KEY POINTS

  • The track first appeared in 2019’s "The Lion King: The Gift" compilation
  • It is a celebration of African culture
  • "Black is King" released on Disney+ at 3 a.m. EDT, Friday

Ahead of the release of the much-anticipated visual album "Black is King," Beyoncé has surprised her fans by dropping the music video of the song "Already."

The track, which first appeared in 2019’s "The Lion King: The Gift" compilation, features Ghanaian singer Shatta Wale and Major Lazer.

Right from Queen Bey’s styling to the choreography, the visually striking music video is a celebration of African culture.

Meanwhile, "Black is King," which released on Disney+ at 3 a.m. EDT, Friday, is also a celebration of Black culture.

In a press release, Disney said, "This visual album from Beyoncé reimagines the lessons of 'The Lion King’ for today’s young kings and queens in search of their own crowns. 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."

"These timeless lessons are revealed and reflected through Black voices of today, now sitting in their own power. 'Black Is King’ is an affirmation of a grand purpose, with lush visuals that celebrate Black resilience and culture. The film highlights the beauty of tradition and Black excellence," the press release added.

The visual album, written and directed by Queen Bey herself, will reportedly have cameos from Jay-Z, Lupita Nyong’o, Pharrell Williams, and Naomi Campbell. Beyonce’s 8-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, has also made an appearance in the album.

In an Instagram post, Beyoncé said the album is a "labor of love."

"It is my passion project that I have been filming, researching, and editing day and night for the past year. I’ve given it my all and now it’s yours. It was originally filmed as a companion piece to ‘The Lion King: The Gift’ soundtrack and meant to celebrate the breadth and beauty of Black ancestry. I could never have imagined that a year later, all the hard work that went into this production would serve a greater purpose," she wrote on Instagram.

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Beyonce at the BET Awards 2020. Twitter/ BET