Which Beyoncé album became the first of her Renaissance trilogy in 2022?

Renaissance became the first album in Beyoncé’s three-part project when it was released in 2022.

Released on July 29, 2022, Renaissance is officially presented as “act i.” Beyoncé later identified the broader project as a three-act series. The album explores house, disco, funk, dance, and R&B, with a strong emphasis on club music and Black and queer musical traditions.

Its lead single, “Break My Soul,” became Beyoncé’s first solo number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 since “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” in 2008. Renaissance won the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Music Album at the 65th Grammy Awards.

The album should not be confused with Cowboy Carter, which was released in 2024 as the second act. The Gift is a separate 2019 album connected with The Lion King, while Renaissance begins the later trilogy.