Just one day prior to the release of her seventh studio album Renaissance, Beyoncé has released a letter to fans, in which she details her intentions with the record, hands out thank-yous and confirms that the project includes three acts.
“This three-act project was recorded over three years during the pandemic. A time to be still, but also a time I found to be the most creative,” she opened the statement, before later disclosing her goals with the project: “My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom.”
The record, which will arrive as a follow-up to Lemonade, includes contributions from a slew of top-shelf composers, including Drake, Jay-Z, Skrillex, The-Dream, Honey Dijon, Labrinth, Raphael Saadiq, Tems, Syd, Lucky Daye, Leven Kali, Dixson, No I.D. and 070 Shake. Additionally, Renaissance samples music from Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder, James Brown and others.
Earlier this month, Bey shared the full tracklist for the record, which includes 16 songs and several double-take-worthy titles, including “America Has a Problem,” “Church Girl,” “Alien Superstar,” “Cuff It,” “Thique” and more.
Below, read Beyoncé’s full statement on the forthcoming project:
This three act project was recorded over three years during the pandemic. A time to be still, but also a time I found to be the most creative.
Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration.
I want to give a special thank you to Rumi, Sir, and Blue for allowing me the space, creativity, and inspiration. And a special thanks to my beautiful husband and muse, who held me down during those late nights in the studio. A big thank you to my uncle Johnny. 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. Thank you to all of the pioneers who originate culture, to all of the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognized for far too long. This is a celebration for you. Thank you to my Parkwood crew, my slab, Dream, and all of the talented producers involved. Mama, I luhhhh you. To my father, my O.G., my first teacher: You inspire me in every move that I make. I love you.
To all of my fans: I hope you find joy in this music. I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. Ha! And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are.
Love y’all deep,
B
Renaissance will release on Friday, July 29.
Elsewhere in music, Future has received a new RIAA plaque celebrating 95 million certified units.
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