaelbrandon]

I wonder how Solange feels, because she’s often posted free Palestine, and she seems like she reads thoroughly

[@weare9770]

Solange is the One who have a Soul and therefore, AUTHENTIC; unlike her souless vessel of sister.

[@mykhaelbrandon]

Solange post and deletes alot tho. So idk

[@Imsmarterthanallyall]

@@weare9770but she all that can’t control her son and never held him accountable for his sick antics! HA

[@mohamedislembarhoumi9832]

Solange doesn't have a risk to make beyonce is ww superstar ...

[@AfroTae]

oh make no mistake she is a hypercapitalist herself "I just wanna wake up to the suns and Saint Laurent Hundred thousand dollars on the fronts and the blunts,I just wanna wake up on goodbye, only I, Out in the Rolls that's rented, windows tinted,We got a big spendin', big spending" All celebrities are complicit in this if they are not actively adovacating. They actually have a platform, money to donate and influence to invoke change. You have Macklorme that made a song about free planestine but still performing in Dubai. You have to actively be anti capitalist or your still upholding oppressive systems. There is no straddling the fence especially during these times.

[@waldobaez4751]

“you dont have to convince urself that ur guilty pleasures or career endeavors r empowering” LOUDED FOR THE BACK PLS!!!!!!

[@designereyebags]

y’all will say that then defend s3x work and pr0n knowing the consumers of it are predatory men who fetishize women

[@TartanPlaidxSky]

High priestess of colorism was insane lmfaoooo

[@khingleijin8594]

Tell me she’s lying!!!!!! 😅😂🔥

[@BooksandLooksTV]

😂😂😂😂

[@AG-fg1uk]

The fact that she literally went pale platinum blonde to cater to white country audiences is a choice.

[@lb794]

I was like 🤭👀

[@rethabilenxumalo9742]

No lies

[@asiamaya1527]

This is a THESIS! So grateful of the way you threaded this together. Black capitalism will not save us

[@stoneyshepard5806]

From a homegrown Houstonian....I've always side eyed her intentions and integrity. Although her voice and work ethics are phenomenal, I realized you called out what I felt but couldn't point it out and put my finger on it. I appreciate your breakdown and view on this 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@zzmc3671]

She literally does more for the city of Houston, TX than ANY other musician or entertainer. Funding churches, after school programs, esthetician schools, public libraries, community events….Thats not enough for you?

[@stoneyshepard5806]

@zzmc3671 she's not doing it to please me, and there are other musicians from Houston that do WAY more. And just because you funded something doesn't make you a saint. Diddy funded schools and organizations, and he was doing heinous things to individuals. So unless you know her personally and know her day to day life, you're talking out the side of your neck 🙄 please do more research so you'll know what you're talking about next time

[@MrJstamper]

Id like us, as a society, to stop acting like a billon dollars is a reasonable amount for anyone to have. Its not an amount of money anyone should be able to accumulate in a lifetime, and if it is possible that economy is unsustainable. Amazing video, very happy to see you posting again, welcome back❤

[@theanimerapper6351]

That's not true, it's more than possible to accumulate 1 billion dollars ethically. Look at tiger woods who has 1 billion dollars in earnings from golfing. Just his golf winnings alone got him 1 billion and he didn't have to exploit anyone

[@TheLovesnowangel]

That's why I truly believe if you do get that much you did some dirty ish behind closed doors

[@tired690]

@@theanimerapper6351 not true. To get paid a billion dollars alone is unethical and exploitative. A golf celebrity can get paid a billion dollars while millions of people are either homeless, underpaid, or financially exploited. That money given to pay anyone a billion dollars had to be stolen (in a sense) from others.

[@ambarcastaneda4763]

It baffles me that this isn't common sense to most people.

[@jeffersonhassan4558]

​@@theanimerapper6351exactly,he even declined playing for the middle east golf tournament (forgotten what it's called) because of their infringement on human rights especially knowing the amount of money he stood to make of he said yes

[@SarahEg91]

“Ideology without practice and without community engagement can only go so far” Yep. Mental edges were snatched and given back with this one damn!😂👏🏾❤️

[@prettybrwneyez7757]

That was a Barrrrrrrrr ❤❤❤

[@leablade]

I'm so glad you're talking about this!! I've been feeling kinda weird about beyonce since she went to dubai during her Renaissance tour, but i didn't have the words/experience to do so. Welcome back!

