Beyonce’s “Run the World (Girls)”: New Video

Beyonce is back! The hottest chick in the game unveiled her new video "Run the World (Girls)" off her upcoming 4 album last night (May 18) on pop sensation program American Idol to the pleasure of millions of viewers. The Francis Lawrence directed clip sees B taking her talents to Africa backed by an army of females including a wide array of animals declaring an all out war on the music industry.

All too often the term ‘epic’ is appropriated to songs and videos which are far from deserving. And, though, debate rages on as to whether ‘Girls’ the single is hot or not, Beyonce ensures with this that no such doubt arises when it comes to its visual.

A big-budget affair, the clip is most refreshing in that it is a marked departure from the recession specials the singer has made somewhat trademark over the years. Indeed, with its CGI-heavy, battle-theme, and of course cracking choreography, the clip easily serves as one of the singer’s best to date. Fire.

But perhaps it's reading too much into things to assign sexual politics to the video's visuals (though it's certainly an interesting practice), since, really, "(Girls)" is a lot like most Beyoncé clips: a big, brash thing, full of elaborate, hip-displacing dance routines, haute-couture costuming, wide-screen cinematography and expensive-looking sets. Fans may be divided about the song itself — it's definitely a departure, borrowing heavily from Major Lazer's rattling "Pon de Floor" and dancehall riddims in general — but they will certainly have no issue with the video. Not if they've followed her entire career, that is.

Fans immediately reacted in excitement to B's latest clip, a sure sign her next album is on the way.

"i love it the video is the best god bless our bey for life" user kayleon wrote in.

"loved it! cant wait for the full version. Bey killed that ****!!!" added in commenter Lee.

In a recent interview with Billboard Beyonce elaborated on the concept of the track.

"It's definitely riskier than something a bit more ... simple. I just heard the track and loved that it was so different. It felt a bit African, a bit electronic and futuristic. It reminded me of what I love, which is mixing different cultures and eras — things that typically don't go together — to create a new sound. I can never be safe; I always try and go against the grain. As soon as I accomplish one thing, I just set a higher goal," she said. "That's how I've gotten to where I am."