BEYONCE ON LOCATION FOR HER NEW VIDEO "IF I WERE A BOY" & NEW PHOTOSHOOT

You're a pioneer in R&B. How do you think the music industry has changed for black women in R&B versus today? Patti: Versus today... these woman can come out and do anything, sell records and can't do a show. That's the difference! Back in the day we could sing the record, perform the song on stage and give you a great show. There aren't many Gladys Knights left today who are doing it and doing it well. The only one I can say and I know for a fact -- Beyonce kicks butt! Do you think R&B has downgraded from the point where you started? Patti: Yes because most of the R&B singers are gone. I was listening to some Teddy Pendergrass the other day and all the Philly International music, like Phyllis Hyman.

How do you feel about the current state of black soul music? There's not much. There are some people who are trying, like Leela James and Christina Aguilera. But there are not many artists who are truly singing. How about Keisha Coles and Beyonce? I think Keisha's real street and doesn't hide it. She is who she is, and I like that. I think Beyonce's very talented and beautiful, and she can do so many things. She'll be around for a while.

FROM THE SET OF BEYONCE'S 2ND SINGLE "SINGLE LADIES".


PICS OF BEYONCE ON LOCATION IN HARLEM FOR HER FIRST VIDEO "IF I WERE A BOY" BEING SHOT IN NEW YORK THIS WEEK. THIS IS ONE OF TWO SINGLES BEING RELEASED SIMULTANEOUSLY TO RADIO ON OCTOBER 7TH.






















NEW PICS FROM BEYONCE'S PHOTOSHOOT...