[@christianataylor8926]

I also think Jay Z suffers from a severe identity crisis. He wants to maintain the social capital that he garners from being from Brooklyn and growing up in Marcey Projects, while simultaneously being far removed from that life as a billionaire. I don’t think he knows who he is🥴

[@jbell7105]

He wants both maybe it’s due to the trauma of his upbringing

[@pump1180]

@@jbell7105no it’s cause it’s profitable. He needs to keep his street credit to keep his black audience

[@jasmineshelton759]

Just look at J.lo....😂 they all guilty of it. The truth is they're not relatable they're billionaires and they can't cope for some weird reason

[@racquelhill8840]

He's not Black he's Jay-Z

[@milkflavored]

Don’t forget Drake. Theyre all suffering from identity loss

[@lilpetz500]

This, combined with the incredibly out of touch Met Gala themed around a story where the rich escape the poor. I smell a revolution complete with complex analysis of how we recognise that we love the art in our media, but have our priorities straight. Please, please keep making these brilliant works as much as you comfortably can, they're what we need to hear ✨️

[@brianschofield4419]

tbf - the story from the met gala is more a “the rich get what’s coming to them” type story lol

[@lilpetz500]

@brianschofield4419 I mean, maybe they're aiming for irony and lampshading the concept there, but what they got was kind of being unironically, exactly the kind of rich people who the story was written to critique. In a way where they come out on top and get praised for it, at a time where we just needed them to be better. Like, this was dystopian of them.

[@AH-ph3cb]

With this economy too, we are tired. I like the incoming shift. 2024 has not been kind to celebrities.

[@manbearpig7521]

Didn't the FBI infiltrate rap?

[@RoseRedRoseWhite]

@@brianschofield4419it costs $75k to buy a ticket to the Met gala. edited to add; and it is still invite only.

[@bloodmoon1586]

will we ever get one of these video essay critiques for rihanna? i find that shes just as guilty of committing the same wrongs as her billionaire peers, yet she never gets called out for it--at least not to the same level as beyonce and taylor swift

[@h.f6364]

i cant lie i honestly feel like rihanna is worse because of fenty beauty

[@ashleytashbaeva4029]

my biggest pet peeve is that she gets so much praise for bringing inclusivity to makeup meanwhile half that inclusivity money is going right back to the same company that profited of being exclusive to white people for decades !! fuck LVMH

[@madzee673]

She touched on Rihanna briefly in this video but I wholeheartedly agree. For someone whose main stream of money comes from the incredibly exploitative practices of LVMH, she sure slides under the radar for a lot of these think pieces LOL. And sure, you can argue that Beyoncé has always been more saturated and that her whole image is crafted around being a radical advocate, but if *all* billionaires are bad, why not discuss and dissect ALL of them?

[@RomeroRomeral]

I do think we've gotten several videos about her, but maybe we're just watching different people.

[@redmaple1982]

Rhianna's image is more tied to being carefree and stylish than it is to activism. She will express opinions and take on social topics that are of interest to her but she does not really tie her succes to a broader social narrative in the way that swift or the carter's do. Also her fans are less insane with makes her a more sympathic figure overall.

[@LooksByNaheemah]

It’s always rubbed me the wrong way how she only shows up for her fans when she wants to sell them some thing. And they continue to eat it up. I can appreciate and enjoy the greatness of her music while simultaneously, knowing this to be true.

[@jenbunny1984]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@mohamedislembarhoumi9832]

Why do we need singer to act as Instagram influencer?

[@dojavillager5998]

she’s a celebrity… she’s literally a brand use your brain lol.

[@stargirIll]

@@dojavillager5998 girl shut up. you literally stan doja cat lmao

[@thembashawn]

​@@stargirIll 😂 lmao

[@SunshineBae333]

"Our obsession with intellectualizing her intentions without any confirmation or denial from her." I'm so glad that you mentioned this! 👏🏾 This is what annoys me so much about her STANS! Like please bffr, yall don't know this freakin woman. It's very much cosplaying & that's fine cuz she's an ENTERTAINER, but at the end of the day... please bffr, ppl.

[@Truthteller978]

I’m glad to see you in these parts of the world,Sunshine.🌻This video has been long overdue.

[@Rio_Monique]

Her naysayers don’t know her either but that doesn’t stop them from belittling and blaming her for everything.

