Beyonce’s newest album “Renaissance” — her first full studio solo album in six years — was supposed to debut at midnight on Thursday night/Friday morning, but according to several reports, the full album was leaked some 36 hours ahead of the scheduled drop.
Several posts showed up on social media — including photos of CD copies of the album available for sale — and it wasn’t long before audio clips made it to the internet.
This Beyoncé album finna leak. They already got it at stores 2 days before release 💀 pic.twitter.com/gCNQTc5Zuv
— She’s Fishy ➐ (@ShesFishy) July 27, 2022
Fans are already purchasing the new Beyoncé Renaissance album in France pic.twitter.com/f1pRKqKQac
— Crash Talk Podcast (@CrashTalkPod) July 27, 2022
The artist herself revealed the coming album’s full track list a week ago and released the cover art along with a personal statement about her journey while making the album — featuring guests like Jay-Z, Pharrell, and Drake, among others — which she said had really helped her feel the freedom to dream even when the world around her was filled with frightening things.
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“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,” the caption read. “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.”
The track list includes the following titles: “I’m That Girl,” “Cozy,” “Alien Superstar,” “Cuff It,” “Energy,” “Break My Soul,” “Church Girl,” “Plastic Off the Sofa,” “Virgo’s Groove,” “Move,” “Heated,” “Thique,” “All Up in Your Mind,” “America Has a Problem,” “Pure/Honey,” “Summer Renaissance.”
Beyonce’s fans — the Beyhive — had no patience for leakers, however, and promised to report anyone they saw joining in sharing the ill-gotten tracks.
“I think some of the people here need to realize Beyonce & Parkwood have never been afraid to sue people that leak stuff of hers, especially music. They also never lose by the way,” @beyonceparkwood tweeted.
I think some of the people here need to realize Beyoncé & Parkwood have never been afraid to sue people that leak stuff of hers, especially music. They also never lose by the way.
— BEYTHOVEN is an ALIEN SUPERSTAR (@beyonceparkwood) July 27, 2022
“I did not wait 6 years for a new Beyonce album for y’all to try and leak it before it comes out,” @heyjaeee added. “I will call parkwood personally and get y’all sued.”
I did not wait 6 years for a new Beyoncé album for y’all to try and leak it before it comes out! I will call parkwood personally and get y’all sued pic.twitter.com/kCBrWq0QnA
— ✨ (@heyjaeee) July 27, 2022
Keith Nelson Jr. joked, “I clicked the link to the leak and the first song on Beyonce album is just her saying ‘So, you just couldn’t wait, could you?’ And then she read my address back to me before the song started. I’ll see y’all in prison.”
I clicked the link to the leak and the first song on the Beyonce album is just her saying "So, you just couldn't wait, could you?" And then she read my address back to me before the song started.
I'll see y'all in prison
— Keith Nelson Jr (@JusAire) July 27, 2022
“Nope, not listening to that album until Friday at midnight,” Ernest Owens promised. “We don’t discuss leaked albums over here. The only ‘leaks’ we focus on are leaked Supreme Court decisions. I’ll wait for #Beyonce.”
Nope, not listening to that album until Friday at midnight.
We don't discuss leaked albums over here.
The only "leaks" we focus on are leaked Supreme Court decisions.
I'll wait for #Beyoncé.
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) July 27, 2022