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Earlier this week, Beyonce released the cover art for her new single, “Best I Never Had” featuring a new promo photo.  In the picture, she stands in a bathroom looking at herself while writing “King B” on the mirror. It was apparent that it was all a part of Beyonce’s ‘Girls Run The World’ campaign and theme of ‘female empowerment’ that she has been pushing with the new album, however her use of “King B” has sparked mixed reactions.

Video director Vashtie tweeted yesterday, “It’s so entertaining that broads are referring to themselves as ‘KING…’ now. it’s cute…”. Beyonce fans were on attack but it was hard to tell whether the tweet was meant to be a direct jab at Beyonce. Vashtie has also referred to herself as ‘King Vashtie” on the NY party scene for years.

Streetz, a writer for the popular site SingleBlackMale.org, weighed in on his thoughts of Beyonce’s “King” reference by saying,

“As a male, my feelings on Beyonce’s King reference is indifferent, as I see it purely a marketing gimmick; I didn’t take offense, nor was I taken aback. I think its an interesting concept and it’s part of her women empowerment groove she’s been on this go around.”

While Dr. J added,

“I’m always confused by Beyonce these days because it’s obvious that she’s got some gender issues going on. I can’t say it’s limited to just her. But I wonder why she feels the need to be a King and not a Queen. (I hope it has nothing to do with Lil’ Kim). I just think there’s a “feminist” movement going on out of her camp, and it’s awkward. I don’t think men or women have ever had problems with Beyonce, I don’t think we’ve ever said anything about her success or fame was attributed to nothing but talent and hardwork. I think she’s trying to break down gender roles, but the question is what led her to this?”

The issue of gender roles is definitely not limited to just Beyonce; as popularity continues to grow with bringing transgendered issues to light. (i.e. Cher’s son Chaz, people questioning Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie’s choice to dress their 5-year-old daughter like a boy). Besides, Beyonce reversing gender roles is not completely new.

In her video for the song, ‘Sugar Mama’ off of the “B’Day” LP, she talks about reversing the sugar daddy role while sporting a men’s styled suit and smoking a cigar. In the song, “Upgrade U”, she sings about helping her man build up his bank account, splitting the bill and taking care of home while impersonating Jay-z in the video that accompanied the song. “If I Were A Boy” is another video that Beyonce takes on the male role and even grabbed her crotch during a performance of the song during last year’s Grammy Awards.

Yes, calling herself “King” is an empowerment thing, but it may also be a bold statement to let people know that she’s more than just a pop diva dominating over her female counterparts. She reigns over the men too.

What Are Your Thoughts On Beyonce’s New Title “King B”?

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