[@SunshineBae333]

@Rio_Monique do you feel better now that you got that out, Bumblebee? 🙆🏾‍♀️

[@Rio_Monique]

@@SunshineBae333 Let’s not start name calling. I have a username. Anything else is disrespectful. I didn’t disrespect you.

[@SunshineBae333]

@@Rio_Monique girl bffr!!! Are you or are you not part of the beehive! You wanna be disrespected so bad it's very weird! Lmao

[@grimreap--2]

you are vibrating on a much higher frequency than so many people, u rlly said facts the entire time💯

[@tho766637]

If there were ever a video to describe how I feel about Beyonce it’s this one. There is no denying her talent. HOWEVER, once Renaissance came out among the varying things happening in society, I could not get down with her. The more I started to understand the machine behind her, the intentionality of certain decisions and business practices - I put my hands on my hips and said ‘somethin’ in the milk ain’t clean!’ Once you reach a billionaire status it is undoubtedly on the backs of someone’s else’s back/body that provides no equality in pay for the worker. I spent a lot of time questioning if I was a hater, but in reality I’m just waking up to the fact that the meritocracy that was being pushed was rigged. I’m glad Beyonce gets to live out her wildest dreams, just wish it had some substance when it comes to the society at large. Brilliant video and analysis Tee.

[@quentyncole9530]

you just wish it had substance…… have you listened to a single lyric?! oh my goodness.

[@tho766637]

@@quentyncole9530 no I haven’t. I really stepped away from her and I love me a good Beyonce song. Could you expand more on what you’re trying to tell me?

[@mohamedislembarhoumi9832]

You forgot that beyonce is touring force ? She's selling stadiums

[@tho766637]

@@mohamedislembarhoumi9832 I absolutely agree.

[@Neomie92]

@@mohamedislembarhoumi9832What does selling stadiums have to do with this amazing lady’s comment? Stans. Please focus on the topic at hand.

[@davidemorandi8238]

I really hope she doesn't get attacked for being a "hater": I see a true lover of the Beyonce artist, who is pouring out her heart explaining how she wishes her beloved artist wouldn't just make consistently amazing music but also with consistent political activisim, without playing with fans and audiences. As a Beyonce fan myself I don't completely agree with Tee's mind frame but I totally get where she's coming from and hope peole give her more credit for this wonderful video❤

[@TeeNoir]

I've had weeks to accept that however this video is received, it is what it is. This is one of my proudest works to date, so I am at peace 😌 even with those who want me in pieces 😂

[@davidemorandi8238]

@@TeeNoir so proud of you for this❤️

[@chrissy916]

I 1000% agree with this. Our faves are flawed. There are valid critiques to be had here - from a fellow Beyonce fan myself

[@tiarramonet]

Felt!

[@solochica81]

I’m so happy this is going viral! $800 tickets for that show 😵‍💫😒🙄 we are all so tired of it all.

[@beyswan]

ngl as a Hive I was avoiding this video😭 As of late I’ve been coming to terms with some hard truths about Beyoncé. Though I’ve never expected her to straight up voice her stance on political/humanitarian crisis, her art that vaguely discussed some topics gave me reassurance that she is “for the people”. But now as a 20 year old being more aware and exposed to the real…I’m not only taking a step beck when it comes to blindly defending her, but I’m also holding her accountable for how she latches on to popular issues yet never really stands on business. Imma still adore her as the greatest entertainer but no longer will I get caught up in praising her “activism”.

[@PrettyAddict14]

I'm glad u included that LVMH owns Fenty and the shady business deals, I dont see enough ppl talking about it, infact I forget about it quite alot cause it gets covered by praise when shes outside

[@TeeNoir]

Chileeeeee

[@PrettyAddict14]

@@TeeNoir The ''relatability'' complex and the 'halo effect' is real

[@TartanPlaidxSky]

LVMH owns 50% of Fenty

[@PrettyAddict14]

@@TartanPlaidxSky crazy

[@basket.8case]

yeah bc i had no idea smh

[@urvikawa-waghela789]

"They don't do that to keep their lights on; they do it so they can dictate if we keep OUR lights on." 🔥 🔥

[@laurenm3148]

Right?? That was BRILLIANT

[@jamiewojtal6216]

"There needs to be some sort of loss, some sort of sacrifice, or else you're just benefitting." Thank you for saying this and for reminding us that we should be ready to sacrifice to fight injustice.

