Another intimate account of Jay and Bey's relationship.
From Chicago Now,
During the BET Awards in 2003 I witnessed the makings of a real relationship between two overly focused individuals willing to sacrifice and make time for each other in the midst of accomplishing their personalized greatness. I was the personal assistant to Beyonce while she prepared for the debut of her new single Deja Vu. I can recall having the song on repeat throughout the duration of my flight
from Chicago to LA and feeling captivated by the 808's and horns. There was something about the song that made me feel as if I were being transported to another place all in the name of love. Like most people, I soon realized that the passion hidden behind Beyonce's vocals was fueled by her devotion and love for none other than Jay Z.
I sat there in amazement as I watched Beyonce go over every step as if her life depended on it. I'd heard all the stories and rumors that she was evil and possibly the daughter of Satan but none of that surfaced. A prime example of her down-t-earth-ness was displayed when she happened to be thirsty and it was my job to get her some water but she chose to go with me in order to ease her mind. She was sweet and reminded me of that home girl we all have that no matter what she just wants to laugh at the end of the day.
Everything was going well until Beyonce was informed that Jay Z missed his flight and wouldn't be able to make it to the show and perform. Her face went sour as she took a moment to squat on the floor and pout. She wasn't sad about him not doing his verse but the fact that she wouldn't see him as soon as she'd planned. She couldn't help but mumble to her mother that she missed him. She forced herself not to cry. Stood up and yelled from the top of her lungs.... "let's take it from the top." The passion and determination in her voice echoed throughout the empty theater as she stood on top of a short ladder that served as her entrance wagon.
Frustrated about the amount of focus needed to maintain her balance walking down the stairs as they moved forward on an conveyor belt, she gasped. She looked at me in despair and I walked up to the stage to offer her a few ideas. I told her to "turn sideways and walk down on an angel" to maintain her balance. "It's an old pageant trick" that allows you to see where you're going without having to look down, she smiled and laughed as she ran to the top of the stairs, eager to try it again. She did and it worked. She leaped in the air full of excitement about overcoming her final obstacle with her performance. Then a voice rang out saying "Hey You."
Beyonce's face lit up as she buckled her knees and covered her face to hide a child like smile followed by adorable cheeks red and wet with embarrassing tears. It was HIM. He walked in calm and cool but as he got closer he couldn't help but smile and reach out to her and hold her while placing his head gently on top of hers and shaking it. He said hi to her mom and mentioned that he wanted to fake her (Beyonce) out and say he wasn't coming just to surprise her and it worked. The two clicked instantly and started rehearsing but not before a hint of comfort was relaxed on their faces as they found solace within each others arms. After Beyonce let go and slowly removed her head from the chest of the man that inspired the lyrics to the song- she ran to her place- ready to start it all over again.
Every beat flowed effortlessly like water between the two. They stopped to acknowledge that this was their first time performing the song and even arranging choreography. The chemistry was amazing and I felt honored to have a front row seat for it all.
Theres something about having a match that makes life a little more easy. A partner in crime to act out the scenes of life with. Were born into this world a single soul or as I'd like to think.... a shoe. We're ready, willing, and waiting for the long road ahead. We're guided somehow by an overall omnipresent presence that one day, if we're lucky, will bless us with the power of being a pair. Two of the same kind made to fit opposite sides of life and travel together to represent one style, level of success heel-wise and identical straps of dependency to hold us together.
