NYS Music 202​2

Tag: Beyonce

  • Beyonce Drops 7th Album ‘Renaissance’

    On Friday, July 29, Beyoncé dropped her seventh studio album, Renaissance, to the delight of her fans worldwide. The album is the first act of a trilogy project from the singer, who dedicated the record to her family, via Instagram.

    Beyonce album cover
    Renaissance Album Cover

    Renaissance, just as Beyoncé penned to fans, is surely an album of empowerment, exploration, and creativity full of hype songs to let loose to. The famous performer and mother wrote the album during the COVID-19 pandemic in the hope it would provide a safe space “to scream, release, [and] feel freedom.” With the 16 songs coming in at just over an hour, the new album does just that.

    The first track, “I’m That Girl,” opens a hint at the album, providing listeners with multiple overlays, repetitive chants, and Beyoncé’s familiar vocals and empowering lyrics. “Cozy,” brings an entirely sultry new beat, where Beyoncé passionately sings, “comfortable in my skin / cozy with who I am.”  Much of the album celebrates self-love and incorporates and honors so many different styles of dance music.

    The popstar unapologetically explores multiple genres on her album – the first full release since her critically acclaimed Lemonade release – with inspiration from hip-hop, trap, techno, rap, and much more. “Break My Soul,” the first single released off the new album dropped in June and gives listeners a taste of her house music style with a sample of Robin S’s “Show Me Love” hit.

    In addition to different samples from various artists, the album also features a great line-up. Fans can listen in for the collaborations of Grace Jones, Beam, and Tems. Beyoncé plays with her sound, lyrics, and creative inclusions, making the album the perfect release for the rest of the summer. It would not be surprising to see snippets of the album start trending across social media platforms. 

    The record is varied, offering the best beats to energize and dance in front of the mirror no matter who is watching. With a vocal range and energetic sound which fans have come to hope for from the star, Beyoncé continues to assert her domination in the industry with this newest release. 

    Key tracks: Break My Soul, Virgo’s Groove, I’m That Girl

  • Angelique Kidjo Drops Music Video For ‘Do Yourself’ Featuring Burna Boy

    Angelique Kidjo is back with her new music video for ‘Do Yourself’ featuring Burna Boy. The Grammy nominated single is described as “an anthem for a new Africa.”

    Angelique Kidjo Burna Boy

    Directed by Meji Alabi, who has also worked with Wizkid and Beyonce, the music video perfectly showcases Kidjo’s vibrant energy as Burna Boy croons in the background. Citing Africa as “the birthplace of all humanity”, Kidjo proclaims her love for the continent and reminds us all of how strong Africa can be if we do our part. For change to be made, Kidjo says that you have to do it yourself. 

    The single is fresh off her critically acclaimed album Mother Nature, released in June, which tackles prevalent issues like the climate crisis and the struggle for freedom. Her joyful sound mixed with these heavy topics creates a unique listening experience for new and old fans, while showing exactly why she deserves her “icon” status. Mother Nature features many young African artists including Mr. Eazi, Sampa The Great and Yemi Alade.

    With three Grammy nominations under her belt, including Best Global Music Album, Best Global Music Performance and Best Global Music Performance for ‘Blewu’, it is clear that Kidjo is in a league of her own. The New Yorker called her the “towering figure of cross cultural music” and it’s not hard to understand why. She has also performed at the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony, sold out Carnegie Hall and is performing alongside Viola Davis in the film “The Woman King” later this year.

    Tickets for Kidjo’s 2022 tour, as well as more information, can be found here.

    3/4 – MASS MoCA in North Adams, MA

    3/5 – MASS MoCA in North Adams, MA

    3/8 – L’Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, Belgium

    3/10 – Carre Belle-Feuille in Boulogne-Billancourt, France

    3/11 – La Faïencerie in Creil, France

    3/16 – Musikverein in Vienna, Austria

    3/17 – Festspielhaus St. Pölten in St. Pölten, Austria

    3/19 – Theater of Chelles in Chelles France

    3/24 – Theatre of the Vesinet in Le Vésinet, France

    3/25 – Arsenal in Metz, France

    4/2 – Soka Performing Arts Center in Aliso Viejo, CA

    4/5 – Benaroya Hall in Seattle, WA

    4/7 – Rialto Theater in Tucson, AZ

    4/9 – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in Scottsdale, AZ

    4/14 – The Broad Stage Theatre in Santa Monica, CA

    4/15 – The Broad Stage Theatre in Santa Monica, CA

    4/16 – The Broad Stage Theatre in Santa Monica, CA

    4/23 – Cal Performances Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley, CA

    4/29 – Hopkins Center for The Arts in Hanover, NH

    4/30 – Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH

    5/10 – McCarter Theatre Center in Princeton, NJ

    5/12 – Bass Concert Hall in Austin, TX

    5/26 – Africa Festival in Würzburg, Germany

    6/4 – Theatre Femina in Bordeaux, France

    6/9 – Dresden Music Festival in Dresden, Germany

    6/10 – Abbaye de Saint-Riquier – Baie de Somme in Saint-Riquier, France

    6/11 – Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris France