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Diva (Beyonc song)

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Wikipedia article




{{Infobox song

| name = Diva

| cover = Beyonc - Diva (single).png

| alt = The black and white portrait of the left side of a woman, who is standing in front of a wall. She wears a black jacket with flames on the front, and jeans and heels of the same color. Next to her image, appear the words "Beyonc" in silver capital letters, in front of her, and "Diva" in white letters, behind her.

| border = yes

| type = single

| artist = Beyonc

| album = I Am... Sasha Fierce

| A-side = "Halo"

| released = January 20, 2009

| recorded = 2008

| studio = *Bangladesh

*Patchwerk

*Silent Sound (Atlanta)

| venue =

| genre =

| length = 3:20

| label = Columbia

| writer =

| producer =

| prev_title = At Last

| prev_year = 2008

| next_title = Halo

| next_year = 2009

| misc =

}}

"'Diva'" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Beyonc. The song was written and produced by Knowles, Shondrae "Bangladesh" Crawford, and Sean Garrett for the singer's third studio album 'I Am... Sasha Fierce' (2008). It was released as the album's third overall single in the United States alongside the third international single "Halo". "Diva" is an R&B song, which is set in a hip hop groove, and carries a stuttering beat. Its lyrics deliver messages of independence and female empowerment. The song boasts a beat and a bassline similar to those of another Bangladesh 2008 production, "A Milli" by American rapper, Lil' Wayne; critics coined "Diva" as a "female companion" to the latter.

"Diva" received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who had polarized opinions concerning its affiliation with "A Milli". Despite being released to rhythmic and urban radios only in the US, the song peaked at number 19 on the US 'Billboard' Hot 100 chart, topped the US Hot Dance Club Play chart, and attained a peak position of number three on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Diva" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting shipment of 500,000 copies. Although it was only officially released in the US, the song appeared on the singles charts in Australia, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

The accompanying music video for "Diva" was directed by Melina Matsoukas. It shows the singer and backup dancers in a warehouse, and presents a choreography similar to that of her previous single "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" (2008). Beyonc also appears in different Thierry Mugler couture pieces. The video received mixed response from critics, who were not pleased by its concept as they believed it portrayed Beyonc's alter ego Sasha Fierce ineffectively. It was ranked at number 13 on BET's 'Notarized: Top 100 Videos of 2009' countdown. Although Beyonc did not perform the song in any televised appearances, it was a part of her set list on the I Am... World Tour (200910) and her revue show, Revel Presents: Beyonc Live (2012).

Background and release



"Diva" was written and produced by Beyonc, Shondrae "Bangladesh" Crawford, and Sean Garrett. According to an interview that Bangladesh gave with 'Rap-Up', the song was originally intended to be included on the track-listing of his own mixtape after choosing a female artist to contribute vocals to "Diva". However, he decided to play the song to American R&B singer Keyshia Cole, who liked the beat, but not the whole track. She eventually declined to record the song, but later said she would sing the song, however, by this time Beyonc also wanted it for her then upcoming album. Bangladesh ultimately gave "Diva" to Beyonc and composed another song for Cole. About one month after the release of 'I Am... Sasha Fierce', American R&B singer Ciara, who was working on her third studio album, 'Fantasy Ride' (2009), remixed "Diva", which was supposed to be included on her 'Fantasy Ride Mixtape'.

"Ego" and "Halo" were initially planned for simultaneous release in the US, following the 2008 dual lead singles "If I Were a Boy" and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)". However, the release of "Ego" was scrapped and replaced with "Diva", which was taken from a different disc of 'I Am... Sasha Fierce' to "Halo"; the intention was to demonstrate the concept that Beyonc has conflicting personalities. "Diva" added to urban contemporary radio and rhythmic contemporary radios playlists,[http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=01/20/2009&Format=9 Rhythmic Week Of: January 20, 2009] Radio and Records. Retrieved 2010-12-09. while "Halo" was sent to contemporary hit radio on January 20, 2009.[http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=01/20/2009&Format=1 Top 40 Week Of: January 20, 2009] Radio and Records. Retrieved 2010-12-09. In Germany, "Diva" was featured as the B-side to "Halo" single. Upon its release, contemporary music critics noted many similarities between Beyonc's "Diva" and Lil Wayne's 2008 song "A Milli"; both feature a similar beat produced by Bangladesh.







In an interview with MySpace, Beyonc agreed that "Diva" is the woman's equivalent to "A Milli". However, she stated that it was not consciously. "Diva" eventually became known as the feminine companion to "A Milli".

