Artist of The Month: Beyonce

Beyonce is the first Artist of The Month. Here's a peek of the album....

Knowles announced in February 2010 that she "killed" Fierce "because I've grown and now I'm able to merge the two [personalities]". She explained that she was using live music to create her own music genre. She later clarified the statement, "Well, I wouldn't say I'm inventing a new genre. I'm mixing every type of genre that I love and I'm inspired by every type of genre...I'm not putting myself in a box. It's not R&B, it's not typically pop, it's not rock - it's just everything I love mixed together". Knowles said that the album was inspired by several musicians, including Fela Kuti, The Stylistics, Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson. Producers Jim Jonsin and Ne-Yo were known to have collaborated with Knowles on the album. Ne-Yo stated, "It’s coming along nicely. I can’t speak too much on it, but it’s another direction for her, and she’s carving out her own niche. In a minute nobody will be in Beyoncé’s lane. They really can’t get in her lane now, but they really can’t get in her lane after this album." Jonsin spoke of his intention to create 1980s-influenced electro music using hard drums. In January 2011 producer S1 confirmed via Twitter that he had contributed to the album. Sean Garrett mentioned his contribution, stating that he had "been working with her extremely hard [with Knowles]... she's my favorite". He described the style of music that had been produced, "I think we are doing a lot of up-tempo records for this one. She’s in such a good place right now in life that she is interested in making party music". On January 24, Diplo announced that he had been recording music with Knowles, Switchand Derek Miller of Sleigh Bells. Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, The-Dream, Bangladesh, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Frank Ocean, Kanye West, Q-Tip and Alja Jackson are also working with Knowles on the album.