The word “popular” is an understatement when describing the force that is Beyoncé. Her music has a decidedly pop aesthetic, yet her power-house vocals and lyrics focused on issues like feminine independence, healthy sexuality and post-partum depression give her songs dimension and substance beyond typical pop fare.

This collection of essays presents a detailed study of the music and persona of Beyoncé--arguably the world's biggest pop star. Topics include the body politics, Black feminism, empowerment and gender in Beyoncé's lyrics, the use of social media, black womanhood, motherhood, and marriage.

Praise for The Beyoncé Effect

“This collection provides innovative, necessary, analyses of an icon, her life and work, and the systemic contexts and relationships associated with black womanhood, black femininity, and black feminism.”—Journal of American Culture.

Selected as a “Noted Book” for Northwestern University’s Black Feminist Futures Symposium.