Everything you need to know about Beyoncé's 'act i RENAISSANCE'
It's been six long years!
Last updated 10th Aug 2022
All hail Queen Bey! It's official - Beyoncé is BACK with new music, and it's safe to say that we are all ready. In June 2022, the megastar caused waves across the Internet when she deleted her social media profile pics, convincing fans that new music could be on its way - and, yep, they were right!
After confirming new music was indeed coming, with a VERY subtle announcement on her socials, Bey dropped her first track 'Break My Soul' in June followed by 'act i RENAISSANCE' on 29th July.
It's clear that we can expect big things from Beyoncé this year, so we've taken the liberty of gathering together everything you need to know about her upcoming new music - from release dates, to announcements and singles!
Beyoncé got us all talking when she subtly announced that she was going to release new music. Unlike most artists, who do a big social media post about their new music, Beyoncé simply just updated her social media bios with the name of her new music and its release date.
What is Beyoncé's new album called?
Called 'act i RENAISSANCE', the new album was released on 29th July, and a number of different box sets are available. According to Beyoncé's website, a collectible Renaissance Box, a T-shirt and the album on CD is available as well as a 28-page booklet and mini poster.
What songs are on the track list for 'act i RENAISSANCE'?
Beyoncé announced the track list for her new album. In an Instagram Story the singer revealed there will be 16 songs, including her current single 'Break My Soul' at Number 6.
Here's the full track list for 'act i RENAISSANCE':
1) 'I'm That Girl'
2) 'Cozy'
3) 'Alien Superstar'
4) 'Cuff It'
5) 'Energy'
6) 'Break My Soul'
7) 'Church Girl'
8) 'Plastic Off The Sofa'
9) 'Virgo's Groove'
10) 'Move'
11) 'Heated'
12) 'Thique'
13) 'All Up In Your Mind'
14) 'America Has A Problem'
15) 'Pure/Honey'
16) 'Summer Renaissance'
What is the inspiration behind 'RENAISSANCE'?
Beyoncé revealed on Instagram that her album enabled her to escape during a scary time for the world. She went on to write: '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 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.'
Who is 'RENAISSANCE' dedicated to?
Beyoncé has dedicated her new album 'RENAISSANCE' to her late uncle. The singer's mum, Tina, has also shared statement which is featured on Beyoncé's website. In the caption, Tina reveals: 'Note Johnny died when Beyonce was 17 and Solange was 12 years old and they took it soo hard. Johnny was my sisters son but more like a brother to me so my kids called him Uncle Johnny'.
Beyoncé's new song
'Break My Soul' was the first song released from Beyoncé's upcoming album 'act i RENAISSANCE'. The track dropped on 20th June 2022, with the singer also releasing the lyric video to her comeback song.
'Break My Soul' remixes
Beyoncé followed up the song's release with the release of two other versions of her 'Break My Soul' and then another four remixes from DJs and producers Honey Dijon, will.i.am, Terry Hunter and Nita Aviance.
Beyoncé then released 'The Queen's Remix' of the song which sampled music legend Madonna's 'Vogue'. She then wrote a thank you letter to the 'Like A Prayer' singer which reads: 'Thank you, Queen. I’m so grateful for you. You have opened so many doors for so many women. You are masterpiece genius.
'Thank you for allowing me to sing in your song and thank you for naming the remix!!!! Love always and forever, B.'
The track also pays tribute to several famous Black female artists as Beyoncé calls out the names of Rihanna, Missy Elliott, Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross, among others during the song.
Watch 'Break My Soul (The Queen's Remix)' by Beyoncé:
How did Beyoncé announce 'Break My Soul'?
Beyoncé made a subtle change to her social media bios to announce the name of her new single - 'Break My Soul' - along with its release date.
Sensing a pattern here? It's fair to say we'll be keeping a close eye on Beyoncé's bios from now on!
Beyoncé's new album release date
Beyoncé's album 'act i RENAISSANCE' was released on 29th July 2022.
Was 'act i RENAISSANCE' leaked?
Beyoncé's album was leaked before its release, but Beyoncé shared a statement in response to the leak saying: ‘I can’t thank y’all enough for your love and protection.’.
How can I buy Beyoncé's new album 'act i RENAISSANCE'?
You can order 'act i RENAISSANCE' through Beyoncé's website as well as saving it on streaming services.
Did Beyoncé subtly tell her fans the name of her album in 2021?
In a 2021 interview, Beyoncé actually revealed part of the name of her upcoming album, without drawing attention to it! Speaking to Harper's Bazaar, the singer told the publication: "With all the isolation and injustice over the past year, I think we are all ready to escape, travel, love, and laugh again.
"I feel a renaissance emerging, and I want to be part of nurturing that escape in any way possible."
She went on to say: "I’ve been in the studio for a year and a half. Sometimes it takes a year for me to personally search through thousands of sounds to find just the right kick or snare. One chorus can have up to 200 stacked harmonies.
