Kevin Winter
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Beyoncé’s long-awaited seventh studio LP, Renaissance, is due out tomorrow (July 29), releasing via her Columbia Records imprint, Parkwood Entertainment. Today, less than 24 hours before the album drop, she’s shared a statement implying the record is the first installment of a larger, three-act project.
Titled “act i — RENAISSANCE,” the statement begins as follows: “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.” The FADER has reached out to Beyoncé’s publicist for confirmation.
Bey posted the second part of the statement to Instagram last month, along with her forthcoming album’s cover art. “Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world,” she wrote. “It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving.”
The rest of the new statement consists of a paragraph of acknowledgments, including shoutouts to her husband, their three children, her Uncle Jonny, her Parkwood Crew, The-Dream, and “all of the pioneers who originate culture,” followed by a closing message to her 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.
Read the full statement below.
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
