Beyoncé recently took fans by storm when she dropped new music following a Verizon ad during the Super Bowl in mid February. Beyonce’s two new songs were her first foray into the country music genre
At the end of the ad, Beyoncé stated; “Okay, they’re ready, drop the new music.” And just like that, two new singles, titled “Texas Hold ’Em and 16 Carriages”, were released.
Beyoncé followed this up by announcing her new album, Renaissance: Act II, adding how it is to be a part of her Renaissance trilogy that began in 2022. The album is set to release on March 29, and will be her eighth album.
Many people were shocked to see the two new leading singles fall under the country genre, rather than the usual pop songs Beyoncé is known for. However, this isn’t Beyoncé’s first rodeo, seeing as she had another country song in her 2016 album Lemonade, entitled “Daddy Lessons.”
Beyoncé was born in Houston, with her father claiming she loved country music as a child.
"We have always celebrated Cowboy Culture growing up in Texas," Tina Knowles, Beyoncé's mother said in a post on Instagram.
“Texas Hold ‘Em”, the more streamed song of the two singles, debuted at No. 2 on the Hot 100 chart. This marks Beyoncé’s 22nd top ten single on the charts.
“Texas Hold ‘Em” also earned its spot on top on the Billboard’s Hot Country Songs. This makes Beyoncé the first ever black female to reach the number one spot on this chart.
“I’m a very big fan of Beyoncé and very excited that she’s done a country album.” Dolly Parton said on her Instagram.
However, despite the seemingly good attention, the songs have brought about some negative backlash.
“They’ve got to make their mark, just like a dog in a dog walk park. You know, every dog has to mark every tree, right? So that’s what’s going on here,” Country singer John Schneider said during a recent interview.
The singer then later compared Beyoncé to country star Shania Twain, saying it's hard for artists attempting to come into country music, compared to those who started in it.
Former pop singer Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish, made a successful move into country music, most notably Taylor Swift made a meteoric move into pop from her country roots.
This is not Beyoncé’s first country song with negative backlash though. Her song, “Daddy Issues” also received lots of negative reviews when it was first released. The song was heavily criticized by fans, and even rejected by the Recording Academy from being considered in the country music categories at the Grammys in 2016.
Despite this, the song is still credited with helping to influence the “Yeehaw Agenda.” This was an internet movement to reclaim Black cowboy culture through music and fashion that began in 2019.
“I enjoy listening to her new songs.” NHS senior Kimora Campbell said. “I like to see if there’s a moment where I’m able to connect with it, either through the bridge, the chorus or even the beat.”