The Beyonce Formation tour took over Citi Field in Queens, N.Y., for two nights starting Tuesday, June 7, 2016. Since April 27, 2016, Beyonce has been touring the nations, performing her hit album “Lemonade.” She first released her album as a visual album on HBO. Upon experiencing the album, her fans became confused as to whether or not she was accusing her husband Jay-Z of cheating, and they wanted to know who exactly was this “Becky.” But some believe the album was not directed at her own relationship but rather at her parents’ relationship.
Regardless of who the album is about, Beyonce keeps us guessing. Critics believe her visual album was pure art. Her album has wowed music and social critics alike. With her poetry, current cultural and political references and the African tribal paint, it sent a message to women, especially Black women, that as women we will go through things that men will never understand, but at the end of the day it’s okay to be independent and strong. She said as much during the brilliant execution of hit after hit on Tuesday.
Her true fans, Bey Hive diehards, and her casual admirers seemed to know every lyric to every song, old or new. Fans wore their Beyonce attire and dressed to impress. Some fans, including myself, bought her overpriced merchandise, to be worn later. Before she came out on stage, DJ Khalid hosted the preshow. He brought out several rappers who were born and raised in New York City and performed with them. Rappers like Remy Ma, Fat Joe and Fabulous performed their latest hit songs. He also brought out other performers like T.I., Travis Scott, Busta Rhymes and French Montana. After DJ Khalid woke everyone up, Beyonce appeared on stage about two hours later and performed. The fans, including myself, went crazy and sang every word to every song she performed. It was also Prince’s birthday, so she dedicated some of her onstage time to performing his song “Purple Rain” as the audience soaked in the moment, bathed in a purple hue.
Overall, the chatter as folks made their way home on packed trains was that her show was brilliant. Everyone was excited by her selection, the grand set, her fabulous costume changes and tight dance routines. Beyonce and her Formation squad of approximately 20 dancers were excellent. Everyone left the field beaming, agreeing loudly that Beyonce is a great entertainer as they gently pushed to get on the after-midnight trains home.