“It would be difficult to experience life in a pandemic and the current social unrest and not be changed. I have learnt that my voice is clearer when I am still,” she says. “I truly cherish this time with my family, and my new goal is to slow down and shed stressful things from my life. I came into the music industry at 15 years old and grew up with the world watching, and I have put out projects nonstop.”
She recalled her “back to back” creative projects over the last four years, starting with her 2016 album Lemonade and ending with her 2020 Disney+ visual album Black Is King.
“I released Lemonade during the Formation World Tour, gave birth to twins, performed at Coachella, directed Homecoming, went on another world tour with Jay, then Black Is King, all back to back. It’s been heavy and hectic,” she continued. “I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on building my legacy and representing my culture the best way I know how. Now, I’ve decided to give myself permission to focus on my joy.”
And to add another treat, she’s gifted the BeyHive with the second installment of her Ivy Park x Adidas line, labeled Drip 2, which arrived online Thursday and in stores Friday. The inclusive, gender-neutral athleisure items come in sizes ranging from XXXS to 4X. While trying to cater to every kind of consumer when it comes to fashion, Beyoncé has always had her children in mind as the inspiration for empowering narratives in film. She explained why Black Is King, which reimagines the 2019 Disney remake of The Lion King soundtracked by her The Lion King: The Gift album, is dedicated to her one and only son, Sir Carter.
“Something cracked open inside of me right after giving birth to my first daughter. From that point on, I truly understood my power, and motherhood has been my biggest inspiration,” the artist says. “It became my mission to make sure she lived in a world where she feels truly seen and valued. I was also deeply inspired by my trip to South Africa with my family. And, after having my son, Sir Carter, I felt it was important to uplift and praise our boys and to assure that they grow up with enough films, children’s books and music that promote emotional intelligence, self-value and our rich history. That’s why the film is dedicated to him.”
Read the full interview in the December 2020 issue of British Vogue, available via digital download and on newsstands Nov. 6.
