In the lead up to Beyoncé’s 2003 solo album debut, Dangerously in Love, a lot was at stake. Her group, Destiny’s Child, was put on hold as the women all pursued solo albums. Beyoncé and her father, Mathew, were looking to build Beyoncé as more than a popstar — they wanted to build a “brand.” Endorsement deals, commercials, movie roles. Along the way, she also found love. 

But not everything worked out as planned. At Beyonce’s record label, some on her team say they were inspired and driven by Beyoncé’s own fearless approach to her work … while others at the label doubted she could land a hit song on her own. Beyonce set out to prove them wrong as she produced the “Song of the Century,” and her breakout debut album.

Find this bonus episode of Making Beyoncé on Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Spotify or wherever you get podcasts.