Beyoncé Releases Surprise New Single, Music Video
Jakarta. On the eve of her performance at the Super Bowl's halftime show alongside Coldplay, Beyoncé released a new single with an accompanying music video on Saturday (06/02) afternoon in the United States. The singer announced the surprise release of "Formation" on her Instagram account and beyonce.com.
The song is available to stream on Tidal, the music streaming service owned by her husband, Jay Z. Fans can also download the track for free on the service in exchange for an email address.
Produced by Mike Will Made-It and co-written by Swae Lee, the single references the singer's African-American heritage, the #BlackLivesMatter movement as well as her Southern roots. "I got hot sauce in my bag — swag," she sings.
Melina Matsoukas, who previously worked with Beyoncé for her "Pretty Hurts" clip, directed the slickly produced music video, the New York Times reported.
The politically charged clip features the singer in various settings, from lying on top of a drowning police car — a scene that invokes post-Katrina New Orleans — to dancing with her all-female troupe. "Okay ladies, now let's get in formation, 'cause I slay," she proclaims in the chorus. Beyonce's daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, also makes a brief appearance in the video.
According to Rolling Stone, Beyoncé was reportedly rehearsing "Formation" during the preparations for her Super Bowl performance. Sources speaking to Entertainment Tonight have confirmed that the singer will perform the song on Sunday when the halftime show takes place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
"Formation" is the pop megastar's first solo song since she released the platinum edition of her self-titled album around two years ago.
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