A decade ago, Beyoncé pulled off the impossible when she secretly released a new album on iTunes that would forever change the standards in the music industry.
The visual, eponymous LP included 14 tracks and 17 videos including Superpower, which featured Frank Ocean, Rocket, Partition, and Drunk In Love, featuring Jay Z.
Also included in it was the video for Grown Woman, but that record wasn’t part of the list of songs on digital streaming platforms until December 13, 2023.
Aside from the single’s formal release, she shared a video montage to commemorate the anniversary of Beyoncé
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“I still get scared before every album release,” Bey narrated. “I’m constantly searching for the deeper purpose for my art. Thoughts about life, my dreams or my fantasies. Just because you become a mother, it doesn’t mean you lose who you are. I don’t want anybody to give a message when my record is coming out. I just want this to come out when it’s ready—and from me to my fans. This album is the anti-perfection. Happy 10th anniversary.”
Without any form of announcement or promotion, Beyoncé appeared on iTunes late in the midnight hour and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, after three days of sales. It became the Houston native’s fifth consecutive No. 1 album on the chart and at that time, was the fastest-selling album in iTunes Store history.
The deluxe edition followed the next year and had records such as 7/11 and Ring Off.
Meanwhile, Beyoncé has reflected on the successes and criticisms of her RENAISSANCE film.
The 42-year-old superstar opened up by saying: “While I’m often critical and feel my art is never finished, the pendulum swings.”
“I am so deeply thankful to AMC and every team member who worked so hard on this film. I just can’t thank all of you enough for your support,” she began. She explained that the RENAISSANCE film was “one of the hardest things” she’s ever done because of how swift the turnaround was.