NEW YORK: Pop superstar Beyonce on Saturday released a musically diverse new album in the form of a film as she paid a bold tribute to the perseverance of African American women.

“Lemonade” was advertised only as a special on cable network HBO but, in a move anticipated by her passionate fan base, she dropped an album by the same name in the middle of the broadcast.

The “visual-album” marks the second straight work in which the 34-year-old pop queen has experimented with merging formats — which could also include social media, where “Lemonade” quickly became a top trending topic.

The film, crafted through the album’s songs and verse from the Somali-British poet Warsan Shire against a Southern Gothic backdrop, follows Beyonce’s emotional journey as she tackles infidelity but also the larger experience of African American women.

Beyonce’s sixth studio album brings in a range of musical all-stars, with “Don’t Hurt Yourself” co-written by members of Led Zeppelin and the most anthem-like track, “Freedom,” featuring acclaimed rapper Kendrick Lamar.

The movie opens with accusations of betrayal as Beyonce struts across New Orleans, smashing up cars as she rages against the sexual transgressions of her partner.

The subject matter immediately triggered a fury of speculation on social media that “Lemonade” was an artistic announcement of separation from her real-life 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 Jay-Z, whose best-known songs before his 2008 marriage included “Big Pimpin’.”

In further evidence that they are still together, Beyonce released the album of “Lemonade” exclusively on the Tidal streaming service led by Jay-Z.