Beyoncé is releasing a visual album called Black Is King on Disney+ next month

Beyoncé is releasing a visual album called Black Is King, which is set to debut on Disney+ at the end of July.

As people around the globe rally behind Black voices following the death of George Floyd and the month-long protests from the Black Lives Matter movement, it seems Beyoncé’s single “Black Parade” couldn’t have arrived at a more relevant time. And, as it turns out, that’s not the only content she’s bringing fans this summer.

Beyoncé announced plans, not just to release new content, but to bring her fans a visual album that’s based on her 2019 LP The Lion King: The Gift and intended to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Lion King, which she voiced Nala for. The visual album, dubbed Black Is King, will debut on Disney+ on July 31. It’s directed, written, and produced by the singer-songwriter herself, and it will showcase music videos for songs from The Gift. 

According to Disney, Beyoncé’s Black Is King “reimagines the lessons of The Lion King for today’s young kings and queens in search of their own crowns.” Disney also elaborated on what kind of story the visual album will tell, explaining that it will pay homage to Black families:

"“The voyages of Black families, throughout time, are honored in a tale about a young king’s transcendent journey through betrayal, love and self-identity. His ancestors help guide him toward his destiny, and with his father’s teachings and guidance from his childhood love, he earns the virtues needed to reclaim his home and throne.”"

Beyoncé teased the upcoming album on her website, and if the album is as powerful as the trailer (as it almost certainly will be), Disney+ subscribers are going to want to tune in as soon as Black Is King drops next month.

In addition to Beyoncé, Black Is King will also feature artists who appeared on The Gift, including Pharrell, Jay-Z, Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, and Blue Ivy Carter. There will also be other guest appearances, but we’ll have to speculate on what those might be for now.

Black Is King has been in production for a year now, and it’s brought to us by Parkwood Entertainment and Disney+.

Are you excited to watch Black Is King when it arrives on Disney+ next month? Which songs do you hope to see videos for? Share your thoughts in the comments below!