The superstar’s seventh studio album features production from Honey Dijon, Green Velvet, A.G. Cook, Nile Rodgers and more
Unless you’ve been living under a rock the past few weeks, you will know that Beyoncé is releasing a new album, Renaissance, on Friday – and this time, she’s hitting the dance floor. With samples from disco legends such as Giorgio Moroder, and Donna Summer, and a Robin S-sampling lead single “BREAK MY SOUL”, it’s likely that Queen Bey’s seventh studio album will draw on 90s Chicago house and classic disco.
The tracklist for the record has also revealed the full list of producers, which includes electronic producers Skrillex, Honey Dijon, Green Velvet, Kelman Duran, A. G. Cook, and Luke Solomon, as well as funk legend Nile Rodgers and The Neptunes. Below, we spotlight five producers we think are key to Renaissance’s musical evolution.
A.G. COOK
Songs produced: “All Up In Your Mind”
Who? He needs no introduction, but A.G. Cook’s contribution to Renaissance may come as a surprise for those of us who’ve grown up listening to the PC Music founder’s futurist pop and experimental electronic music. But, given Queen Bey’s growing knack for experimentalism, perhaps a collab between the two isn’t all that far-fetched (Cook also produced tracks for Japanese superstar Hikaru Utada last year). While we’re not expecting Beyoncé to go full-on AutoTune cyborg anytime soon, enlisting the PC Music head honcho on the album is a sure way to make sure that Renaissance’s disco origins resonate with a younger audience.
BLOODPOP
Songs produced: “All Up In Your Mind”, “Pure/Honey”
Who? Despite having already worked with the likes of Britney Spears, Grimes, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and Lady Gaga, you’d be forgiven for never having heard of Bloodpop – the producer formerly known as Blood Diamonds. The LA artist keeps a low-profile, rarely posting on social media or appearing in interviews. He’s also keen on balancing newer artists with more established ones, with recent collaborations ranging from Shygirl to Rina Sawayama.
GREEN VELVET
Songs produced: “Cozy”
Who? Cutting his teeth in the golden era of Chicago house, Green Velvet – also known as Curtis Jones – is a true stalwart figure in both the house and techno scene, best known for tracks such as “Flash” and “The Stalker”. A neon-haired techno punk with a knack for effortlessly hopping between genres, he’s bringing the OG spirit of house music to Renaissance.
HONEY DIJON
Songs produced: “Cozy”
Who? Another legend in the 90s Chicago house scene, Honey Dijon is not only one of the most sought-after DJs in dance music, but an active spokesperson for dance music’s history of Blackness, queerness and transness. Bringing a slice of Berghain to the altar of Queen Bey, we’re especially excited for this pairing.
SKRILLEX
Songs produced: “Energy”
Who? One of the more unexpected collaborators on Renaissance, the addition of dubstep kid-turned-EDM titan Skrillex is perhaps the most exciting addition to Beyoncé’s rosta. Having worked with everyone from Korn to Justin Bieber, Lil Pump to Mariah Carey, Burna Boy to Boys Noize, Skrillex knows how to win over big-room crowds, while maintaining a deep appreciation of the underground. OK so we probably won’t be getting a rehash of “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites”, but a girl can dream.