“If I Were A Boy,” recorded and performed by American singer and artist Beyoncé Knowles, was
written in 2008 by BC Jean, American singer-songwriter, and Toby Gad, German producer and songwriter. It became the lead single in Knowles’ album I Am… Sasha Fierce. It immediately was “well received” by the public and critics. Knowles’ emotional interpretation and vocal performance earned her the rank of third on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Although it was originally written by and intended to be recorded by BC Jean, Knowles took the opportunity when BC Jean’s version was rejected by her record company. Beyoncé Knowles recorded this song, knowing it was something completely different than what she was used to doing. This song was more of a “pop ballad,” rather than R&B which Knowles was known for. After BC Jean found out that her original version had been re-recorded and accepted, she wasn't so thrilled. Eventually, Knowles and Jean had to come to an agreement to solve their differences. Knowles was able to record her version and produce a well-directed video that demonstrated typical, but all too true, cultural concepts of gender.
