(Album Artwork Credit: Carlijn Jacobs)
Summer 2022 seems to officially be designated the summer of House music.
On June 8, the internet went wild after Beyoncé removed her profile picture from all social media sites. Just over a week later, the highly-anticipated new studio album RENAISSANCE: Act 1 was officially announced via interview with British Vogue. And on Monday, Beyoncé unveiled the album’s first single “Break My Soul”, subsequently breaking the internet.
Although the release does not end an official hiatus by the singer, fans have not received a solo album since 2016. In the last six years, Beyoncé has made few appearances in the music scene. HOMECOMING: THE LIVE ALBUM came out in 2019, followed by a collaboration album, The Lion King, the same year. Other singles include “BLACK PARADE”, original song “Be Alive” for the King Richard movie, “Perfect Duet” with Ed Sheeran, and “Savage Remix” with Megan Thee Stallion.
Fans noticed her absence on social media, too, filling her Instagram comments with excitement after her first post in two months, days before the big announcements. The single earned positive reactions, even sparking a tweet from Michelle Obama.
Queen @Beyonce, you’ve done it again! “Break My Soul” is the song we all need right now, and I can't help but dance and sing along while listening to it. Can’t wait for the album! 💃🏿
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) June 21, 2022
“Break My Soul” is a joyful, dance-inducing track with House music influence. The beginning features a sample from Big Freedia’s popular song “Explode”.
“It feels surreal to be on the track with the Queen Beyonce once again I’m so honored to be apart of this special moment I’m forever grateful lord 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾❤️❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥someone please catch me 🤩,” Big Freedia tweeted earlier this week.
Many on Twitter have noted that house music has historical ties to queer Black nightclubs in the 1970s and 80s. Conversations online also mentioned the popularity of house and dance music during difficult financial times in the United States.
releasing a motivational house song with the most influential queer artist in bounce music, during pride month, simultaneously nodding to her roots? beyoncé???? oh, i’m impressed pic.twitter.com/mAjcnJO8ck
— IG: 5hahem (@shaTIRED) June 21, 2022
Stream “Break My Soul”
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