Surprise Country Project Shoot Up Charts
Global superstar Beyoncé continues shattering boundaries across musical genres. On Monday February 13th, it was revealed she is now the first ever African American female artist to top Apple Music’s US Country songs chart.
The history-making moment comes after Beyoncé surprise released two new country tracks “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” over the weekend. They provide a preview of her forthcoming album project “Renaissance: Act II”, set for release on March 29th, 2023.
Both tracks skyrocketed up global charts immediately thanks to her mammoth fanbase. But notably, “Texas Hold ‘Em” hit #1 on Apple Music’s specialized country songs listing – marking a significant first for a black woman leading that specific chart.
Double Chart Domination
Incredibly, Beyoncé actually claimed the top two spots on Apple Music’s country chart following Sunday’s twin track release.
“Texas Hold ‘Em” seized the #1 position, while “16 Carriages” slotted into the #2 spot below it. That meant she made country music history twice over through both songs simultaneously.
While she has topped charts across R&B, pop and rap countless times, conquering country music terrain long dominated by white artists highlights Queen Bey’s rare versatility as a genre-transcending talent.
Teasing A Country Album Trilogy
Fans have speculated for months that Beyoncé was planning a country music pivot for her next body-of-work. Her recent 2024 Grammy Awards outfit seemingly previewed an impending country era stylistically.
Late last year, inside reports also suggested she would follow up her smash dance album “Renaissance” with an all-country “Act II” installment. The surprise song drops over the weekend, replete with Southern imagery, have now cemented expectations of a country album trilogy.
If Beyonce continues infusing unique black female perspectives into her explorations of country, she could spark an exciting new subgenre blending the staples of Nashville with Houston, while inspiring more diversity within a historically white musical world.