[@opheliaoftheripples9472]

The Bill Gates story breaks my heart, as a Congolese Belgian. Colonialism and poverty are so crushing, we don't even stand a chance against this oppression and humiliation, unless we get lucky enough to get rich (and in doing so, involuntarily leave other poor people behind). Crushing.

[@nicoleeb4637]

Taking a brief aside from the discourse to shout out the production value of this video because it is stunning! The new background, the editing, that title card sequence! everything! The bar has been raised!!

[@BLKPlutoh]

“Some of us claim that we woke, but we slumped over” 😭 ready Tee 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@havilah]

lmaaoooo

[@DiamondGunn_]

None of us like Jay Z, we simply tolerate him for Beyonce

[@TeeNoir]

The real tea

[@antionettethegirlnextdoor]

A fact and strangely enough he seems to be hanging on her coat tail a lot as of late

[@GratitudeGriot]

speak for yourself. HOV🙌🏾💎💙

[@SRHisntSilent]

He's a fuckin disgrace and drags her down But she's definitely not blameless; she takes his cheating arse back

[@nes96]

​@@SRHisntSilent yep simpyonce

[@0blbe1]

that part about bill gates stealing form africans is infuriating,.. I wish they would leave our people alone man, the greed is INSANE

[@vaporeonice3146]

Everyone in the U.S. is raised in a cult of individualism and is desperate for a hero. We latch onto anyone who looks like they could fit the bill. This was such a POWERFUL takedown of the oppression that accompanies appropriating revolutionary rhetoric for capitalist ends. This video was so good, I found myself worried about other people making Tee “the hero of our movement” (I mean, I felt a bit of a pull to do that myself), when what we need is to let go of heroes and start turning to each other. Disengage from mainstream media, built community with the people around you, and realize that you and every one of them will be flawed. Work to make yourselves and others better for the sake of everyone’s liberation. Thank you for this brilliant, powerful work. I couldn’t stop watching once I got into it. So glad to have you back!

[@eyonkastewart7631]

Could’ve have said it better, 10s across the board..chefs kiss!👌🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@alisonmercer5946]

I do wonder why do so many people really seem to need someone to worship ?

[@Truthteller978]

Thank youuuuuuu! As an outsider, this is how I feel about America as a whole. You have been raised to be selfish and self-centered, even to your own detriment.

[@audreyurquhart9057]

This is so powerful, thank you!

[@heyyodude8637]

@@alisonmercer5946You are literally describing religion

[@Idanimowellness]

From my knowledge, modern tech only exists because of African Agriculture. All the raw materials that make up our phones and computers come from one place 😳

[@TeeNoir]

Omg so right

[@killeryhiltons8499]

Modern technology would exist, just not in mass production, it would’ve been exclusively in Europe and western nations lol. Technology wasn’t invented by sub Saharan Africans or cars, they wouldn’t know how to use those raw materials either .

[@wildwitchwest]

i think that's one of the reasons people haven't been as loud from all the displacement and violent going on in Congo compared to what's happening in Gaza. all the minerals being mined and pushing people out of their homes by the thousands creates the technology people use to criticize world movements globally online so it feels like there's a hypocrisy involved

[@a1ntcry1noveru]

Cobalt mines in the Congo

[@jasmineshelton759]

​@@a1ntcry1noveruand no one is speaking on it

[@sharmainetheblackbarbie8126]

Everyone got made at me when I said she sells them a new product every year around tax return time and that their queen was a greedy grifter 🤷🏽‍♀️😂

[@alisonmercer5946]

Lol

[@AikiraBeats]

I see no lies.

[@Burcakvie]

what is a tax return time

[@Jellybean0009]

Facts 😂

[@Theblunt99]

Rihanna does the same thing yet I never see anyone upset. Explain

[@Sasukeluvzme13]

So THIS is what you’ve been cooking. Smells delicious. 🍳 Hair is giving “Bootylicious.” 👌🏾

[@TeeNoir]

Looks more 'B'day' to me but all eras were a hit so I'll take it!

[@Social_Pugatory]

@@TeeNoir That ring the alarm look hair with the white crochet crop knot cardigan. 🫰 🫰 🫰

[@CalliopexMaria]

​@@TeeNoirit's giving b'day cover album meets pink panther music video 👌🏾

[@BaddJass]

@@TeeNoir where to purchase bc its everything that I need

[@erikarereearl4128]

Tee is just giving …(all of the above)

[@itsmemandoza]

I envy people who can articulate themselves this well. 😂How do people amass such???

