Jay Z 'had to approve' Beyonce's Lemonade lyrics

Jay Z was involved in the creation of Beyonce's controversial new album and even had to approve the lyrics before its release, an insider claims.

Beyonce released her latest album Lemonade over the weekend via Tidal and with an accompanying HBO movie, with many songs featuring angry lyrics about a wayward husband, like, "You can taste the dishonesty / It's all over your breath as you pass it off so cavalier."

Jay Z and Beyoncé appear in public together in 2015. Beyoncé's new album has rumours flying their relationship is on the rocks. Photo/AP

The lyrics and images have been analysed by fans who believe they reference allegations Jay Z cheated on Beyoncé. Among those having the finger pointed at them include Rita Ora, Rihanna, Rachel Roy and "Becky with the good hair".

But a source tells Entertainment Weekly Jay Z was "fully supportive" of the album and was involved in its creation.

"Jay was involved in the creation of Lemonade and knew every song Bey was going to release. He knew the lyrics; he knew the implications. He had to approve the songs before release. Jay is a very smart businessman ... Bottom line is that they are both really smart and they both saw dollar signs," the source told EW.

"This is part of the process of being transparent. And they have healed. He has been very humble about the experience. Beyoncé is the love of his life and he will do what it takes."

Much of the speculation about Beyoncé's lyrics stem from an elevator incident between Jay Z and Beyoncé's sister Solange in 2014.

Other lyrics on Lemonade include, "This is your final warning / You know I give you life / If you try this s*** again / You gon' lose your wife," and, "Looking at my watch, he shoulda been home / Today I regret the night I put that ring on'".

Another source told EW the pair "were over the worst" and "are in a much better place now".

But according to a different insider, their marriage won't be the same.

"They have love for each other and always will, but ... they have their ups and downs."