"Still, there’s nothing like the amount of love, passion, and healing that I feel in the recording studio. After 31 years, it feels just as exciting as it did when I was nine-years-old. Yes, the music is coming!"
How many albums has Beyoncé had?
'act i RENAISSANCE' is the singer's seventh solo album, with her last one being the groundbreaking 'Lemonade', released in 2016. The album was accompanied by a 65-minute film of the same name and was Beyoncé's second visual album.
What happened when Beyoncé removed her profile pics?
It's been a massive six years since we've had a Top 40 hit from Bey, so when she removed her profile pics it wasn't long before #BeyonceIsBack and #BeyonceIsComing was trending. According to Facebook, her new 'profile pic' was uploaded in the early hours of Friday morning, and has received a massive 18k likes with fans commenting: 'Finally my soul is going to be taken again. My pride, my role model, my hero is BACK 💛', and 'I smell a new album release. 😭😭'.
Meanwhile, the rest of Beyoncé's social media feeds remain intact, with some posts dating back more than a decade.
Beyonce's activity led fans to take to Twitter, with one writing: 'BEYONCÉ give us the music😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 #beyonceisBACK #music #BEYONCEISCOMING #Beyonce'.
Another fan wrote: 'Change your profile pic to celebrate the new B7! Do it. Beyoncé is coming.'
You can hear Beyoncé's biggest hits on Tay FM.
Now take a look through Beyoncé's fantastic career:
Before 1998
Beyoncé started her music career as a young child. When she was just eight-years-old she met LaTavia Roberson at an audition. The pair were put into a group called Girl's Tyme along with some other girls.
Usher revealed in an interview with People that he knew Beyoncé when she was just 11 or 12-years-old. He told them: "She used to be in a group by the name of The Dolls. I don't know if I could consider myself their babysitter, but I had a time where I had to watch The Dolls."
In 1995 Beyoncé's dad quit his job to manage the group, reducing the line-up to four.
In 1996, the group changed their name on Destiny's Child. They've had a few line-ups over the years, in 1998 this was the line-up: LeToya Luckett, LaTavia Roberson, Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé.
2000: Destiny's Child most famous line-up
Kelly Rowland, Beyonce Knowles, Michelle Williams is the best-known line-up for Destiny's Child. The group got their first UK Number 1 in 2000 with 'Independent Women Part I' which featured on the Charlie's Angels' soundtrack.
The group's four albums and hits included 'Bills, Bills, Bills', 'Survivor', 'Independent Woman' and 'Bootylicious' and saw them become one of the best-selling girl groups in history.
2001: Destiny's Child won two Grammys
'Say My Name' was a big winner for Destiny's Child in 2001. Beyoncé, Kelly and Michelle won two Grammys for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals and Best R&B Song.
Over the years, Destiny's Child have been nominated for 14 Grammys and won three.
2002: Beyoncé starred in Austin Powers in Goldmember
Austin Powers in Goldmember was the first big screen release that Beyoncé starred in. She played the role of Foxxy Cleopatra, Austin Powers' new sidekick.
2003: The Fighting Temptations
In 2003, Beyoncé starred in The Fighting Temptations, a film which also starred Cuba Gooding Jr.
2003 was also the year that Beyoncé released her debut solo hit 'Crazy In Love', it quickly claimed the Number 1 spot on both sides of the Atlantic.
2007: Beyoncé starred in Dreamgirls
Beyoncé played the role of Deena Jones in the Hollywood blockbuster Dreamgirls. The film, although a work of fiction, was inspired by the Motown record label and Diana Ross and The Supremes.
Beyoncé was nominated for the Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy Golden Globe.
2008: Beyoncé released ' I Am... Sasha Fierce'
Beyoncé released her third solo studio album 'I am... Sasha Fierce', named after her on-stage alter ego. The album was hugely popular spawning hits 'If I Were a Boy', 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)', 'Halo' and 'Sweet Dreams'.
Watch the music video for 'Single Ladies'
2011: Beyoncé headlined Glastonbury
Headlining the Sunday night at the iconic festival, Beyoncé's Glastonbury performance was one that will be talked about for years to come. The singer performed some of her biggest songs including 'Crazy in Love', 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)' and 'Sweet Dreams'.
2014: Beyoncé won four MTV Music Awards
Beyoncé took home four awards at the 2014 MTV Music Awards, including the Video Vanguard Award which is a 'special award of merit' that is given to recording artists and music video directors.
That year she also took home awards for Best Video with a Social Message and Best Cinematography both for 'Pretty Hurts' and Best Collaboration for 'Drunk in Love' featuring Jay-Z.
2015: Beyoncé won three Grammys
In 2015, Beyoncé added to her collection of Grammys winning three awards. She won, Best Surround Sound Album for 'Beyoncé', and Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song both for 'Drunk in Love' featuring Jay-Z.
2016: Ivy Park clothing line
Adding to her list of huge accomplishments, who can forget back in 2014 when the superstar co-founded the popular athleisure clothing line Ivy Park?! The brand initially hit the shelves as it launched as a joint venture with Topshop in 2016.