[@TeeNoir]

When you talk for a living and listen to others talk for entertainment you kinda get the hang of it haha

[@itsmemandoza]

@@TeeNoir Well I already listen to others speak for entertainment 😂but damn my introverted self👀 now has to TALK FOR A LIVING???

[@blessingike7004]

@@itsmemandozalmao my dilemma too 😅

[@Bri.Ann.]

@@itsmemandozasame, you’re not alone 😅

[@HeyMissFay]

@@itsmemandozapractice!

[@carolinefrum]

The POINTS, the RESEARCH, the BACKGROUND, the HAIRRRRR 💗💗💗

[@moonlightauras1]

I always felt like Beyonce forgiving Jay Z for cheating was a part of the strategy. If it's all gonna be performance art, then that includes the image of being the forgiving wife and mother who knows the world is aware that her husband is unworthy.

[@sp.2778]

This is how I always felt too, I doubt they still live together and I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve been separated for years similarly to Will and Jada Smith’s relationship dynamic. The Black love image they’ve been projecting for over two decades has always seemed a sham tbh.

[@TeeNoir]

I could've spoken at length at the positioning of love and forgiveness as a recurring theme in her image. I do think its to sanitize the fact that billionaire behavior is anything BUT loving, but i digress. (for now) :)

[@MissAnonyLink]

She’s unworthy. Exploited her marriage for money. Not even that is “cecred” All the while she gets to look like the victim. Narcissism at its finest!

[@clarapilier]

Money and perception had a lot to do with her forgiving him. I know married people that live separate lives and the only thing that has kept them from signing up those divorce papers is money. I do believe they love each other but I also think that at some point after the cheating scandal, they were ready for a Will and Jada situation if it came down to it. Because, let's face it respectability politics is part of the capitalistic machine. It is another thing to sell to the audience to pacify the masses.

[@Rio_Monique]

lol she literally sings about that man on every record . I believe she loves him and forgave him like she said.

[@queentrinicorn9441]

Love the title, love the look, I don’t know if the Beyhive is ready for this one but …”black excellence”…let’s talk about it! ❤

[@larissat4978]

I think this was one of your best videos to date, very well done, thank you!

[@Khymeira]

Video posted 59 seconds ago; the hair and the title pulled me in. Had no chance.

[@indeymonet311]

Tee! So happy to see you. This video is so timely and needed. The part of the video that stood out to me is when you said “beyonces ultimate goal is not success, honor or wealth, it’s power.” And “power is expensive and inherently greedy. THERE WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH.” I think that line is exemplary of the lack of humanity required to feed the fixation that billionaires have with regards to power. 10/10 for the whole video.

[@laexploradoraaaXD]

The original Beyince cover is an homage to lady liberty so the choice to be platinum blonde on a white horse for Cowboy Carter was certainly a choice. I enjoy their music for what it is but I remember reading bell hook's criticisms of Lemonade and it got me thinking. I don't expect more than entertainment from celebrities cause they're all invested in capitalism, the acquisition of power, and the confluence of both.

[@palcada]

This new era of Beyoncé is starting to feel like what Taylor turned into; after using politics to add more depth to their public image they never really did anything revolutionary again.

[@jasminewilliams1673]

I think they are exactly the same…results of modern capitalism

[@magnoliaskogen]

Neither of them have done anything revolutionary *at all* ever. Otherwise I agree with your comment!

[@fixthatface483]

@@magnoliaskogenthis!

[@novagray4143]

Every day, i wake up obsessed with people thinking taylor Swift supporting gay people 6 years after gay marriage was legalized is a revolutionary act. I know i should be grateful we have a major public ally, but it felt so blatantly preformative to me. Not referring to Op, just the narrative alot of people around me hold

[@Unknown-fr9tr]

I don’t know if it’s my bias but i feel like this era is revolutionary but we understand that because is only the being of the revolution. American aesthetic and visual language is rooted in black cowboy culture and Americana culture which is inspired by black cowboys and European cowboy movies . By taking this aesthetic back from the white people I think it’s interesting . I think the only thing I will say I don’t agree with is the adoption of the blonde hair I think if she went for more natural colours and more black hair styles it would have been more effective . I can see how the blonde hair can make the whole thing seem like pandering to white people One key apart of the conversation I see missing is if Beyonce is trying to appeal to white folks how are they receiving it . I’ve seen more white people be angry by Beyonce than I have seen ever from any era . If she is trying to appeal to white poeple she is doing a awful job because they hate her more than ever

[@christianataylor8926]

I am really cackling because the fact that the whole “Black power” movement has NOTHING to do with that man cheating on her habitually and them healing from it😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 we were brainwashed, you hear me?!?!

