Wednesday, February 12, 2025

K-pop idol G-Dragon announces first album in more than a decade

G-Dragon is set to release his third studio album ‘Übermensch’ this month. The 36-year-old South Korean singer and rapper...

Latest Posts

‘As time goes on, the more people respect what we’ve achieved…’ Alesha Dixon says Mis-Teeq finally getting credit

Alesha Dixon believes Mis-Teeq are now getting more respect for their music and for being at the forefront of the UK garage...

Michael Bolton and Clash Royale’s Barbarian release Valentine’s Day song

Michael Bolton has duetted with a video game character on a new version of his hit single 'How Am I Supposed to...

Michael Bolton and Clash of Clans’ Barbarian release Valentine’s Day song

Michael Bolton has duetted with a video game character on a new version of his hit single 'How Am I Supposed to...

Little Simz to curate Meltdown Festival 2025

Little Simz is set to curate this year's Meltdown festival. Returning between June 12 and June 22, the annual...

Beyonce’s 16 Carriages was conceived long before first Renaissance album

Beyoncé’s country tune ’16 Carriages’ was made before 2022’s ‘Act I: Renaissance’ album.

The 42-year-old 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’, dividing opinion.

The record is a celebration of the Houston native’s Southern roots, and the song from the second instalment of Beyoncé’s trilogy project was conceived amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, before the first album was released.

Appearing on the ‘Acknowledged’ YouTube series, producer Atia ‘INK’ Boggs spilled: “So a lot of people don’t know, we actually had this first.

“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.”

On her decision to go country, Boggs added: “And it’s like, baby, we don’t do just one thing we do everything, and we do it well. That’s what she’s letting you know. This is her Southern roots; this is her Texas roots.”

On the criticism she has faced, the songwriter – who has also worked with Chris Brown and Justin Bieber – added: “Representation matters, that sound matters. This sound is Black music, this is what we started.

“’16 Carriages,’ that was one of my favourite songs I’ve ever made and produced in all of my life. Because it’s so personal. I love to see her 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.

She shared on social media: “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!”

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 US chart, and ’16 Carriages’ has also racked up some impressive streams.

Dolly, 78, also let slip that Beyoncé might have covered ‘Jolene’ for the album.

Latest Posts

‘As time goes on, the more people respect what we’ve achieved…’ Alesha Dixon says Mis-Teeq finally getting credit

Alesha Dixon believes Mis-Teeq are now getting more respect for their music and for being at the forefront of the UK garage...

Michael Bolton and Clash Royale’s Barbarian release Valentine’s Day song

Michael Bolton has duetted with a video game character on a new version of his hit single 'How Am I Supposed to...

Michael Bolton and Clash of Clans’ Barbarian release Valentine’s Day song

Michael Bolton has duetted with a video game character on a new version of his hit single 'How Am I Supposed to...

Little Simz to curate Meltdown Festival 2025

Little Simz is set to curate this year's Meltdown festival. Returning between June 12 and June 22, the annual...

Don't Miss

Donny Osmond to share stage with teen AI version of himself at Las Vegas residency

Donny Osmond is set to share the stage with a younger version of himself from 1972 “thanks to some mind-blowing AI and...

Previously unreleased performances from John Lennon’s final full-length solo concerts set for Record Store Day vinyl

Previously unreleased performances from John Lennon's final full-length solo concerts post-The Beatles will be released on the 'Power To The People –...

Gary Kemp willing to discuss Spandau Ballet reunion with Tony Hadley

Gary Kemp is open to a Spandau Ballet reunion. The chart-topping band - which also comprised Tony Hadley, John...

Oasis reissuing Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants on limited-edition vinyl to mark 25th anniversary

Oasis are releasing a 25th anniversary reissue of their fourth studio album, 'Standing On The Shoulder Of Giants'. The...

Elton John ‘smashed his iPad’ and told collaborator Brandi Carlile to ‘f*** off’ in erratic studio sessions for new album

Sir Elton John "smashed his iPad" and told friend and collaborator Brandi Carlile to "f*** off" while making their new album.

Stay in touch

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.