Beyoncé drops powerful trailer for virtual album 'Black Is King'
It's coming to Disney+ in July!
Following her success at the 2020 BET Awards last night (Sunday 28th June), which were held virtually due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, Beyoncé delighted fans by dropping a trailer for her hugely-anticipated new virtual album, titled 'Black Is King'.
The virtual album, which is based on the music of 2019 movie The Lion King, was written, directed and executive produced by Beyoncé, and it's set to arrive on streaming site Disney+ on the 31st July 2020!
A statement from Disney and Parkwood Entertainment reads, "The visual album from Beyoncé reimagines the lessons of The Lion King for today's young kings and queens in search of their own crowns."
Sharing a one-minute long trailer for the new virtual album, Beyoncé told fans on social media, 'Happy Sunday!'
'I typically keep comments short and sweet, but I just watched the trailer with my family and I’m excited. 🎶please don’t get me hype🎶🤪 “Black Is King” is a labor of love. It is my passion project that I have been filming, researching and editing day and night for the past year. I’ve given it my all and now it’s yours.
'It was originally filmed as a companion piece to “The Lion King: The Gift” soundtrack and meant to celebrate the breadth and beauty of Black ancestry. I could never have imagined that a year later, all the hard work that went into this production would serve a greater purpose.'
The singer continued, 'The events of 2020 have made the film’s vision and message even more relevant, as people across the world embark on a historic journey. We are all in search of safety and light. Many of us want change. I believe that when Black people tell our own stories, we can shift the axis of the world and tell our REAL history of generational wealth and richness of soul that are not told in our history books.
'With this visual album, I wanted to present elements of Black history and African tradition, with a modern twist and a universal message, and what it truly means to find your self-identity and build a legacy.
'I spent a lot of time exploring and absorbing the lessons of past generations and the rich history of different African customs. While working on this film, there were moments where I’ve felt overwhelmed, like many others on my creative team, but it was important to create a film that instills pride and knowledge.
'I only hope that from watching, you leave feeling inspired to continue building a legacy that impacts the world in an immeasurable way. I pray that everyone sees the beauty and resilience of our people.
'This is a story of how the people left MOST BROKEN have EXTRAORDINARY gifts.❤️✊🏾 Thank you to Blitz, Emmanuel, Ibra, Jenn, Pierre, Dikayl, Kwasi and all the brilliant creatives. Thank you to all at Disney for giving this Black woman the opportunity to tell this story.
'This experience has been an affirmation of a grander purpose. My only goal is that you watch it with your family and that it gives you pride.
'Love y’all, B' (sic)
Check out Beyoncé's biggest collabs to date:
Jay-Z
The iconic husband and wife have teamed up numerous times, bringing us hit after hit! It all started back in 2003 with the famous 'Crazy In Love'.
‘Baby Boy’ with Sean Paul
In 2003 Beyoncé paired up with Jamaican rapper, singer and record producer Sean Paul to create this iconic tune. Featuring on her album 'Dangerously in Love', the song peaked at Number 2 in the UK charts.
Missy Elliot
Beyoncé and the legendary Missy Elliot are no strangers to working together. Bey featured on Missy's second and fourth albums, appearing on the 1999 track 'Crazy Feelings', then 2002's 'Nothing Out There For Me'. Later in 2003, the pair collaborated on Beyoncé's 'Signs', as well as 'Fighting Temptation', which also featured MC Lyte and Free.
‘Check on It’ featuring Bun B & Slim Thug
In 2005, the singer collaborated with American rapper and actor Bun B, as well as American rapper Slim Thug, in order to churn out the boppy tune that is 'Check on It'. The song was initially recorded to feature in the 2006 film The Pink Panther, another hit film that Beyoncé starred in.
‘Beautiful Liar’ with Shakira
By 2006, Beyoncé had released her second solo album 'B-Day', and this is where we found the legendary 'Beautiful Liar', which featured none other than Colombian singer-songwriter, actress, dancer and all round talented icon Shakira. The song was later released in 2007 as a solo single, with a Spanish and English mixed version of the song being later produced.
