Yes, Beyonce Knowles is married.
Yes, she's still putting out her brand new album next month.
And yes, she's still wowing international audiences with her exhilarating performances.
Last night, the multiple Grammy Award winning superstar weathered tropical rain storms and delivered an over-two-hour set of songs and dance that thrilled eager masses at the National Sports Centre on the tiny, little island of Bermuda.
It was her first show since performing overseas last November. And the 'Bootylicious' diva was in tip-top form.
From the Destiny's Child chart-toppers 'Survivor,' 'Independent Woman,' and the near 10-year-old platter 'Say My Name,' to her solo hits 'Dangerously In Love,' 'Me, Myself and I,' 'Get Me Bodied' and the song she said was her favorite to sing, 'Irreplaceable,' Beyonce gave the drenched audience a whole lot more than they bargained for, with what seemed like an endless stream of infectious songs.
Unlike other "divas," who perform at Caribbean music festivals, the 'Dreamgirls' star didn't hold back on all of her vocal bravado -- and didn't restrict massive jumbotron screens from getting up-close and personal visuals of her while sweating up a storm of her very own onstage.
Black Music Notes September 3
9/4/08: Lil' Wayne / Michael Phelps
Fresh off his historic performance at this summer's Beijing Olympic Games, gold medal winning swimmer Michael Phelps is set to host the season premiere of 'Saturday Night Live' on September 13. The 34th season of the long-running sketch comedy series will not only be laced with gold but also platinum. Joining Phelps for the coveted opener will be none other than 2008's best-selling rapper Lil Wayne, who will serve as the show's musical guest.
9/4/08: Deitrick Haddon
Gospel singer-songwriter Deitrick Haddon released his latest Zomba Gospel release this week, entitled 'Revealed.' The project features production from some of the best producers in the industry including Dre & Vidal, Warryn Campbell, Tim & Bob, and Percy Bady. The set has already yielded one of the hottest R&B/Gospel anthems of 2008 in 'Love Him Like I Do' featuring Ruben Studdard and Mary Mary. 'Revealed' also contains 'The Word,' 'I'm Alive,' 'Reveal My Heart,' and Deitrick's personal story of triumph on 'Soul Survivor.' With the album being so diverse Haddon believes Gospel music can be "just as big as rock and fill stadiums around the world." "Our music has to reach beyond our religious beliefs to connect on a greater level. I wanted to speak to everybody."
9/4/08: Mavis Staple
Legendary soul-gospel singer Mavis Staple is looking forward to participating in this year's election. Not only is she expected to vote on November 4, but she will also release her 12th solo album 'Mavis Staples Live: Hope At The Hideout.' The political driven project is filled with freedom / protest songs inspired by the current presidential race. In addition, the Chicago native has something in common with Democratic nominee Barack Obama, who attended the same church as Staple. The 13-track opus features the new single 'We Shall Not Be Moved.'
9/4/08: Rick Ross / Trina / Trick Daddy
Slip-N-Slide Records, the #1 independent label in South Florida, is looking to expand their imprint into different genres such as Pop, R&B, and Rock with open casting calls. The auditions will take place throughout the country and will be apart of the labels 'The Next Big Super Star' talent showcase which is expected to air as a TV special in the future. So far the label has released critically acclaimed albums from the likes of Trick Daddy, Trina, Rick Ross, and Plies. Having such a talented roster will usher in 'Slip-N-Slide Greatest Hits' compilation set to hit stores at the top of 2009. "We will continue to spread our wings by forming sub-labels under Slip-N-Slide Records and offer support to artists who would like to start their own record labels," CEO Ted Lucas said.
9/4/08: LL Cool J / Richie Sambora
With his current single 'Baby' from the forthcoming album 'Exit 13' in heavy rotation throughout media outlets, LL Cool J is planning to add an edgier twist to the track. The man ladies call Cool James has hooked up with none other than Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora for a rock-edge remix. "We creatively put our heads together," LL explained. "I told him I wanted that talk box. 'Slippery When Wet' by Bon Jovi's is one of my favorite albums. I thought the talk box on a couple of the songs was incredible, 'Livin' on a Prayer' especially. So, I got Richie to do it on the 'Baby' remix. It sounds crazy. Then he did some vocals, and he did some guitar solos ... so it's good." The track is currently available through iTunes. 'Exit 13' hit stores September 9.
9/4/08: Yolanda Adams
"The First Annual Save Africa's Children Music Festival" is sure to debut with a bang! Not only are several celebrity presenters tapped to appear at the all-star extravaganza, various award-winning recording artist will take the stage. Yolanda Adams, Pieces of a Dream , Kirk Whalum + 3 Generations of Whalums, Doc Powell are among the many artist taking part in the September 26 event at Los Angeles' West Angeles Cathedral. All proceeds will benefit orphan children in Africa.