Composition and lyrical interpretation



"Diva" is an R&B and hip hop song, which is composed in a moderate tempo in the key of E major. It carries a stuttering beat, which is accompanied by a slow-rolling and heavy bass-pumping groove with a jerky rhythm. The song marks a change of direction for Beyonc; she raps in cadences over a Roland TR-808 machine, kick drums, and fewer instruments than her usual tracks. As stated by Andy Kellman of Allmusic, "Diva" aurally resembles Beyonc's own 2006 songs "Freakum Dress" and "Ring the Alarm". Spence D. of IGN Music further compared its hip hop composition to Missy Elliott's earlier songs. Adam Mattera of 'The Observer' noted "Diva" could be "a perfect independent women anthem"; its lyrics reflect a message of courage and determination. Similarly, 'Houston Chronicle's Joey Guerra called the song an "ode to female fabulousness".

"Diva" features Beyonc as the female protagonist speaking about being a diva. Chipmunked vocal samples and overdubs aplenty make up the song's foundation. According to Nick Levine of Digital Spy, Beyonc's alter ego Sasha Fierce also salutes her earning power and proclaims herself as the "number one diva in the game". "Diva" begins with metallic kick drum complemented by Beyonc's robotic sly vocal stutters as she sings: "I'm a, I'm a, a diva". She then starts the first verse, chanting the dictionary definition of a diva. She references her millions of dollars, and raps, "I done got so sick and filthy with benjis, I can't spend it", channeling her alter ego. After repeating the introductory lines, Beyonc employs breathy drawls and robotic shouts to chant the chorus, where the lines, "Now diva is a female version of a hustla. Of a hustla. Of a, of a hustla", are looped. In the second verse, she finds love in the club, where she warns "Better have a six-pack in the cooler ... If you aint gettin[g] money, then you ain't got nothin[g] for me", and asks, "Where yo Boss at?" After singing the third verse and the chorus for the third time, Beyonc adopts her initial chipmunked vocals to end the song, chanting, "I'm a, I'm a, a diva".

Critical reception



The song received mixed to positive reviews, with critics either praising or criticizing it being a female companion to "A Milli." Matos Michaelangelo of 'The A.V. Club' said that "Diva" is a flagrant attempt to write a female version of "A Milli". Leah Greenblat of 'Entertainment Weekly' wrote that "Diva" can make a good feminine companion to "A Milli" thanks to their use of similar music instruments." Noting its similarity to "A Milli", Andy Kellman of Allmusic picked out "Diva" as one of the three standout tracks from the album. J. Freedom du Lac of 'The Washington Post' chose it as one of the best songs on 'I Am... Sasha Fierce', calling it a "fun, [and] tuneless, gender-twisting play". Colin McGuire of PopMatters picked "Diva" as the highlight of the album, noting its "Lil Wayne-inspired beat" and describing it as "cheeky". He further wrote it shows the singer's "impeccable street side... with enough attitude to make it work".McGuire, Colin. (2009-02-09) [http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/69482-beyonce-i-am-sasha-fierce/ Review: 'I Am... Sasha Fierce']. PopMatters. Retrieved on 2009-11-11.

Greg Kot of 'Chicago Tribune' commented that the "menacing rhythm and chanted vocals" on "Diva", mark the album's biggest departure. Adam Mazmanian of 'The Washington Times' felt that the song was influenced by Beyonc's husband, American rapper Jay-Z as it has a "bad soft-core gangster rap". He also noted that its contains words that could get an "explicit" sticker by the chain stores. Similarly, Daniel Brockman of 'The Phoenix' remarked that the song is "particularly intriguing" as it progresses through "hard-knockish robbery scenarios" which does not resemble Beyonc's clean public image. Stacey Anderson of 'Spin' magazine noted that "Diva" places a "startling, sexy snarl over window-rattling bass".Anderson, Stacey (2008-12-08). [http://www.spin.com/reviews/beyonc%C3%A9-i-am%E2%80%A6sasha-fierce-music-worldcolumbia Review: 'I Am... Sasha Fierce'] . 'Spin'. Spin Media LLC. Retrieved on 2010-09-10. Christian Hoard of 'Rolling Stone' noted Beyonc turns out "modal-sounding hooks" over 808 bass on the song.Hoard, Christian. (2008-11-18) [https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/i-am-sasha-fierce-20081127 Review: 'I Am... Sasha Fierce']. 'Rolling Stone'. Wenner Media. Retrieved on 2009-11-11. 'The Village Voice's Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond described Sasha Fierce as "suffer no such identity crisis, brassy, big-headed, confrontational, and witty...", reflected on "Diva".Brew-Hammond, Nana Ekua. (2008-12-17) [http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-12-17/music/on-the-method-behind-beyonc-eacute-s-multiple-personality-madness/ Review: 'I Am... Sasha Fierce']. 'The Village Voice'. (Village Voice Media). Retrieved on 2009-11-11. James Reed of 'The Boston Globe' described "Diva" as a "glitchy, bass-heavy thumper with the most ridiculous chorus of the year". Reed nevertheless added that the song is "insanely catchy, but then, when you hear something looped incessantly, no matter how mindless, it's bound to stick".

