“Formation” was released as a surprise single before Beyoncé’s 2016 Super Bowl appearance.
Beyoncé released “Formation” on February 6, 2016, without advance announcement. The song was accompanied by a music video directed by Melina Matsoukas and produced in collaboration with Beyoncé.
Its lyrics and imagery address Black identity, Southern heritage, police violence, Hurricane Katrina’s effects, and cultural pride. The video includes references to New Orleans and Beyoncé’s family background, making the song especially significant within her artistic work.
The release came one day before Beyoncé performed at the Super Bowl 50 halftime show. She later included “Formation” in the set list for The Formation World Tour, which began in April 2016.