ROC4LIFE

Beyonce’s 4 album will hit stores everywhere on June 28th, heralding the official beginning of a new stage in the entertainer’s career. However, it would be impossible to appreciate her growth as a solo artist without taking a look at her amazing journey so far.

Here are our picks for the Top 4 videos of Beyonce career, detailing her rise to icon status. Check out the lineup below:

“Crazy In Love (Ft. Jay-Z)”

Released as the lead single from her debut album, Dangerously In Love, in 2003, “Crazy In Love” announced Beyonce’s arrival as a solo act. Alongside her soon-to-be husband Jay-Z, the singer dominated airwaves and claimed the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 8 consecutive weeks. The track also earned the duo a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (among the 5 awards that Beyonce won in 2004). Of course, it was her hip-shaking in the Jake Nava-directed clip that probably helped to make the visual one of her most memorable.

“Deja Vu (Ft. Jay-Z)”

Tapping into her creole roots and the spirit Josephine Baker, Beyonce pulled out all the stops for her “Deja Vu” video in 2006. Once again collaborating with Jay-Z, the entertainer gave a high energy performance in the Sophie Muller-directed visual which featured a more raw and passionate Beyonce than ever before.

However, the sexual chemistry between Beyonce and Jay-Z was too much for some critics to handle as they felt that the couple were behaving in an unacceptable manner. What would a great artist be without a bit of controversy?

“Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”

Beyonce got married to Jay-Z in early 2008 but that didn’t mean that she stopped representing the girl power movement. Reuniting with Jake Nava, the singer dropped what is probably her best video to date, “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”. Frank Gatson and JaQuel Knight cleverly utilized Bob Fosse’s “Mexican Breakfast” dance routine to create steps that have been emulated by millions around the world. This is the video that made Beyonce a household name.

“Run The World (Girls)”

Fast forward to 2011 and Beyonce is now a certified diva. With solid Janet Jackson-styled dance moves provided by 8 different choreographers and the direction of Francis Lawrence, she warmed up her fans for her 4 album with her “Run The World (Girls)” video.

Every general needs an army and Beyonce got hers lined up for what is about to be the biggest chart battle of her career.

Are you ready for 4?

Words by Trent