The great debate – who is the most influential musician of the 21st century? 

Names such as Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Eminem, Drake, Jay-Z, Kelly Clarkson, and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter are typically thrown around during this controversial conversation. While numerous factors play a vital role in this argument, Beyoncé has a convincing track record that would entice fans to think twice before making their case. 

Beyonce, best known as "Queen Bey," rose to prominence with Destiny's Child. The girl group was formed in the late 1990s and became popular in the early 2000s. The fierce trio was composed of Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. Their first taste of success came after their second studio album, The Writing's On The Wall. The 1999 collection featured recognizable tracks – "Say My Name" and "Bills, Bills, Bills." The third album was released in 2001, which included "Bootylicious" and the powerhouse anthem "Survivor." Destiny's Child went on to drop a self-titled album before calling it quits. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Destiny's Child (@destinyschild)

When they broke up in 2005, each band member pursued solo careers. Beyoncé, specifically, broke records that single-handedly changed the music industry. The Texas native released her first solo album in 2003, Dangerously in Love with Columbia Records. The well-rounded collection displayed Beyoncé's musical excellence, robust vocal range, and versatile style. The tracklist graced the top of the US Billboard 200 chart upon debut – selling over 317,000 copies in its first week. The following year, the historic record scored five GRAMMY Awards. 

Within two decades, Queen Bey has accumulated 28 GRAMMY Awards – making her the most decorative artist in the organization's history. Following her first studio album, the music phenomenon has pushed out a handful of multi-platinum records – B'Day (2006), I Am…Sasha Fierce (2008), 4 (2011), Beyoncé (2013), Lemonade (2016), Homecoming: The Live Album (2019), The Lion King: The Gift (2019), and most recently, Renaissance (2022). While cultivating these projects, Beyoncé stepped in as a singer, songwriter, producer, visual artist, and entrepreneur. Her devoted fandom, "The Beyhive," has rallied behind her artistry to make her one of the most successful musicians to date. 

Beyoncé's fearless creative approach has pushed boundaries and sparked difficult discussions worldwide. While "I Am… Sacha Fierce" explored themes like women empowerment and self-confidence, her self-titled record tackled sensitive topics such as infidelity, race, and the feminist movement. It wasn't just her razor-sharp songwriting that engraved life lessons into listeners, but the thought-provoking visuals that "woke" society up. Critics and fans alike have praised Beyoncé's "Formation" music video for her eye-opening storytelling. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDZJPJV__bQ&pp=ygURZm9ybWF0aW9uIGJleW9uY2U%3D&pbjreload=102

The clip resembles the Race Riots in 1866, after the American Civil War. During that time, many African Americans were holding a peaceful demonstration when it was violently interrupted by white rioters. Melina Matsoukas, the director of the music video, confirmed with The New Yorker that Beyoncé wanted to display the discrimination African Americans have received throughout the years. 

"Historical impact of slavery on black love, and what it has done to the black family," Matsoukas explained to the outlet. "I wanted to show – this is black people. We triumph, we suffer, we're drowning, we're being beaten, we're dancing, we're eating, and we're still here," she added. 

Beyoncé has used her influential platform to advocate for social justice, mainly through her musical masterpiece, Lemonade. The gut-punching project is infused with rollercoaster-like emotions. In late 2021, Beyoncé told Harpers Bazaar that her mission from an early age was to break boundaries.

 "I wanted to break all of the stereotypes of the Black superstar, whether falling victim to drugs to alcohol or the absurd misconception that Black women were angry," she explained. "I knew I was given this amazing opportunity and felt like I had one shot." 

The songstress did just that and took control of her destiny. In her early twenties, Beyoncé was chasing commercial success and tirelessly trying to claim the No.1 spot on radio. When the "Crazy In Love" singer turned 27 years old, she opened Parkwood Entertainment – a conglomerate that served as a "creative agency, record label, production company, and management company." Young creatives and innovative individuals fueled her budding empire. 

By the time Beyoncé reached her 30s, she had become a supermom. The resilient mother shared three children with her husband JAY-Z – Blue Ivy, Rumi, and Sir. While maintaining a successful music career and a healthy home life, she started the nonprofit BeyGOOD. According to the foundation's official website, BeyGOOD focuses on charities that aid "marginalized and under-resourced" communities, provide educational scholarships, and support aspiring entrepreneurs. In 2016, she launched her athleisure clothing line called IVY Park. By 2019, Beyoncé joined forces with Adidas. 

Following the partnership, Beyoncé released a "Renaissance Couture" line with Balmain and designer Olivier Rousteing. The buzz-worthy collection includes 16 outfits inspired by her GRAMMY Award-winning album, Renaissance. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

The exciting announcement came ahead of her sold-out 2023 world tour. The trek kicked off in Stockholm, Sweden, and wrapped in early October. The multi-city show has single-handedly stimulated local economies, leaving fans and experts to call it the "Beyoncé effect." The tour marks Beyonce's first on the road in nearly seven years. The Renaissance World Tour has become the highest-grossing run by a female artist in history, reaching $461 million. Beyoncé's net worth is approximately $540 million, according to Forbes. 

What was your favorite Beyoncé era, and do you believe she's the most influential musician of the 21st century? Let us know your Fan of View by leaving a comment below. 

Photo Credit: @Beyonce on Instagram.