Every time a new Beyoncé album comes out, it’s a big deal.
If social media is to be believed, the Grammy winner’s hotly anticipated seventh album, “Renaissance,” doesn’t disappoint.
On Friday morning, the record was officially released. There’s a lot to take in, a lot to analyze, and a lot of music to move to. What you need to know is as follows:
Queen Bey responds to the leaking
When the album was leaked days ahead of time, the singer had a few words to say about it.
“So, the album leaked, and you all really waited till the official release time so you can all enjoy it together,” she wrote on social media in a statement. Nothing like it has ever occurred to me.” I’m speechless at how grateful I am for your care and support.
There was an outpouring of support from her devoted fan following known as The Hive, which stormed social media asking that people please refrain from sharing or listening to the hacked files.
“Your constant support and patience has been much appreciated,” she said.
As she put it in her letter, “I appreciate you calling out anyone that was trying to sneak into the club early.”” To put it simply, “It means everything to me.”
With songs like “Summer Renaissance” and “Cuff It” that harken back to the disco and roller-skating rinks, children of the 1970s will be reminded of house parties their parents used to give, replete with the Boone’s Farm wine and the couch relocated to make place for a dance floor.
Chic co-founder Nile Rodgers, a key figure in the era’s musical evolution, appears on the latter track.
Like the first single “Break My Soul,” which is a sample of Robin S.’ “Show Me Love” from 1993, Beyonce gives it her own spin.
A warm embrace for the LGBTQ+ community
As part of her current endeavor, Beyoncé honors the memory of her late Uncle Jonny, who was gay.
A comment on her website explains that he was “my godmother and the first person to expose me to a lot of the music and culture that serve as inspiration for this album. ” A heartfelt thanks to all the trailblazers and unsung heroes whose work has gone unnoticed for far too long. We’re having a party in honor of you right now.
When she and Jay-Z accepted the Vanguard Award at the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles in 2019 she mentioned him.
It was he who raised her and her sister, Solange, and she referred to him as “the most fabulous gay man I’ve ever met and ever knew.”
“He lived his truth,” she replied, her voice breaking with passion. When this country wasn’t as tolerant, he was brave and unapologetic. His battle with HIV has been an experience I’ll never forget.”
“Uncle Johnny created my dress/That cheap spandex/She looks a mess” are some of the lines of “Heated.”
Big Freedia, TS Madison, and Honey Dijon, a transgender DJ and producer, all contribute to the album.
She’s happy and she wants you to be happy, too.
Queen Bey also has her own brand of empowered sex, and she’s letting it all hang out on this album.
“Heated,” “Alien Superstar,” and “Pure/Honey” are just a few of the tracks on this album that feature sex, or at least the suggestion of it.
When it comes to music, she’s the only one who can unleash a song called “America Has a Problem” and tell us she “can’t wait to back it up.”
As soon as she touches down, “I’m supplying my boyfriend,” she sings.
Beyonce Knowles-Cardoll
Mrs. Carter, we’ve spotted you dropping bars!
Since Beyoncé joined on Megan the Stallion’s “Savage” remix, we’ve known that Jay-Z isn’t the only family rapper.
With songs like “Cozy” and “Church Girl,” Beyoncé proves that she can do more than simply sing with her ability to spit a little bit.
What is ahead is only the beginning.
It’s only “Act I” of a trilogy of albums she claims to have recorded during the swine flu pandemic.
We are now in the “Renaissance.”