[@TwistswithT]

Right! What were we on???

[@evaphillips2102]

It does though. Black marriage and black power are inextricably intertwined. We are weak when alone.

[@lb794]

We got so tricked 😂

[@felisha209]

@@evaphillips2102 speak for your damn self

[@caribbeanadams3345]

if you're referring to lemonade, the album wasn't about a black power movement. did y'all not watch the film or pay attention to the storyline? it's about the relationship between black men and women, generational trauma, marriage, and just black love in general. y'all are projecting hard.

[@andreaol3239]

Incredibly well thought out discourse, thank you so much for sharing this, you can tell you’re a very intelligent individual and using your platform to talk about this is a really nice breath of fresh air

[@theriveroftruth]

lemonade came out the day AFTER my zora neale hurston class ended and my final paper was about storytelling and using To Pimp A Butterfly to compare to Hurston’s works. and the way i wanted to throw my phone listening to Lemonade-had she released it just a week before, i woulda wrote my whole paper on that album instead lmfao

[@theriveroftruth]

coming back after finishing the video to say-gosh i have missed you in my sub box 🥹😍 thank you for this video, Tee

[@Noramell]

Please tell me you published that paper somewhere, immediately top of my TBR list

[@M4RI4TIGER]

💀💀💀

[@laurenbthatsme]

I’m *highly* intrigued by this paper.

[@Joejoyoyoyo]

What is this?

[@karylochai257]

Thank you so much for this. I do not follow Beyonce that much. But as a mexican myself I am a loyal follower of Selena Gomez and also Taylor Swift, your video inspired me to look at them in a different light. They pretend to be kind and for the people, however they are so desperately trying to become billionars, that ain't kind to anyone but themselves. I blocked them too

[@TeeNoir]

This comment is pleasing to me 😌

[@cmg25]

No lies. Fenty ran so these heauxs could walk.

[@loveolydotcom3976]

My sister, you are incredibly smart! Making things clear, not dirt on someone's name or "hating". THEY DID IT, we can speak on it

[@julia230400]

Beyoncé really lost me when she chose to make her comeback to the stage, after releasing Renaissance, at a Dubai hotel opening. Homosexuality is illegal and punishable by imprisonment there. They use modern day slave labour to build their ridiculous rich-people-fantasy buildings. The UAE dont give a shit about human rights, so why she would chose this as her first venue for Renaissance is beyond me.

[@jenbunny1984]

The money 💴

[@prettybrwneyez7757]

Because she’s an ultra capitalist

[@rethabilenxumalo9742]

It's all about the 💰

[@Ilovechicago100]

She just wanted the money. That’s it

[@Ilovechicago100]

She didn’t even sing no songs from renaissance so she played it really safe😤

[@tyneishasolomon7393]

I will say as a Beehive member 🐝 this is the first valid critique I have seen for Beyonce. Nobody is above accountability especially when we're talking about capitalizing off blackness.

[@WhyfallinLUVwhenUcanfallasleep]

Yeah. I feel like it would go against what the hive stands for to pretend like there weren’t ANY problems.

[@nelsonmakay2522]

Capitalizing off herself is hardly a sound critique lmao

[@vegannn7178]

What is a beehive member? Lmao are y’all subscribed to Beyonce’s personal life? The whole thing sounds cultish

[@wasabi.2839]

@@vegannn7178 Internet cults are very much real, lmao.

[@hadrianhexe9603]

@@nelsonmakay2522 Someone didn't watch the damn video huh

[@SesnoOjukwu]

this was so freaking goooooddddd!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 thank you so much for your time and energy umpacking this for us. your delivery is so pleasurable and so energising. thank you for sharing your gifts👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@liz8402]

As a Beyhive, this video is extremely thoughtful and perfectly drives home why ethical billionaires, even if they happen to be my favorite artist, don't exist.

