The Carter New Album: Beyoncé and Jay Z; A Complex Legacy Examined

USPA NEWS - Beyoncé Knowles and Jay-Z have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the music industry, fashion, and popular culture. Their rise to fame, coupled with their enduring influence, has made them icons.

However, recent discussions surrounding Beyoncé's legacy have brought to light questions regarding her authenticity as a representative of the black community and her effectiveness as an advocate for social issues.

One of the most prominent debates revolves around Beyoncé's connection to her roots and her portrayal of black identity. Despite being hailed as a symbol of empowerment for black women worldwide, rumors circulating on the internet suggest that Beyoncé may be exploiting her image for personal gain. Criticisms targeting her physical appearance, particularly her nose, lips, and preference for straight blonde hair, have sparked discussions about her commitment to representing the diversity of black beauty.

Additionally, her recent foray into the beauty industry has faced backlash, with some labeling her new hair products as a flop, further highlighting the disconnect between her image and the realities of her community.

Furthermore, Beyoncé's advocacy efforts have come under scrutiny, with many questioning her ability to effect meaningful change. While she has used her platform to address issues such as racial injustice and female empowerment through her music, public appearances are weak, with critics arguing that her activism lacks substance. Beyoncé's perceived inability to articulate her views effectively in interviews or speeches has led some to question her sincerity as a social justice advocate.

Questions continue to linger regarding Beyoncé's artistic credentials. Unlike many other artists in the industry who demonstrate versatility in their craft, Beyoncé's skill set appears limited, primarily focusing on singing and dancing. While these talents have undoubtedly contributed to her success as a performer, critics argue that her reliance on overproduction detracts from her authenticity as an artist. It is concerning that some of her songs credit as many as eight writers, raising doubts about the extent of her creative input.

This level of collaboration, coupled with the omission of numerous contributors from official credits, calls into question the transparency of Beyoncé's creative process. Despite the immense scrutiny she faces, Beyoncé continues to command unwavering adulation for her relatively modest contributions, prompting discussions about the disproportionate praise she receives relative to her artistic output.


A lawsuit can say a lot about you;

Copyright Infringement Claims: Beyoncé has faced several copyright infringement claims related to her music, including allegations of unauthorized sampling and use of copyrighted material. One notable case involved a lawsuit filed by singer Ahmad Javon Lane, who claimed that Beyoncé's song "XO" used a sample from his own song without permission.

According to ABC, a blind woman sued Beyonce's entertainment company for discrimination.

The lawsuit alleges that the company's website, which sells Beyoncé's merchandise, is not accessible to blind or visually impaired customers, thus violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This case highlights the importance of digital accessibility and the legal obligations for businesses to ensure that their online platforms are usable by individuals with disabilities.

Employment Disputes: Beyoncé has also faced legal issues related to her employment practices. In 2013, for example, a former backup singer sued Beyoncé for allegedly firing her unfairly and failing to pay her overtime wages. - Beyonce and Jay-Z bought a 200 million dollar house but can’t pay overtime to employees?

This lawsuit underscores the importance of holding artists accountable for their use of copyrighted material, especially in the age of digital editing and manipulation. With the prevalence of post-editing techniques, artists have the ability to alter their performances after they have been published, potentially distorting the original content and misleading audiences.

Instances like Alicia Keys' alleged editing of a croaky note from her Super Bowl Halftime performance highlight the ethical and legal implications of such actions. By seeking accountability in cases like the lawsuit against Beyoncé, we uphold the integrity of artistic expression and protect the rights of small content creators whose work is used without proper authorization or compensation from rich greedy people, they can pay but they just won’t.


Beyoncé's wealth and status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry afford her the resources to compensate small content creators fairly for their work. However, instances where wealthy individuals, like Beyoncé, fail to honor copyright laws and use unauthorized material without proper compensation or permission reflect a troubling mindset of entitlement and disregard for legal and ethical boundaries.

The implications of this behavior extend far beyond mere financial gain; they undermine the livelihoods and reputations of content creators who may lack the means to defend their rights adequately.

The power dynamics at play, wherein wealthy individuals can afford top-tier legal representation and may even manipulate evidence to their advantage, exacerbate the injustices faced by small content creators.

Not only do these creators miss out on rightful compensation, but they may also face repercussions such as being "canceled" in their respective industries, effectively ending their careers due to the actions of those who exploit their work.

This exploitation not only perpetuates inequality within the creative landscape but also erodes trust and integrity within the industry. It is imperative that we hold individuals and entities accountable for their actions, regardless of their wealth or status, in order to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of all creators.

The allegations against Beyoncé regarding the lack of credit for Lenora Antoinette Stines' contribution to the single "Black Effect" are indeed troubling and raise questions about the fairness and transparency of collaborations within the music industry.

As a prominent figure in both the music and social justice spheres, Beyoncé's actions are subject to heightened scrutiny, particularly when they intersect with themes of equality and representation.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé's extensive experience in the streaming industry, particularly Jay-Z's ownership of Tidal, has undoubtedly shaped their understanding of the importance of streaming counts for artists. With platforms like Billboard considering a song as "streamed" even if it's played for just 5 seconds, the dynamics of streaming metrics have become increasingly influential in determining an artist's success and chart performance.

Furthermore, Beyoncé's latest release, "Texas Hold Them," saw a significant boost from Meta's platforms, particularly Facebook and Instagram. The integration of her song into Meta's reels feature, coupled with algorithmic favoritism, has arguably propelled Beyoncé's music to unprecedented levels of exposure and engagement.

