What is the title of the Beyoncé song that led her 2016 album Lemonade?

“Formation” was the Beyoncé song that led her 2016 album Lemonade. She released the single on February 6, 2016, with an accompanying music video directed by Melina Matsoukas.

The song arrived as a surprise release and became notable for its celebration of Black identity, Southern culture, and Beyoncé’s family heritage. Its video uses imagery connected to New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina, and police violence, while the song’s lyrics reference her Houston roots and Creole background. “Formation” later became a centerpiece of Beyoncé’s Super Bowl 50 halftime performance.

Although “Formation” is closely associated with Lemonade, it was not promoted as a conventional pre-release single in the usual album rollout. Lemonade appeared as a surprise visual album in April 2016. “Sorry,” “Hold Up,” and “Freedom” are also Lemonade songs, but none served the same lead-release role.