Beyoncé Enlists Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, JAY-Z and More for 'Black Is King' Visual Album
Premiering on Disney+ this July 2020.
Beyoncé shared a trailer for her upcoming visual album Black Is King, set to premiere July 31 exclusively on Disney+.
Based on the music of her 2019 album The Lion King: The Gift, the project is written, directed and executive produced by Beyoncé herself. Several featured artists on The Gift will reportedly appear once more on Black Is King, with the list of collaborators including Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell, JAY-Z, Blue Ivy Carter, 070 Shake, Tierra Whack, Jessie Reyez and African artists such as Wizkid, Shatta Wale, Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Tekno, Yemi Alade, Busiswa and Salati.
Black Is King pays homage to “voyages of Black families throughout time,” telling the story of a “young king’s transcendent journey through betrayal, love and self-identity.” He moves closer to his destiny with the help of his ancestors, and he manages to reclaim his home and throne with integrity thanks to his father’s guidance and love.
“Black Is King is a celebratory memoir for the world on the Black experience,” Disney and Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment said in a statement. “The film is a story for the ages that informs and rebuilds the present. A reunion of cultures and shared generational beliefs. A story of how the people left most broken have an extraordinary gift and a purposeful future.”
They added, “These timeless lessons are revealed and reflected through Black voices of today, now sitting in their own power. Black Is King is an affirmation of a grand purpose, with lush visuals that celebrate Black resilience and culture. The film highlights the beauty of tradition and Black excellence.”
Watch the full trailer above. Black Is King premieres July 31 on Disney+.
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