Beyoncé‘s country tune “16 Carriages” was made before 2022’s Act I: Renaissance album.
The superstar has switched things up for her upcoming country album, Act II: Cowboy Carter, with the two lead singles, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” both of which have divided opinion.
The record is a celebration of the Houston native’s Southern roots. “16 Carriages” was conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 before the first album was released.
“So a lot of people don’t know, we actually had this first,” producer Atia ‘”INK” Boggs said during an appearance on the “Acknowledged” YouTube series.
“So imagine having this timeless, classic music first and having to wait, and then she came up with Act I. So we came out of being isolated, back into the world from no parties to finally expressing ourselves,” Boggs continued.
“And it’s like, baby, we don’t do just one thing; we do everything — and we do it well. That’s what [Beyoncé] is letting you know. This is her Southern roots; this is her Texas roots,” Boggs added, regarding the singer’s decision to go country.
“Representation matters; that sound matters. This sound is Black music, this is what we started,” the songwriter — who has also worked with Chris Brown and Justin Bieber — added when discussing the criticism the “Cuff It” singer has faced.
“’16 Carriages,’ that was one of my favorite songs I’ve ever made and produced in all of my life,” Boggs said. “Because it’s so personal. I love to see [Beyoncé] in that personal light.”
Despite the naysayers, the country world has been largely welcoming of the project, with Beyoncé getting the seal of approval from the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton.
“I’m a big fan of Beyoncé and very excited that she’s done a country album. So congratulations on your Billboard Hot Country number one single. Can’t wait to hear the full album!” Parton shared on social media.
The “Crazy in Love” hitmaker became the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with “Texas Hold ‘Em” after it debuted at No.1 on the U.S. chart, and “16 Carriages” has also racked up some impressive streams.
Parton also said that Beyoncé might have covered “Jolene” for the album.