'Ego' with Kanye West
In 2009, Beyoncé teamed up with Kanye West to bring us their collab on 'Ego'. The remixed track was released with Kanye's vocals following 'Ego's initial release on Beyoncé's third album, 'I Am... Sasha Fierce'.
‘Until the End of Time’ with Justin Timberlake
Collaborating with American singer-songwriter sensation Justin Timberlake, 2017 welcomed the sultry bop 'Until the End of Time'. The song featured on the deluxe edition of Justin's second studio album 'FutureSex/LoveSounds', and reached the Top 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Lady Gaga
2008 was a big year for Beyoncé and Lady Gaga, with the pair gifting us with two collaborations, resulting in two truly iconic tunes. Lady Gaga can be heard featuring on Beyoncé's third studio album 'I Am... Sasha Fierce' in 'Video Phone', with Beyoncé appearing on Gaga's album 'The Fame' in 'Telephone'. Both songs proved incredibly popular with fans and hit the charts immediately!
‘Mine’ with Drake
The singer collaborated with Canadian rapper Drake on 'Mine'. The song has a futuristic R&B vibe, hitting Number 8 on the UK R&B Chart shortly after its release in 2013.
‘Love in This Club Part II’ with Usher
This popular R&B tune saw Beyoncé, Usher and Lil Wayne join forces back in 2008! The song was featured on Usher's fifth studio album, and shot up the charts all around the world.
‘Put It in a Love Song’ with Alicia Keys
Jumping to 2010, it was clear Beyoncé was nowhere near done with the collabs! Teaming up with the one and only Alicia Keys, the pair released the boppy tune 'Put It in a Love Song', featuring on Alicia's album 'The Element of Freedom'.
‘Flawless’ with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
In 2014, the star joined forces with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to create this BIG tune. The song featured on the singer's album 'Beyoncé', and appeared on several music charts before it was released as a single. A remix of the song was later released featuring the talented Nicki Minaj.
‘Feeling myself’ with Nicki Minaj
2014 proved a busy year for the superstar, going on to team up with Nicki Minaj to release the iconic 'Feeling Myself'. The song was a hit, climbing to Number 12 on the UK R&B Charts.
'Blue' with Blue Ivy
Although this may not be one of her best known collabs, it's certainly one of the sweetest! In 2014 Beyoncé released the heart-warming 'Blue' featuring clips of her adorable daughter Blue Ivy Carter.
‘Runnin' (Lose It All)’ with Naughty Boy and Arrow Benjamin
Shahid Khan, better known as Naughty Boy, released this track in 2015 featuring Beyoncé's stunning vocals. Naughty Boy is renowned for his catchy tunes, and this release was no exception!
‘Freedom’ with Kendrick Lamar
In 2017, Beyoncé partnered with popular American rapper Kendrick Lamar to produce 'Freedom'. The song was featured on her sixth studio album 'Lemonade' and spent weeks in the charts.
‘6 Inch’ with The Weeknd
In 2016 the former Destiny's Child singer paired with popular Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd in order to produce '6 Inch' for her second visual album 'Lemonade'. The Weeknd, also referred to by his real name Abel Tesfaye, is known for his incredibly popular songs 'The Hills', 'Can't Feel My Face' and 'Blinding Lights'.
‘Perfect Duet’ with Ed Sheeran
In 2017, Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran released an acoustic version of the English singer-singwriter's 'Perfect' in order to gift us with this gorgeous duet. The stunning vocals and beautiful tune sent them to the top of the charts, with Beyoncé performing her verse on the On the Run II Tour in 2018.
‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight' with Donald Glover, Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen
Alongside the 2019 adaptation of Walt Disney Pictures film The Lion King came the iconic soundtrack, featuring songs with vocals from Beyoncé herself and other stars including Donald Glover, Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen. All featuring in the film, this stunning track truly makes us feel the love!
‘Savage’ with Megan Thee Stallion
The star's most recent collaboration is undeniably one of the catchiest tunes of 2020! Teaming with American rapper Megan Thee Stallion. The song quickly went viral on TikTok, accompanied by a 'Savage' dance that took the social media world by storm!
'Black Is King' will land on Disney+ on Friday 31st July.
We can't wait! 🙌