5 Surprising Facts about Beyoncé’s “Renaissance”

If there’s one thing Beyoncé knows how to do, it’s craft an experience. From the explosive visual storytelling of Lemonade to the deeply personal and celebratory themes of Renaissance, Queen Bey continuously redefines artistry, empowering her fans while setting trends in music and culture. Released on July 29, 2022, Renaissance’s seamless blend of disco, house, and electronic beats—paired with an unapologetic celebration of Black and queer pioneers—has carved a unique space in the music world.

While the accolades, chart records, and critical acclaim are well-documented, here are five unknown facts about Renaissance that may surprise you—and make you want to hit the dance floor all over again.

1. “Thique” Took Nearly a Decade to Complete

While many tracks on Renaissance were conceived during the pandemic, “Thique” has a much longer history. Beyoncé initially started working on the song in 2014 during sessions for her self-titled album. Eight years later, she revisited and revamped it, giving it the polished and infectious groove we hear today. This long incubation period showcases her relentless pursuit of perfection.

2. The Album’s Title Horse Has a Name

The mirrored disco ball horse featured on the album’s iconic cover wasn’t just a stylistic choice; it has a name—“Reneigh.” Fans lovingly christened the equine centerpiece, drawing connections to the album’s homage to Studio 54 and disco’s glamorous heyday. The imagery ties into the album’s themes of freedom, escapism, and indulgent joy.

3. No Music Videos? No Problem!

Despite being one of the most visual artists of our time, Beyoncé took a bold step with Renaissance by delaying music videos to let the music take center stage. Her intention? To encourage fans to focus solely on the intricate production, rich vocals, and layered messages. When fans clamored for visuals during her world tour, she famously declared, “You are the visuals, baby.”

4. Inspired by a Personal Hero

Beyoncé’s late “Uncle” Jonny, who introduced her to Black ball culture and dance music, served as a deep source of inspiration for the album. By channeling his legacy and the liberation he found in these spaces, Beyoncé created a love letter to the LGBTQ+ community and the overlooked pioneers of house and disco music.

5. A Sneaky Fashion First

Renaissance inspired a groundbreaking collaboration between Beyoncé and Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing, resulting in the Renaissance Couture collection. This project made history as Beyoncé became the first Black woman to oversee a couture collection with a Parisian fashion house. Each of the 16 designs corresponds to a track from the album, blending high fashion with music like never before.

Renaissance is a vibrant reimagining of music’s most freeing and rebellious genres, brought to life by one of the most influential artists of our time. Whether you’re breaking a sweat to “Break My Soul” or marveling at the intricate layers of sound, Renaissance stands as a testament to Beyoncé’s unparalleled ability to evolve while staying true to her roots.