WORK IT OUT ~ BEYONCE

"Work It Out" is a song by American R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles. It was released on June 11, 2002, by Columbia Records as the lead single from the soundtrack album of the film Austin Powers in Goldmember, in which Knowles stars as Foxxy Cleopatra. It was later included on the international editions of Knowles' debut album, Dangerously in Love (2003). The song was generally well received by music critics, many of whom complimented its retro style and various influences. It has been credited as the beginning of Knowles' career as a successful solo artist, after finding success as the lead singer of Destiny's Child. The song's accompanying music video was shot and directed by Matthew Rolston. The video features Knowles playing Foxxy Cleopatra, and draws inspiration from several 1960's and 1970s motifs. Taking inspiration from her portrayal, Knowles adopted in the song a persona similar to that of Cleopatra.