Beyonce covers GQ

GQ magazine published some of the photos from Beyonce’s cover shoot for the February issue. The stunning photos portray a woman who celebrates her sexuality, even as her husband pushes toward 50. Her toned cheerleader body belies the fact that she was ever pregnant (some still believe she never was).

In the interview, by Andy Wallace, Beyonce says she loves being onstage:

“I love my job, but it’s more than that: I need it,” she says. “Because before I gave birth, it was the only time in my life, all throughout my life, that I was lost.” She means this in a good way: When her brain turns off, it is, frankly, a relief. After drilling herself, repeating every move so many times, locking them in, she can then afford not to think. “It’s like a blackout. When I’m onstage, I don’t know what the crap happens. I am gone… I’m like, ‘Please piss me off before the performance.’ I used to use everything.”

Her daughter, Blue Ivy, with rapper Jay Z, is only mentioned once in the article — by the writer. The reader is reminded often that Beyonce is focused on branding herself. She won’t stop until she has seared her image into everyone else’s reality. Being a mother is what every woman is born to do. No more, no less.

Top by Azzedine Alaïa. Panties by Dolce & Gabbana. Earrings by Lorraine Schwartz. Chain and rings by Manon, Bracelets by Tom Ford. Heels by Versace.

Beyonce covers GQ Sexiest Women issue

On equal pay for equal work:
“You know, equality is a myth, and for some reason, everyone accepts the fact that women don’t make as much money as men do. I don’t understand that. Why do we have to take a backseat?. I truly believe that women should be financially independent from their men. And let’s face it, money gives men the power to run the show. It gives men the power to define value. They define what’s sexy. And men define what’s feminine. It’s ridiculous.”

T-shirt by Topshop. Bra and panties by Agent Provocateur.

Beyonce covers GQ Sexiest Women issue

On writing Destiny’s Child songs:
“You know, when I was writing the Destiny’s Child songs, it was a big thing to be that young and taking control. And the label at the time didn’t know that we were going to be that successful, so they gave us all control. And I got used to it. It is my goal in life to be that example. And I think it will, hopefully, trickle down, and more artists will see that. Because it only makes sense. It’s only fair.”

Shirt by Gucci. Panties by Agent Provocateur. Socks by American Apparel. Glasses by Moscot. Top bracelet by Louis Vuitton. Bottom bracelets and center ring (on hand in air) by Eddie Borgo. Wide band ring by Jennifer Fisher.

Beyonce covers GQ Sexiest Women issue

On getting the job done by age 30:
“I worked so hard during my childhood to meet this goal: By the time I was 30 years old, I could do what I want. I’ve reached that. I feel very fortunate to be in that position. But I’ve sacrificed a lot of things, and I’ve worked harder than probably anyone I know, at least in the music industry. So I just have to remind myself that I deserve it… I now know that, yes, I am powerful. I’m more powerful than my mind can even digest and understand.” READ MORE

Photos: Terry Richardson / GQ.

The February issue hits newsstands nationwide on Tuesday, January 22.

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