For those who didn’t listen to the leak (or wasn’t stalked by the Beyhive), “Renaissance,” Beyoncé’s highly anticipated new seventh solo studio album, arrives Friday.
To commemorate the release, the music superstar shared an open letter on her website to fans, which features a never-before-seen photo of her three children with husband Jay-Z.
In the adorable selfie, Beyonce cuddles up in bed with Blue, 10, Rumi, 5, and Sir, 5, all of whom are fast asleep.
“Creating this album allowed me to dream and escape during a scary time for the world,” she wrote. “Feeling free and adventurous in a time when nothing else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgement. A place to be free from perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, to break free and feel the freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration.
She then honored her late uncle Johnny, who was gay and died of an AIDS diagnosis, as a major influence on the sound of the album.
“He was my godmother and the first person to expose me to much of the music and culture that inspired me on this album,” she wrote before pointing out, “all the pioneers who are the origin of culture” and “the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognized for so long.
Many have noted how the album’s vibrant lead single “Break My Soul,” which was released last month to critical acclaim, celebrates the black queer origins of house music. The track, of course, opens with the unmistakable vocals of legendary queer icon Big Freedia, known as Queen of Bounce, a genre of hip-hop music that originated in New Orleans, Louisiana.
“I hope you find joy in this music,” Beyoncé concluded in her note. “I hope this inspires you to release the wiggle. And to feel as unique, strong and sexy as you are.
She also thanked her parents Tina Knowles-Lawson and Matthew Knowles, whom she called her “first teacher” who inspires “every move I make.”
“Renaissance” arrives in all its glory on July 29.
The Huffington Gt