9/4/08: The Game / Young Buck
Former G-Unit members The Game and Young Buck have finally let bygones be bygones. The two MCs officially put their differences beside themselves and reunited on stage recently at Game's New York City album release party. Buck appeared on stage handing the California native a diamond encrusted watch. Throughout the entire celebration the two took various verbal shots at their former boss 50 Cent. And the reunion doesn't stop there. Game and Young Buck are also schedule to perform at this year's Tennessee Music Conference and Hip-Hop Awards taking place September 6.
9/4/08: Diamond
Following her previous chart topping success with Crime Mob, who released the hit singles 'Knuck If You Buck" and the certified gold single 'Rock Yo Hips,' female MC Diamond recently signed a solo deal with Warner Bros. Records Inc. The multilayer deal will consist of the label. tying in various endorsements, which include TV and film opportunities leading up to her debut solo album expected to drop in 2009. "I'm so excited about my new solo deal with Warner- it's been a long time coming," she said. "It's important for me to give my fans the Diamond they already know, but to also give them something new from me! I hope to work with a few of my favorite people in the industry, from Timbaland to T-Pain on my new album, so there's definitely going to be a few surprises in store!"
9/4/08: DMX
Despite facing all his legal woes, DMX (born Earl Simmons) still seems to have his mind on his money. The rapper is currently shopping around a series based on his recent court ordeals. The show tentatively titled, 'DMX: This Life of Mine' will feature the MC going through the stages of avoiding prison time for a number of his charges including animal cruelty charges, theft, and possession of drug paraphernalia to name a few. "In many ways, my life has been an open book," DMX (born Earl Simmons) told Allhiphop.com. "[But] I haven't always been the one writing the story. With this show; however, people will get to see and hear with their own eyes and ears what really goes on in my life and I think they'll come to understand me a little bit better with each episode."
9/4/08: Wyclef Jean / Venus Williams
One of today's best marketing schemes seems to be pairing up a popular musician with a popular athlete. Enter Grammy Award-winning musician/producer Wyclef Jean, who has written and recorded a new song titled, 'Venus (I'm Ready),' inspired by tennis champion Venus Williams. The song is expected to be used as Williams' theme song during the 2008 US Open tennis tournament which ends September 7. In addition to the newly produced song, the two paired up for an upcoming episode for the Sundance Channel television series 'Iconoclasts.' "I was so happy to meet Wyclef and work with him on our 'Iconoclasts' episode but not even in my wildest imagination, did I expect that such a beautiful song would be one of the outcomes from meeting Wyclef," the Olympic gold medalist said. "He is an amazing human being and it is truly an honor for me to be recognized in such a wonderful way by such a gifted musician and exceptional person." The Venus Williams, Wyclef Jean episode of 'Iconoclasts' is scheduled to premiere November 13 at 10PM ET on the Sundance Channel.
"This is the first time I'm seeing her live and I am amazed," exclaimed Laverne Fenn, a frequent visitor to Bermuda from Atlanta, who partook in the second night festivities of the "2008 Bermuda Festival," which also included opening acts Solange Knowles and Lyfe Jennings.
While Beyonce – as she is affectionately known as -- didn't showcase any new songs from her forthcoming yet-to-be-titled album – due out Nov. 18 – she did offer the first live concert version of her rendition of the Etta James' classic 'At Last,' which she sang with much passion. While mentioning her connection to the legendary R&B singer (she plays her in the upcoming movie 'Cadillac Records'), the 27-year-old powerhouse advised the audience to google information about the 70-year-old trailblazer if they were not familiar.
"I am in a different place right now and I wanted people to see the many sides of me," she said in a statement released earlier in the day about the new Columbia Records project, which some have speculated will come out later in the year. "I have taken risks here. I am not afraid and my music will explain it all."
BlackVoices.com has learned exclusively that the eagerly-anticipated opus will feature a new collaboration between Beyonce and Solange.
"I actually wrote a record for her, 'Why Don't You Love Me?' and I'm so excited," Solange revealed backstage while Beyonce was taking the stage. "It's kind of a twist to it. It's not a passive, whiney, 'Why don't you love me?' [song]," she furthered. "It's basically like you're a fool if you don't love me because I'm fly, I'm smart, My money's right and I don't need you for nothing and therefore you should love me."
"[It's] something that says who I am at this stage in my life ... It is my baby," Beyonce continued.
From the looks and sound of the massive Bermudian crowd, including some who waited hours to see her, it's one baby that will be welcomed with joy.
1. Y'LL KNOW MA GAL B z cumn bac HOOTER thn EVER!!!!!!!!!!!every one is anticipatin her album.... and y'll knw she's gna shut oll of em RNB gals down...."including mariah"..........i mean dis WOMAN has it all..... AN AMAZING VOICE, beauty money she's PERFECT 4 ME!!!!! thats y every1 luvs her...... thats y movie producers chose her to pay tribute 2 music icons bcos they knw her voice is so versitile... and flawless!!!!! she s hardworking....
SO STOP HATIN AND ENJOY HER TALENT...(its not her fault she intergaliticly INCREDIBLE!
geez at 5:29AM on Oct 3rd 2008