Mariel Concepcion of 'Billboard' magazine noted that "Diva" is not something new, nevertheless it manages to be a radio-ready dance song. Alex Thornton of AllHipHop noted that Beyonc adopts a masculine character on "Diva" and that it is "something decent to bounce to at least". 'The Observer's Adam Mattera described the song as a potential source of inspiration to drag queens, however concluded that it can also leave many persons confused and bewildered.Mattera, Adam (2008-11-09). [https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/09/beyonce-sasha-fierce-review Review: 'I Am... Sasha Fierce']. 'The Observer'. (Guardian Media Group). Retrieved on 2010-09-10. Alexis Petridis of 'The Guardian', also reviewed the song negatively, stating, "The sonic trickery on the most experimental track, 'Diva', isn't interesting enough to distract you from the absence of a tune." Spence D. of IGN Music, felt that Beyonc's rapping in the song was a "bad idea" and described the song as "awkward, [and] horribly dated." On 'The Village Voice's 2009 Pazz & Jop singles list, "Diva" was ranked at number 224. In 2013, John Boone and Jennifer Cady of E! Online placed the song at number nine on their list of ten best Beyonc's songs.

Chart performance



.|alt=A brunette woman is standing in front of some stairs. She wears a super heroine costume, compound of a golden bra with red diamonds, silver pants, a long black coat and glasses. Behind her five people, dressed like golden mannequins, are standing in different positions.

Initially, "Diva" charted on the 'Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart at number five. For the week ending January 3, 2009, the song debuted on the main US 'Billboard' Hot 100 chart at number 96, and peaked at number 19 on the issue dated March 7, 2009, becoming Beyonc's sixteenth top twenty single on the chart. "Diva" reached number one on the US Hot Dance Club Play chart on March 28, 2009, giving Beyonc her ninth number one on the chart. It peaked at number three on the US Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart from the week ending February 14, 2009 to the week ending March 14, 2009.The song peaked at number three for five consecutive weeks on the 'Billboard' Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart:

*"Week ending February 14, 2009":

*"Week ending February 21, 2009":

*"Week ending February 28, 2009":

*"Week ending March 7, 2009":

*"Week ending March 14, 2009":
"Diva" was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on March 12, 2009. As of October, 2012, it had sold 1,037,000 digital downloads in the US.

Even though "Diva" was only officially released in the US, it managed to chart in other countries. In Australia, the song debuted at number 47 on March 15, 2009, becoming the fourth single from the 'I Am Sasha Fierce' to reach the top fifty of the ARIA Singles Chart. and peaked at number 40 on April 12, 2009. In New Zealand, "Diva" entered at number 32 on March 30, 2009 and peaked at number 26 for two non-consecutive weeks on April 6, 2009 and April 27, 2009. On the UK Singles Chart, "Diva" rose from number 173 to number 73 on the UK Singles Chart on May 17, 2009 based on downloads alone. The following week, it peaked at number 72. In the Netherlands, "Diva" debuted at number 94 on the Mega Single Top 100 and peaked at number 73, based on downloads alone.

Music video



Background and concept



The accompanying music video for "Diva" was shot in Downtown Los Angeles on November 22, 2008, and was directed by Melina Matsoukas, who worked with Beyonc for several music videos. The music video is conceptually similar to that for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" in the sense that it was filmed in black and white, shows Beyonc as alter ego Sasha Fierce, who dons her metal glove and performs choreography with two back-up dancers with more formal leotards. Beyonc wears a Gareth Pugh design in the video, a custom Brian Lichtenberg bodysuit, as well as a couple of vintage Thierry Mugler Haute Couture pieces, including a leather bodice and a reptilia inspired gown.

The video for "Diva" premiered on the iTunes Store on December 23, simultaneously with the one for "Halo". It was included on Beyonc's remix album with videography, 'Above and Beyonc' (2009).

