"Not Just His Little Wife," Beyonce Asserts Independence on Bow Down (Listen)

Independent woman Beyonce debuted a bold new song on her website Sunday (March 17, 2013), commanding those "who dreamed of being in my world," to "Bow down b*ches." The track, over an energetic hip-hop beat, sees the R&B superstar making it clear that she's no trophy wife, despite being married to one of the most powerful and richest men in music, Jay-Z.

"I took some time to live my life/but don't think I'm just his little wife," she sings on 'Bow Down/I Been On.' The three-minute track sees Beyonce adopting a deep rap delivery, rather than her explosive diva-esque singing style. The track - which features cover art of a pre-teen Beyonce dressed like a princess - was produced by Hit Boy, the man behind Jay Z and Kanye West's smash-hit 'Ni**as In Paris.' It represents the singer's first new recording since her 2011 album '4.' Reaction to the track has been generally positive, with one Twitter user writing, "Just heard Beyonce's new song. I feel so bad for every other artist in the game. There is no competition. She reigns supreme."

A new album is expected later this year, with Beyonce also preparing a 42-city world tour, which begins in Belgrade, Serbia on April 15, 2013. The tour - named 'The Mrs Carter Show' - stops at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on August 3, 4 and 5. It also includes five nights at London's O2 Arena, on April 29, 30, May 1, 2, 4 and 5. Listen to Beyonce's new song 'Bow Down/I Been On' below.