. This strategic utilization of social media platforms has effectively positioned Beyoncé as a dominant force in the industry, potentially verging on monopolistic influence due to her unparalleled reach and impact on digital platforms. As streaming continues to shape the landscape of the music industry, artists like Beyoncé and Jay-Z are leveraging their expertise and influence to navigate and capitalize on these evolving trends.

In the context of Beyoncé's advocacy for social justice causes, such as racial equality and empowerment, this case prompts critical reflection on the alignment between her public image and her actions behind the scenes. It underscores the importance of authenticity and accountability in advancing meaningful change, particularly when it comes to uplifting marginalized voices and communities.

In another case, Beyoncé was hit with a $20 million lawsuit by the estate of a deceased YouTube star, Messy Mya (real name Anthony Barre), as reported by NBC News. The lawsuit alleges that Beyoncé used unauthorized samples of Messy Mya's voice in her song "Formation" without permission. The samples allegedly include phrases such as "What happened after New Orleans?" and "B****, I'm back by popular demand." The lawsuit claims that these samples were taken from Mya's YouTube videos and used in "Formation" without compensation or permission.

The repeated lawsuits against Beyoncé and her production team, alleging a pattern of taking content from others without giving credit, compensation, or seeking authorization, raise serious ethical concerns. These accusations indicate a troubling pattern of exploitation and disregard for the creative rights of others, particularly those who may lack the resources or platform to defend their work. The allegations of unauthorized use of content without proper attribution or compensation not only undermine the integrity of Beyoncé's work but also perpetuate systemic inequalities within the creative landscape.

Amid the storm of sexual assault and trafficking allegations against Diddy capturing headlines, the unexpected trend of Jay-Z on Twitter ignited a frenzy of speculation and discourse within the hip-hop community. Rapper 50 Cent's pointed questioning of Jay-Z's silence only added fuel to the fire, intensifying scrutiny of the iconic rapper's potential connections to the unfolding scandal.

The allegations against Diddy undoubtedly cast a shadow over Jay-Z's reputation, especially considering their longstanding friendship. Such close ties inevitably raise questions about potential associations and shared behaviors. Moreover, Jay-Z's own history of involvement with underage girls adds another layer of concern. While these allegations against Diddy are disturbing on their own, they become even more troubling in the context of Jay-Z's past. This convergence of circumstances does not bode well for Jay-Z, as it intensifies scrutiny and speculation regarding his associations and past actions.

Jay-Z's name has been linked to various criminal activities over the years, drawing significant attention and speculation.

In 1999, he made headlines after being arrested for stabbing record producer Lance Rivera, shedding light on a darker side to the music industry.
Additionally, his nightclub "40/40" faced legal troubles, with reports surfacing in 2003 of bounced checks totaling $46,000, raising concerns about financial mismanagement.

Jay-Z's admission of his teenage involvement in drug dealing adds another layer to his complex past, revealing a gritty reality behind his rise to fame. Shockingly, he confessed to shooting his own brother at the age of 12, an incident that underscores the violence and turmoil of his upbringing.

Moreover, disturbing footage from a concert film allegedly shows Jay-Z punching a young female fan in 1999, sparking controversy and raising questions about his behavior offstage. These incidents collectively paint a troubling picture of Jay-Z's past, challenging the perception of him as solely a successful musician and entrepreneur as well ethics related to his business dealings.

As social media users speculated about Jay-Z potentially facing the spotlight of public scrutiny next, the atmosphere within the hip-hop gossip sphere crackled with anticipation and conjecture. Against this backdrop of uncertainty and heightened attention, Beyoncé's decision to release her album at this moment seemed like a bold and calculated risk—a daring move that could either be overshadowed by the unfolding controversy or serve as a strategic diversion from the intense scrutiny facing her peers in the industry.


While it is commendable that Beyoncé has ventured into the hair product industry, offering options tailored to the needs of black women, there are valid concerns about the implications of her business endeavors. As someone who is already wealthy and influential, Beyoncé's dominance in the market could potentially stifle opportunities for other black women entrepreneurs striving to make their mark.

Furthermore, her timing in addressing issues such as hair discrimination seems opportunistic, especially considering her silence on the matter in the past. While many black women face daily struggles due to societal discrimination based on their hair, Beyoncé's belated efforts to address these issues through her products raise questions about her motivations. The lyrics in her song "Sorry," where she references "Becky with the good hair," have sparked controversy and accusations of profiting from the discourse surrounding black women's hair.

Unlike grassroots movements that have mobilized communities to protest and fight against systemic injustices, Beyoncé's approach appears to capitalize on the discussion without necessarily effecting tangible change for those affected. As such, it is crucial to scrutinize the sincerity and impact of her actions within the broader context of social activism for the black community.

In contrast, Jay-Z's career trajectory has been marked by a different narrative. As a rapper and entrepreneur, he has been lauded for his business acumen and his ability to navigate the complexities of the music industry. Jay-Z's candid discussions about his upbringing, struggles with poverty, and experiences as a black man in America have resonated with audiences, solidifying his reputation as a cultural influence.

As Beyoncé and Jay-Z's legacies continue to evolve, it is essential to critically examine their impact on society and their contributions to the black community. While Beyoncé's success as a performer is undeniable, questions surrounding her authenticity and advocacy efforts warrant thoughtful consideration. Ultimately, it is through nuanced discussions and introspection that we can gain a deeper understanding of their complex legacy.