As hype and excitement builds for the release of Beyoncé‘s new album Renaissance, it seems the 16-track project was obtained and leaked two days early. The long-awaited music was slated to release on Friday July 29. You might not be able to break her soul, but you can sure break an embargo.
According to Variety which first reported the news, the internet is circulating “high-quality flac files that certainly sound like the album.” It was also reportedly available on CDs (how vintage) in parts of Europe. Beyoncé nor her record label Columbia Records have responded to the drama.
Fans from the BeyHive have taken to social media to urge fellow followers to refrain from listening or sharing Renaissance, while others are begging for a link. “I’m calling all BeyHive. From now on we don’t tweet or discuss the leak! We just need to be positive and wait for Beyoncé’s planned release date,” one user tweeted. “The leak in question is very low quality – and will not be a good indicator of what the real #RENAISSANCE is. Wait until Friday.😘”
Another posted, “Who got the Renaissance leak ??? Im not Beyoncé’s strongest soldier I will listen to that s**t.”
Beyoncé shared the full track list to the album last week on Instagram Stories while her album artwork was first revealed on July 1.
“Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world,” the artist wrote to Instagram. “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.”
It’s not the first time the artist has had to navigate a leak. In 2011 her album 4 was released three weeks early.
Be strong. See you on Spotify on July 29.
Tracklist:
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
