Which Beyoncé album began the trilogy known as the Renaissance series?

Renaissance began Beyoncé’s trilogy of albums known as the Renaissance series. Released on July 29, 2022, it is her seventh studio album and the first installment of the planned three-act project.

The album is rooted in dance music, disco, house, and Black queer club traditions. Its lead single, “Break My Soul,” became Beyoncé’s eighth solo number-one song on the Billboard Hot 100. The album’s credits also acknowledge numerous artists and producers connected to dance and electronic music.

Renaissance debuted at number one in several countries, including the United States. It won the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Music Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023.

The trilogy’s second act is Cowboy Carter, released in 2024. The Gift is a separate 2019 Beyoncé album connected to The Lion King, so it is not part of the Renaissance trilogy.