Synopsis

The video begins with a dictionary definition of the word "diva", before cutting to a parking lot outside of a warehouse. Beyonc, wearing a pair of "dangle shades", walks past a car full of mannequin parts into the warehouse. From here, she is accompanied by her two dancers and a variety of high fashion outfits. When she states "Diva's gettin' money..." she waves a fan made of $100 bills. During the bridge to the climax, Beyonc dances on a single light and then during the climax, she is seen very glossy in another wardrobe choice dancing in robotic movements to the beat with gold punctuating the black and white scene. In one scene, Beyonc is seen dancing robotically in front of a set of gold-tinted mannequins; while in another, she dances against a wall with two large chains hanging from the ceiling. During the last chorus, Beyonc is in her last wardrobe change in front of window which is where the paparazzi had taken photos of her. At the end of the song, Beyonc walks back out to the parking lot. She lights up a cigar and throws the lighter into the car, letting it explode. As she walks away, the intro to "Video Phone" (a track from 'I Am... Sasha Fierce') plays. The explosion retains its original fiery colors in contrast with the black and white.

Reception

A writer of 'Rolling Stone' described the video as "quite a hot mess", further comparing the dancers with the ones from the video for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)". The writer finished the review calling it "a four-minute art-school film unworthy of her Sasha Fierceness". Jennifer Cady of E! Online commented that the video was "all about being gritty and edgy, like strutting around a downtown L.A. warehouse in crazy designer fashion and chewing bubblegum. Hard-core style". Cady further described the dance in the video for "Diva" as "way easier to learn than [the one] in 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)'". However, she chose the C-3PO-inspired mannequins, the lack of Beyonc's robot hand and the "obnoxious camera work or car explosion" as the worst parts of the video. 'Entertainment Weekly's Michael Slezak commented: "The video has the production values of the clearance bin at Family Dollar, and yet somehow it works." Slezak further described the set as a "trunk full of mannequins, Cylon-y fringed sunglasses, and angry-lady dancing on display in the accompanying video". The video was ranked at number 13 on Black Entertainment Television's (BET's) 'Notarized: Top 100 Videos of 2009' countdown.

Live performances



Although Beyonc did not perform "Diva" on televised appearances, the song was a part of her set list on the I Am... World Tour (2009-2010). Eventually, it was included on her 2010 live album, 'I Am... World Tour' as the twelfth song. The performance of "Diva" during her I Am... World Tour features Beyonc performing the song while being backed up by six dancers (four of which are golden mannequins). She sports a leopard print glow-in-the-dark leotard, black trenchcoat, leopard print stockings, high heels and leopard-print sunglasses. She would remove the trenchcoat during the performance. The song was also included on the setlist for her Formation World Tour (2016), as the fifteenth song performed each night. Alice Jones of 'The Independent' felt that "she sings her heart out" during the electro hook of "Diva". In May 2012, Beyonc performed "Diva" during her Revel Presents: Beyonc Live revue in Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States' entertainment resort, hotel, casino and spa, Revel.

Maura Johnston of 'The Village Voice' noted that the song was one of the "dancefloor-fillers" performed during the revue. Rebecca Thomas writing for MTV News, noted that Beyonc transformed in Sasha Fierce for the performance of the song. On October 7, 2012, Beyonc appeared at Jay-Z's concert at the Barclays Center and performed "Diva", "Crazy in Love" and "Young Forever".

Cover versions



In 2008, Ciara recorded a remix of "Diva" for a mixtape of her album 'Fantasy Ride' (2009). Alex Newell, Heather Morris, Jenna Ushkowitz and Darren Criss covered the song in the eponymous episode of the fourth season of the American television series 'Glee' which aired on February 7, 2013. In a review of the episode, Daniel Sperling of the website Digital Spy, described the performance of the song as one of the "plenty of fierce moments" adding that it was "posy, [and] pouty".

Credits and personnel



*Beyonc Knowles vocals, producer, writer

*Kory Aaron producer assistant

*Jim Caruana recorder

*Shondrae "Bangladesh" Crawford writer, producer

*Sean Garrett writer, producer

*Matt Green mixer assistant

*Michael Miller producer assistant

*Mark "Spike" Stent mixer

*Miles Walker producer

Source:

Charts



Weekly charts

{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"

|+Weekly chart performance for "Diva"

!scope="col"|Chart (2009–2010)

!scope="col"|Peak
position

|-

|-

!scope="row"|Australia Urban (ARIA)

| style="text-align:center;"|12

|-

!scope="row"| Brazil (Hot 100 Airplay)

| style="text-align:center;"|1

|-

|-

!scope="row"|Germany (Official German Charts)
'with "Halo"'

| style="text-align:center;"|5

|-

!scope="row"|Global Dance Tracks ('Billboard')

| style="text-align:center;"|20

|-

|-

|-

|-

!scope="row"|South Korea International (Gaon)

| style="text-align:center;"|60

|-

|-

|-

|-

|-

!scope="row"| US Rhythmic ('Billboard')

| style="text-align:center;"|11

|}

Year-end charts



Certifications



Release history



See also



* List of 'Billboard' Hot Dance Club Play number ones of 2009

References




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