Following the brand's MEGA success, Ivy Park has gone onto launch multiple collabs with none other than sports-wear giant Adidas!
2016: Beyoncé released 'Lemonade'
Beyoncé's sixth album 'Lemonade' wins the award for most talked-up - and rightly so. 'Lemonade' dropped out of NOWHERE on 23rd April 2016 as a visual album including a 65-minute film. The album's tracks largely focus on Beyoncé's husband Jay-Z's alleged infidelities.
Bey doesn't hold back in the lyrics, 'Hold Up' includes the lines, 'I smell your secrets, and I'm not too perfect to ever feel this worthless. How did it come down to this? Scrolling through your call list'. These themes continue in 'Sorry' with, 'Look at my watch, he should have been home. Today I regret the night I put that ring on', before the now-iconic lines, 'He only want me when I'm not there. He better call Becky with the good hair.'
As you can imagine, the internet went into MELTDOWN! Only adding to the hype was that the album was only available to stream on Jay-Z's Tidal for the first week of its release.
2017: Beyoncé took home two Grammys
Beyoncé followed her 2015 success winning two Grammys in 2017 for Best Urban Contemporary Album for 'Lemonade' and Best Music Video for 'Formation'.
This was the year that Adele won five Grammys being up against Beyoncé in several categories. She famously 'broke' her Grammy in half wanting to give part of it to Beyoncé.
2018: Destiny's Child's reunion at Coachella
The girls are still going strong! The trio united when Beyoncé headlined Coachella in 2018 with a special appearance much to the delight of the crowd. Plus they seem as close as ever with Beyoncé celebrating bandmate Kelly Rowland's 38th birthday with some epic throwback pics. The pair go way back as they originally met at school before forming a band managed by Beyoncé's father Matthew Knowles.
2019: Beyoncé starred in the live-action remake of The Lion King
Beyoncé appeared as the adult Nala in the Disney live-action remake of The Lion King. It was back in 2017 that rumours first surfaced that the pop star would be taking on a role in the film, and she even released Lion King-inspired album 'The Gift', produced by Beyoncé herself.
2020: Beyoncé released 'Black Is King'
'Black Is King' was the visual companion to Beyoncé's album, 'The Lion King: The Gift', which accompanied the 2020 film.
'Black Is King' was directed, written, and executive produced by Beyoncé.
2021: Beyoncé wrote 'Be Alive'
Beyoncé wrote a song called 'Be Alive' which is featured on the soundtrack for the film King Richard, which stars Will Smith.
The song has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
2022: Beyoncé releases 'act i Renaissance'
After what felt like a lifetime, Beyoncé officially revealed in June 2022 that she had a new album on the way. After getting her fans talking as she removed all of her social media profile pictures, the singer subtly revealed that she had a new album on the way as she simply changed her bio's to read: 'act i RENAISSANCE 7.29'.
Not only did the bio officially reveal that her seventh studio album would be called 'act i Renaissance', but it also confirmed that the album would be released on 29th July 2022 - a massive six years since her last album 'Lemonade'.
Ahead of dropping the album, she released the amazing track 'Break My Soul' on 21st June, which has since also had six different remixed versions released.
2023: Beyoncé announces 'Renaissance' world tour
Beyoncé announced her 'Renaissance' world tour on 1st February. Her tour includes several UK dates, as well as 40 in total across Europe and North America.
2023: Beyoncé makes Grammy Award history
Beyoncé makes Grammy Award history by breaking the record for the most Grammy wins - totaling an incredible 32 awards!
2023: Two BRIT Award wins
Although she couldn't be there in person, Beyoncé still dominated the BRIT Awards 2023, taking home both awards she was nominated for: International Artist of the Year and Best International Song for 'Break My Soul'. She beat the likes of Lizzo, Taylor Swift, David Guetta, Ed Sheeran and OneRepublic for the gongs!
2023: Beyoncé embarked on her 'Renaissance' tour
Beyoncé embarked on her amazing 'Renaissance' tour in 2023, which included several dates across the UK. The epic set list consisted of 36 songs, including classic hits such as 'Crazy In Love' and 'Run The World (Girls)' along with songs from her most recent album.
The tour began in Stockholm in May and concludes in Kansas City in October.
2023: Beyoncé's 'Renaissance' tour film released in cinemas
Beyoncé has released her film Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé in cinemas. The film includes behind the scenes footage from her huge tour. It was confirmed shortly after the announcement, that the film would drop in cinemas worldwide on 1st December 2023.
2024: Beyoncé releases 'Cowboy Carter'
Beyoncé releases her first country album 'Cowboy Carter'. The album features 27 songs including her hits '16 Carriages' and 'Texas Hold 'Em'.
Now read:
Rihanna: Everything we know about her upcoming album 'R9'
The biggest Beyoncé collabs to date: From Jay-Z to Lady Gaga
Beyoncé and Jay Z's children: Everything you need to know about Blue Ivy, Sir and Rumi