Ego (Beyoncé song)

Chrisette Michelle

Ego is a song by American singer Beyoncé from her third studio album, I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008). The song was released as the album's fifth single in the United States on May 19, 2009. Written and produced by Beyoncé, Elvis "BlacElvis" Williams, and Harold Lilly, "Ego" is an R&B song with lyrics about self-confidence. Critics praised Beyoncé's vocal performance and the song's empowering theme, though some found its lyrics to be narcissistic.

Background and Release

"Ego" was one of the tracks on I Am... Sasha Fierce that showcased Beyoncé's alter ego, Sasha Fierce. The album, a double-disc project, was split into two parts to reflect two facets of the artist's personality; "Ego" was placed on the second disc, which represented the Sasha Fierce persona, known for its boldness and confidence. The song's release as a single followed the success of previous singles from the album, including "If I Were a Boy" and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)".

Composition and Lyrics

Musically, "Ego" is an uptempo R&B track with elements of funk and soul. Its instrumentation consists of bass, drums, and piano, with a prominent brass section that adds to its confident tone. The lyrics of "Ego" celebrate self-assuredness and pride, with Beyoncé singing about her own accomplishments and attributes in a manner that some listeners interpreted as boastful. The chorus features the lines, "I got a big ego, such a huge ego," which became some of the song's most quoted lyrics.

Critical Reception

"Ego" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who commended Beyoncé's vocal delivery and the song's catchy melody. However, opinions were divided on the lyrical content, with some praising the empowerment message and others criticizing it for perceived arrogance. Despite this, "Ego" was noted for its appeal to Beyoncé's fan base and its representation of the Sasha Fierce persona's confidence.

Music Video

The music video for "Ego" was directed by Beyoncé herself, along with Frank Gatson Jr., and features the singer performing the song with backup dancers. The video's simple, yet stylish aesthetic, with a focus on choreography and Beyoncé's presence, was well-received and complemented the song's theme of self-confidence.

Live Performances

Beyoncé included "Ego" in the setlist of her I Am... World Tour (2009-2010), where it was performed as part of the Sasha Fierce segment of the show. The live rendition of the song often featured elaborate staging and choreography, further emphasizing the song's themes of empowerment and self-assurance.

Legacy

"Ego" has been regarded as one of Beyoncé's standout tracks from I Am... Sasha Fierce, celebrated for its confident message and memorable melody. The song has been covered and sampled by various artists and continues to be a fan favorite during Beyoncé's live performances.