She got the look ...and the voice to match. Beyonce Knowles is hot n'happenin at the moment, and the pop-star's solo debut album Dangerously In Love might just cross the 'danger' mark in sales. The lead singer of the all-girl pop-group Destiny's Child couldn't have asked for better solo debut.

When asked in an interview as to what she wanted people to hear when they listened to Dangerously In Love, the multi-platinum-selling pop/urban recording artist had answered, "I want them to hear all of the musical influences from hip-hop, to rock to jazz, I want them to really hear the talent. I know that folks love me as a pop-star. Now I want them to understand me an artist."

Hailing from Houston, this 21 year-old singer is a founding member and chief songwriter of Destiny's Child, one of the biggest selling female acts of all time. With many of the group's hit songs co-written and co-produced by Beyonce, it has sole more than 33 million records world wide. When Beyonce won the 2001 ASCAP Pop Songwriter Of The Year Award, she became the first African-American woman, and the second woman ever to receive the hour.

Beyonce alongwith co-founder Kelly Rowland launched Destiny's Child in 1997 with the multi-platinum single, 'No, no, no...', from their self-titled album. The group's next album The Writing's On The Wall was released in 1999, which went on to sell more than 10 million copies worldwide, and had three hits viz. Jumpin, jumpin..'. Say my name... and 'Bill, bills, bills....', which was at no. I for nine continuous weeks on the Billboard R&B singles chart. In the year 2000, the group released Survivor, which debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart. It was certified double platinum four weeks after its release, and has gone on to sell more than nine million copies worldwide. In 2001, Destiny's Child won two Grammy Awards for Best R&B song('Say my name...') and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group ('Say my name..'). Among the other awards the group has won are Billboard Artist of the Year, NAACP Image Awards, American Music Awards, Nickelodeon Kid's Choice and the Sammy Davis Jr. Award for Entertainer of the year at the Soul Train Awards When Beyonce decided to go solo, she wanted her album to be musically challenging and lyrically honest, and that's what Dangerously In Love is. It has a right mix of seductive numbers, lush ballads and aggressive club songs, providing a look at who Beyonce is right now -- as a performer, as a woman, and as creative force to be reckoned with. The singer had stated that the "vibe is more mature, more playful, more deeply passionate and sexually aggressive." Dangerously In Love, according to Beyonce, is the sound of niche in the world, and in the process, re-defining expectations of who she is.

The listeners are well acquainted with the music style of Destiny's Child, thanks to the charttopping songs like 'Say my name...', 'Independent woman..', and others. Has Beyonce tried to be different in her debut solo album or stuck to the same style? "Naturally, the songs on my album are going to share some similarities." The singer admitted" But this time since I only had to write for myself, my songs are much more personal. I also wanted beats that wee harder and to be able to collaborate with other people. Basically, this record was a chance for me to grow as a writer and a singer." The sensuous singer has worked with an impressive list of musicians like Missy Elliot, Jay.Z, Sean Paul, Mark Baston, Mario Winans, D-Roy and Mr.B, Outkast's Big Boi, Rich Harrison, Fanatic, Scott Storch, and the legendary Luther Vandross on 'The closer I get to you..' Beyonce took an active part in all aspects of them album, from writing and choosing material to producting, mastering and mixing the tracks. As a result you have songs like, 'Crazy in love...' featuring Jay-Z, and co-produced by Beyonce and Rich Harrison. The song, according to the singer has hard beat, and is about that moment when you release you re filling into love and looking crazy, but you simply don't care. The same tempo continues on 'Speechless...' produced by Fanatic. "As soon as I heard the track it inspired me," Beyonce said when talking about the track, It's very sex, very sensual. The sort of ballad that I've never done before. This songs is definitely a population increaser!" For the past five weeks, it has been number one on charts.

Another song bound to be lapped up is the Arabian music inspired, fused with a ghetto-fied edge and encompassing a sample from Donna Summer's Love to love you baby..' is 'Naughty girl...' This one's for the partying type a sexy fantasy about having that one night where you lose all your inhibitions, head to the club, and work it like a naughty girl.

"many of the songs on the album examine aspects of relationships, and this is one element," the singer informed. Equally sexy is the dancehall-Arabic flavoured 'Baby boy..' featuring the hot Sean Paul. "I knew Sean had to be on my album because I love his approach," Beyonce gushed.

These bold emotions might shock n'awe Destiny Child's die-hard fans, but Beyonce takes pains to explain that Dangerously In Love" isn't a rejection of DC's sound," putting an end to the rumours that the group had split. She explained, " I love Destiny's Child and I am a member of the group. We've recently recorded a song, "I know..' for The fighting Temptations soundtrack. We all decided a long time back to explore solo projects, and I'm the third member of the group to release my own record. Things like working apart keep the fire going, and keep the fans eager for you. I', not trying to get away from DC or the legacy we have. I just wanted to show a different approach and the growth I've experience."

With those luscious looks, Beyonce bagged some acting assignments too. She appeared as Foxy Cleopatra in Austin Powers In Goldmember, one of the topgrossing comedies of the year. Her solo single, 'Work it out..' was one of the highlights of the film's soundtrack. She is all set to co-star with Cuba Goding Jr. (of Jerry McGuire fame) in the Fighting Temptations. Surely Beyonce's on a roll.

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