Title: Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” Receives Country Radio Airplay Following Online Campaign
A recent online campaign has sparked a notable shift in the airwaves, as country music radio station KYKC in Oklahoma has added Beyoncé’s latest track, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” to its rotation. Initially met with reluctance due to the station’s genre-specific programming, the song found its way onto the playlist after a surge of listener support.
The controversy arose when a Beyoncé fan requested the track, highlighting its country roots, only to receive a response from the station’s general manager citing the station’s dedication to country music. However, the fan’s subsequent social media post accusing the station of discrimination quickly gained traction within the Beyoncé fan community, prompting a wave of advocacy for the song’s inclusion on the station’s playlist.
Both “Texas Hold ‘Em” and Beyoncé’s other surprise release, “16 Carriages,” have been recognized for their country influences, diverging from the dance and house sounds of Beyoncé’s previous work. Featuring lyrics evoking hoedowns and dive bars set against the backdrop of twanging banjos, “Texas Hold ‘Em” marks a departure from Beyoncé’s usual musical territory.
The station’s general manager, Roger Harris, expressed astonishment at the overwhelming support for the song, noting the unprecedented volume of communications received. Harris explained that the station’s initial reluctance stemmed from a lack of awareness regarding Beyoncé’s venture into country music, a departure from her previous musical endeavors.
Despite initial reservations, the station swiftly responded to the influx of requests, adding “Texas Hold ‘Em” to its playlist within hours of the online campaign’s inception. This incident reflects the ongoing discourse surrounding the definition of country music and its evolving boundaries, reminiscent of past controversies involving artists like Lil Nas X and Beyoncé herself.
As Beyoncé continues to push the boundaries of musical genres, her foray into country music serves as a testament to the genre’s adaptability and its ability to embrace diverse influences. With “Texas Hold ‘Em” now gracing the airwaves of a country music station, the conversation surrounding the intersection of music, genre, and identity remains as vibrant as ever.
