I’mma let you finish, but Beyoncé’s “Formation” is the best music video of all time — Rolling Stone said.
“Formation” secured the No. 1 spot on a list of 100 music videos ranked by the magazine. The video, released in 2016 and directed by Melina Matsoukas, pushed other iconic music videos like Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” Prince’s “Kiss” and Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” aside.
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The 39-year-old was seen laying on top of a sinking police car in a wrecked New Orleans, as well as a wall with the words “stop shooting us” spray-painted on it, in Beyoncé’s “Formation” video.
Queen Bey intended the film to demonstrate the “historical impact of slavery on black love, and what it has done to the black family,” according to director Matsoukas, as she stated to The New Yorker in 2017.
“I wanted to show this is black people. We triumph, we suffer, we’re drowning, we’re being beaten, we’re dancing, we’re eating, and we’re still here,” Matsoukas added while discussing the “Formation” video’s concept.
Critics, on the other hand, were quick to label the video and Beyoncé as “anti-police.”
In an interview with Elle, Beyoncé disputed the allegations, adding that anyone who honestly believed she was “anti-police” was mistaken.
Beyoncé told Elle in April 2016, “I’m an artist and I think the most powerful art is usually misunderstood.
“But anyone who perceives my message as anti-police is completely mistaken. I have so much admiration and respect for officers and the families of officers who sacrifice themselves to keep us safe.”
Beyoncé then went on to explain exactly what the “Formation” message was.
“But let’s be clear: I am against police brutality and injustice. Those are two separate things,” she explained.
Beyoncé is featured on the list two more times — “Single Ladies” at No. 12 and “Telephone,” a collaboration with Lady Gaga, placed at 66.
