Social media platforms are currently flooded with posts and memes that both praise and fear Beyoncé, all set to the background of J. Cole’s song “She Knows.” This latest viral trend has sparked confusion among many as to why such a phenomenon has gained traction, with some even calling it a conspiracy. If you’ve noticed your feed filled with ‘Thank You Beyoncé’ memes and wondered what’s going on, you’re not alone.
The trend positions Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z as untouchable, almost godlike figures in the music industry, fueling speculation that they wield immense power behind the scenes. While the couple’s influence has long been acknowledged, the latest theories place them in an unsettling light, with some even suggesting they should be feared. The online rhetoric surrounding Beyoncé intensified following Sean “Diddy” Combs’ September arrest on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. Diddy’s long-standing friendship with Beyoncé and Jay-Z has only added fuel to these speculations.
Origins of the ‘Thank You Beyoncé’ Trend
The conspiracy first emerged as fans noted how musicians often express gratitude to Beyoncé on stage, even when their victories are unrelated to her. A famous example dates back to 2009, when Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift’s VMA acceptance speech to declare, “Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time!” More recently, Adele’s 2017 Grammy win for Album of the Year saw the British singer praising Beyoncé as “the artist of my life,” which sparked urban legends about Adele breaking her Grammy trophy to share with Beyoncé. These speculations, though debunked, have resurfaced and added fuel to the ongoing meme trend.
The ‘She Knows’ Connection
Adding to the mystery is J. Cole’s song “She Knows,” which has reemerged as the background track for these memes. Fans are connecting lyrics from the song, which mentions late stars Aaliyah, Left Eye, and Michael Jackson, to the idea that Beyoncé is involved in their deaths. Although outlandish, these theories have gained momentum, suggesting Beyoncé has a cult-like following or secret involvement in dark Hollywood mysteries.
The song’s recent removal from YouTube has only deepened the conspiracy, with some suggesting that Jay-Z’s label, Roc Nation, had the track taken down due to its association with these rumors. However, reports later clarified that the removal was part of a broader legal dispute with YouTube, unrelated to Beyoncé or the ongoing memes.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
While the memes have spread rapidly, not all fans are amused. Many of Beyoncé’s loyal followers have condemned the trend, calling it a smear campaign against a successful Black woman. Some have also pointed out the racial undertones, arguing that the same treatment wouldn’t be applied to other artists like Taylor Swift. One fan expressed frustration on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Beyoncé’s music has transcended generations…it’s unfortunate people are turning it into a joke.”
Despite the backlash, the trend continues to dominate social media, reflecting the complex and often controversial world of internet culture.
