It is pretty obvious that superstar singer Beyonce is in trouble. Her single "Deja Vu" not only performed below expectations in the charts but is also hated by many fans.
Beyonce with Papa Knowles.
The following is a statement from Matthew Knowles, father and manager of Beyonce, received via publicists for Beyonce's upcoming album B'Day.
"It is apparent that there is a consistent plan by some to create chaos around Beyonce's B'Day album release on Sept 5 in the US. First, it was a petition against the single, "Deja Vu," then a rumor regarding conflict between Beyonce and Rihanna, seizures caused by the "Ring the Alarm" video, putting out a single to compete with LeToya's album and now to add to all the ridiculous rumors, is my plan to postpone the release of her B'Day album. What will be next? Beyonce's cut off all her hair? Dyed it green? Maybe she's singing the songs in reverse with some hidden subliminal message!
Unfortunately what it shows is that anyone can go on the internet and create rumors and the media in some cases will pick up these stories and run with them which influence the consumer's perception.
Beyonce has sold over a 140 million records as an artist. Over half sold outside of America. 2500 responses for a petition on the internet (which really represents often the same people responding 2-3 times) go online with a petition regarding "Deja Vu," and it's national news? Think about that for a minute. 140 million records sold versus 2500 (over 6000 at last count) responses about a video. Does that really equate to a major concern? The answer is No!
I couldn't be happier with where "Deja Vu" is on the charts. It's a Top 10 song on Billboard 100 and #1 on this week's R&B charts. Mid week numbers in the UK is trending at #1 for the "Deja Vu" single for this week. Records have broken in Japan regarding ringtone sales of "Deja Vu." It is one of the most ever streamed videos at Yahoo. "Ring The Alarm" was added to TRL on its first day of airing and it is on the R&B charts this week which gives Beyonce two singles on the charts at the same time.
Our plan is to have three singles on the charts together. For this album we have a unique strategy. Rather than concern ourselves with purely chart positioning we are focusing on the combine audiences who are listening and are aware of the singles on the album. That strategy is based on the combine belief of Beyonce, SonyBMG and Music World. This is unique, creative body of work on B'Day and every song is a potential single.
After all what do we know? Some weeklies reviewed "Independent Women" and gave it a "D-" and Beyonce's first album Dangerously in Love, a "D".
And just for the record, Beyonce's success or failure for me is not based on the number of records she sells. For me it's based on how proud I am that she is a genuine good person (Ask anyone who's worked with her). That she always has a kind word for others. That she is respectful and honest. That she gives back to her community and that she has so much love for her family. That she has grown to be such a leader. And lastly, she has the confidence not to be bothered by these planned distractions."
Watch Beyonce's "Deja Vu" [YouTube]