[@hc____]

This is going viral and thank God- this is what the people are feeling. This is what the culture is feeling Tee- thank you~

[@sp.2778]

This is going UP and I hope more conversations like this are had because of it! (I also pray she don’t get a Cease and Desist)

[@AG-fg1uk]

She's brave for speaking up, especially when the internet has turned into the "cult of Beyonće".

[@BatmanuelTheCactus]

Wow, this was such a great lesson in art history, politics, economics, ethics, race, gender, and more. You are incredible, and you speak with absolute confidence and clarity. Thank you for everything you do

[@stormyviolety]

I started listening to Kendrick due to the beef and it has moved so many things in me (positively). I'm also supporting 🇵🇸, 🇸🇩 🇨🇩. Discovering like minded people and a sense of community. I really don't even know how to articulate all my thoughts and feelings right now. Just wanted to let you know that I'm getting closer to my blackness as a mixed woman and to community as someone whose chore is that very thing. I appreciate you sooo much even though I don't know you. I see you like that older sister you look up to (I only have brothers for context). If you ever decide to leave KZbin know that you have had and are having a great impression on me and am extremely grateful for your presence and voice. Love you Tee ❤

[@TeeNoir]

Wow 🥹 it's comments like this that really do it. Thank you!

[@emmykalanga9746]

Thank you for your support 🇨🇩

[@Hayleyogrady]

As a huge fan of Bey, I love this. Cause she is SUCH a ultra capitalist, these conversations NEED to be had. 💯 I’ve been waiting for your videos Tee!

[@vegannn7178]

It you truly were anti-capitalist you wouldn’t be a “huge fan” of a mega capitalist. Literally a billionaire

[@blackroyalness9780]

@@vegannn7178ignorant, two things can be true at once you love someones music and the work and passion they have given the last decade but understand that she is still a celebrity and now a days shes been more just about the money

[@markramos1216]

@@vegannn7178the commenter never said she’s anti-capitalist. Learn to read lmfao

[@vegannn7178]

@@markramos1216 You’re saying learn to read but don’t know what implications are, stay in school. It’s not a good look for you.

[@spatula.cass2]

Such an incredible video. I hope everyone sees this and is compelled to do something about the situation we find ourselves in

[@Marie-jz1qw]

Wow. I just finished the video and WOW. Thank you for this, it was so interesting, and as always, you put into words so many things that I feel but don't know how to express. Thank you for making us more educated versions of ourselves and for all your work!

[@TeeNoir]

I appreciate you so much for watching to the end!

[@Marie-jz1qw]

@@TeeNoir Of course, my pleasure!

[@freyhanna1236]

41:15 squeezing those 4 black women into a 2 minute song, but the white artists (Miley, Dolly Parton, Post Malone) got individual songs with her :(

[@obehiikhigbonoaremen1241]

No, because why did Miley get a whole song?

[@jadabug8313]

I always was questioning this. I personal relate to cowboy carter more than any other album but I still find myself thinking about your comment.

[@jadabug8313]

You make a valid point. Was it because she can be the only black women on her album with a full song?

[@Nanamin-ls2iu]

The amazing commentary aside. You're literally SOOO GORGEOUS!!!

[@Warren_90210]

You snatch my metaphorical wig and reapplied it with the got2b made of the most anticapitalist, materialist analysis of celebrity culture I could have ever imagined. Thank you!

[@HaleighAundreaGeorge]

“So I can identify you as an Opp , not as in opposition but as in oppressor” yes!

[@saiyaprincesmira]

Gotta say, i have heard about virtue signaling before but never really understood what that was until you started talking about it and it popped into my head right before you said it. To me, that is an impressively successful way that you worded that. It made it accessible and understandable instantly. Thank you so much for this video, its definitely got me rethinking my views on celebrities, especially the ones I like. Great work. You've got a sub from me for this video alone.

[@kareemfofana]

ohhhh this look…this is elite levels of mothering

[@kyrasaturn]

the hair 👏 the makeup 👏 the look 👏 and the best commentary on youtube ❤ missed you tee!

[@TeeNoir]

So sweet, I missed making videos!

[@coquelicotrouge2631]

@@TeeNoir whats the wig reference sis ? you are too gorgeous !!

[@kyrasaturn]

@@coquelicotrouge2631 check her response on the pinned comment, she gave the deets there!

[@skyliah8907]

Girl! You have so much to say and I'm here for it. Thank you sis 😘

[@asdf242]

i don't have any comments on the content other than "wow i need to self reflect"... but the video quality - the visuals, the editing, the scripting - was FANTASTIC.

