Dangerously in Love is the debut solo album of American R&B singer Beyoncé Knowles, released June 22, 2003 on Columbia Records. Recordings sessions for the album took place during 2002 to March 2003 at several recording studios, during the hiatus of her former group Destiny's Child. Primarily R&B and soul-oriented, the album is mostly composed of uptempo songs and ballads, and features elements of hip hop and Arabic music. Although Knowles remained discreet about her interpretation of the songs, the lyrics were attributed by music writers to her close relationship with rapper Jay-Z at the time.
Upon its release, Dangerously in Love propelled Knowles' aim in becoming a viable solo star, as well as one of the most marketable acts in the recording industry. It debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 317,000 copies in its first week. The album became a worldwide commercial success, earning multi-platinum certifications in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Dangerously in Love received generally mixed to positive reviews from music critics upon its release and earned Knowles five Grammy Awards.
Upon its release, Dangerously in Love propelled Knowles' aim in becoming a viable solo star, as well as one of the most marketable acts in the recording industry. It debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 317,000 copies in its first week. The album became a worldwide commercial success, earning multi-platinum certifications in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Dangerously in Love received generally mixed to positive reviews from music critics upon its release and earned Knowles five Grammy Awards.