Beyonce celebrates black women in intricate album-film

Pop superstar Beyonce released a musically diverse new album in the form of a film on April 23, a bold tribute to the perseverance of African American women.
 
"Lemonade" was advertised only as a special on cable network HBO but, more than halfway through, Beyonce dropped an album by the same name.
 
The sixth studio album by the 34-year-old pop giant features collaborations with the critically acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar, garage rocker Jack White and the young R&B sensation The Weeknd.
 
It also shows a growing musical range by Beyonce, who performs one song with simple acoustic guitar, but elsewhere goes into hip-hop and electronica.
 
The movie opens with a bleak picture of betrayal and jealousy as Beyonce dances across New Orleans, smashing up cars as she rages against the infidelities of an unnamed partner.
 
The subject matter immediately triggered a fury of speculation on social media that "Lemonade" was an elaborate artistic announcement of separation from her husband, rap mogul Jay-Z.
 
But toward the end of the film, Beyonce heads into a chapter entitled "Forgiveness" as she is seen embracing a sullen-looking Jay-Z.
 
In a further sign that they are still together, Beyonce released the album of "Lemonade" exclusively on the Tidal streaming service led by Jay-Z.
 
Beyonce, who appears throughout the film with African American women in roles as speakers, artists and dancers, drew a theme early in "Lemonade" as the film cuts to a snippet from late civil rights leader Malcolm X, who is heard saying: "The most disrespected person in America is the black woman."  

The album is Beyonce's first full-length release since her chart-topping self-titled album in late 2013....