[@PrometheanFlame]

I always discover more dirt on Bey and Jay without my consent. Like why do I know that Bey underpays her talent and performers? And why do I know that Jay is helping to underfund public education in Philadelphia. I love your video and it is a breath of fresh air in a climate that seeks to protect Black billionares while they get rich off the masses and take public resources from us. Even if that weren't the case, as a poor Black woman I have nothing in common with a billionaire. I would rather give away money than hoard because people are struggling. People are starving. People are dying. I do not care for our current systems and they will not save the collective.

[@stephaniekibbe]

I love your brain, your thoughtfulness, your attention to detail, your call to activism within music spaces, and most importantly how many fucks you clearly give about the person you are critiquing (with the ability to see her both as a human sharing space in the collective AND as a celebrity). I don't give much attention to mainstream music so I'm not chiming in to be mean to Beyonce because like you very eloquently laid out there is so much complexity and nuance to being a mainstream artist (especially a black artist), but damn I am living for the thought of this level of mindfulness in our consumption of art and how it should be inspiring us to take action to strengthen our communities and make our planet a cool place for everyone not just the wealthy. Bravo. Hope this blows the fuck up and nudges the conversation around music consumption in this direction indefinitely 💖

[@aprilm9379]

Ma'am! I hardcore love your hairdo! The bangs, the volume, the ponytail. So cute! I get serious 80s vibes from the hairdo + the pink shirt and it's so fun. I really liked your breakdown of her albums. I didn't know some of this so I learned a lot.

[@CariadChavez]

You are such a treasure. A treasure of thought, of heart, of intellectual pursuit, examination and especially in this case, of bravery. I respect you so, so much.

[@TeeNoir]

I don't take this comment lightly, thank you so much

[@thamsanqathesonsinxezi]

“And by opp I don’t mean opposition, I mean oppressor” 🙏🏾

[@happygucci5094]

Sister bell hooks is humming up there in Heaven saying “I see you Sister Tee, Maya Angelou sees you and Sister Toni Morrison sees you, Sojourner sees you, Sylvia Wynter sees you… we send you our harmonized “Speak on it Chile, speak!” Tee- you know you did the damn thing Sis. Oh Tee- you DID THAT Sis!!!!! Standing ovation, 👩🏽‍🍳 💋 aMAZE- ing!!!!!!

[@partygirl589]

It's so good to see you again! Your deep dives into her music always brings much needed nuance to the discussion. "American Requiem" hit me so hard on my first listen. As an Arab-American, all I could think about was Palestine and her deafening silence regarding genocides happening across the world when she asked "can we stand?" I can appreciate her efforts to represent black women in country music, but her current actions (and marketing strategies) are leaving such a bitter taste in my mouth. Even if the cover itself is meant to be satirical, that satire has definitely been lost when it comes to her continuous parading of the American flag and the pervasive red, white, and blue in her wardrobe as of late. During an election year, no less. I remember Formation as such an impactful moment, underscoring the Black Lives Matter movement during the Superbowl was radical. But the rhetoric in Cowboy Carter feels like another story of forgiveness- she calls out the country music genre, so intrinsically tied with America's culture, while also vying for it to accept her as a peer. Beyonce dares to tell us "Now is the time to face the wind, now ain't the time to give in" while wholly ignoring the millions of lives being sacrificed, enslaved, and taken away for this very country she is now standing for.

[@GirlAndStarlighters]

“‘Opp’ not as ‘opposition’ but as an ‘oppressor’” is brilliant

[@brienneoftarth7361]

I'm writing my thesis for the end of my university degree (has nothing to do with Beyoncé anyway 🤭) and guuuurl.... I wish I had your power of synthesis!! What an impressive point of view and , you brought up so many latent points in society and culture. I will definitely be watching your other videos!!

[@waronamotloung9193]

Its 20:45 in South Africa (I have an early morning y'all) and my notification woke me up, chiiillleeee, when I tell you I woke up and went straight to the TV. 😭🤸❤️❤️. Our lady Tee! Is back! Let's go!

[@-Desire]

The hair, look and studio are beautiful, the content is thought-provoking, yeah it was worth the wait

[@MONDEJIYANELIFE]

I love how you tackled these issues in a very unbiased but honest manner, I have learned so much Thank you♥ and I think anyone who watches this video will be able to think for themselves and realize. ♥