So Beyoncé released her self-title Beyoncé visual album unexpectedly on Friday at midnight on iTunes. Not even her fans had a clue that their queen was about to drop an entire album on them. So how did the superstar manage to release an entire album without any leaks or buzz? Through the power of code.

In a press release after the album was released Beyoncé explained why she decided to put out an album in such a secretive way. She simply said that she wanted to change the way she had done it before, "I am bored with that...this way I fell like I am able to speak directly to my fans". She added that she wanted to avoid anything coming between her, her music and her fans. "In the 24 hours of it's release the album sold nearly half a million copies," said Andrew Hamp, senior correspondent with Billboard magazine. Hamp says, "Beyoncé has accomplished what really no other [artist] has done by going 0 to 60 in terms of awareness of a new album". The album consisted of 14 songs and 17 music videos that were all recorded in such a sneaky way, that only Beyonce and top executives at Columbia records were in on the extravaganza.

Hamp explained, "There were code names used at every stage of the production process to avert the possibilities of a leak". "Every song had a code name, every video that was being edited had a code name, and the album itself had a code name around Columbia offices known as Lily". Since Beyoncé wanted it to be "perfect" the album didn't have an actual release date. As the "Grown Woman" star finally decided that the album was ready; "the extras, directors, producers, her label, and those at iTunes were reportedly required to sign non-disclosure agreements". What if one of the individuals involved in this project was one of those people that cannot keep secrets at all? Can you imagine the torture of not telling anyone about such an awesome project?

Only Beyoncé could of pulled off something like this. Ohhh, the power of Mrs. Carter.