Beyoncé explains why she stopped making videos

Beyoncé’s music videos have been iconic, from the playful bubblegum popping in “Crazy In Love” to the dramatic car-smashing scene in “Hold Up.” Her visual artistry, comparable to the likes of Madonna and Michael Jackson in the 1980s, reached new heights with the “Lemonade” album, which celebrated black womanhood and female empowerment. However, fans were left puzzled when her recent albums, “Renaissance” and “Cowboy Carter,” came without accompanying visuals. In a rare interview with GQ, Beyoncé has shed light on this shift in her creative approach.

Beyoncé revealed that her decision to forgo music videos was driven by a desire to emphasize the music itself. She stated that in an era saturated with visual content, she wanted listeners to focus on the quality of her voice and the music. “I thought it was important that during a time where all we see is visuals, that the world can focus on the voice,” she explained.

Her recent albums, which delve into the often overlooked contributions of black musicians to genres like house, disco, and country, required a different kind of presentation. Beyoncé felt that the music, rich with historical and instrumental depth, needed time and space to be fully appreciated. “The music is so rich in history and instrumentation. It takes months to digest, research, and understand,” she said. “The music needed space to breathe on its own.”

For “Renaissance,” released in 2022, Beyoncé chose to focus on the live concert experience rather than music videos. The album, created during the pandemic, was intended as a sanctuary for listeners seeking escape during a challenging time. The subsequent tour and its film adaptation were designed to foster a sense of community and collective healing. “The fans from all over the world became the visual,” Beyoncé told GQ. “We all got the visual on tour.”

This interview marks Beyoncé’s first extensive discussion about her career since a joint interview with her sister Solange in 2017. Since around 2013-2014, she has largely avoided interviews, preferring to share her thoughts through personal essays or social media. The GQ article also touched on Beyoncé’s personal life and current interests. She mentioned adopting a meat-free diet (excluding turkey) over the summer and expressed concern about artificial intelligence, revealing she recently heard an AI-generated track that closely resembled her own voice. Additionally, Beyoncé discussed her efforts to shield her family from media scrutiny, emphasizing her commitment to maintaining their privacy and normalcy.

In the midst of this interview, Beyoncé faced an unexpected snub from the Country Music Awards. Despite “Cowboy Carter” being the first album by a black woman to top the US country albums chart and the song “Texas Hold ‘Em” leading the country singles chart for two weeks, the album did not receive a single nomination. Beyoncé’s father and former manager, Matthew Knowles, criticized the CMA organizers, suggesting that the oversight reflected underlying racial biases in the industry.

Amid these discussions, it’s worth revisiting some of Beyoncé’s most memorable music videos:

1. “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”: Directed by Jake Nava, this black-and-white video features Beyoncé, a simple backdrop, and iconic choreography inspired by Bob Fosse. Its minimalism highlighted her performance and dance prowess.
2. “Formation”: This video is a powerful commentary on black American history and culture, set against the backdrop of New Orleans. It addresses themes such as slavery, segregation, and police brutality while celebrating southern culture.
3. “Countdown”: Co-directed by Beyoncé while pregnant, this colorful video is a vibrant homage to pop culture icons like Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy. Its energetic editing and choreography make it a standout in her videography.
4. “Crazy In Love”: Marking the beginning of her solo career, this video is a quintessential early 2000s production featuring fur coats, exploding cars, and dynamic camera work. It established Beyoncé as a formidable solo artist.
5. “Get Me Bodied (Extended Version)”: Although “Hold Up” was a contender, the fun and glamorous “Get Me Bodied” ultimately won out. With its Hollywood-style production, Bob Fosse-inspired choreography, and cameos from Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, and Solange Knowles, it’s a celebration of Beyoncé’s pop dominance.

Beyoncé’s decision to focus on the music itself rather than visual accompaniment underscores her commitment to letting her artistry speak for itself in a world awash with constant imagery.