Beyoncé Scores #1 Hit On Billboard Hot 100 Chart With “Texas Hold ‘Em”

Of course, there’s been a ton of reaction surrounding Beyoncé making an entry into country music, as well as plenty of discussion about the genre’s treatment of black female artists. But one thing’s abundantly clear at this point: Beyoncé knows how to get people’s attention.

And also, her country-influenced style is obviously something that people are really into, and the other single “16 Carriages” is also charting at country radio right now.

In all honesty, it remains to be seen ifBeyoncé herself created this new record as a “country” album specifically, or if she’s just pulling from her Texas roots and has some of that influence in the music. The media has been quick to start labeling it as outright “country,” but we have yet to hear from the woman herself in terms of her intentions and inspiration.

The songs weren’t even initially labeled “country” by her record label, Columbia, nor where they first sent to country radio. That of course changed very quickly after an uproar by fans, and like I said, I am a little hesitant to think that she’s trying to go full-on Loretta Lynn with this music.

Bey has been rocking the cowboy hat a lot lately, and while she’s not known to make a ton of big public statements, I’m excited to hear from her about this music and what she things about the whole “country” debacle she’s found herself in.

I think everyone’s questions will be answered on March 29th, when Renaissance: Act II is released and we get to hear the entire project… stay tuned.

“Texas Hold ‘Em”

“16 Carriages”