A country radio station in Oklahoma is now playing Beyoncé's new country song after their initial refusal caused quite the controversy.
Beyoncé sent social media into a frenzy on Sunday when she announced the second act of Renaissance would be dropping on March 29. She then released two brand new songs, "Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages," both a nod to her Houston, Texas roots and leading many to believe Act II will be a full-on country album.
So when X user @jussatto was shut down by Oklahoma-based country radio station KYKC after he requested they play "Texas Hold 'Em," the Beyhive was buzzing.
@jussatto tweeted:
"I requested 'Texas Hold ‘Em' at my local country radio station (KYKC) and after requesting, i received an email from the radio station stating 'We do not play Beyoncé on KYKC as we are a country music station.'"
He included a screenshot of the message from the station.
Many fans were aware that this is not the singer's first country music snub.
In 2016, Beyoncé released her country song “Daddy Lessons” and even submitted it for Grammy consideration. But, according to the Associated Press, it was rejected by Recording Academy’s country music committee.
And now her new songs seem to be getting the same treatment.
Even Variety refused to acknowledge the new songs as "country," instead noting they have "strong country influences."
This, along with country star Lil' Nas X's many country music chart snubs, especially with his breakout mega smash "Old Town Road," led many to wonder if the rejection has more to do with Black artists in country music than it does with Beyoncé herself.
Given the viral nature of @jussatto's tweet and the perseverance of the Beyhive, KYKC responded.
They shared via Facebook that they were unaware Beyoncé had a country song when the request was made. They also added that they were waiting for a copy to be sent so they could add it to their mix.
100.1 KYKC/Facebook
100.1 KYKC/Facebook
After they apparently secured a copy, the radio station tweeted that Bey was officially in the queue.
"Lots of call coming in for Beyoncé’s Texas Hold ‘Em. It’s coming up in minutes"
While fans were happy to finally hear Queen Bey on country radio, many felt it shouldn't have been so difficult to make it happen.
And there were a few other requests, as well.
KYKC also mentioned on Facebook that Beyoncé's management team thanked them for playing "Texas Hold 'Em" on their station.
100.1 KYKC/Facbook.
You can hear the new country drop below.
WARNING: NSFW language
Beyoncé - TEXAS HOLD 'EM (Official Visualizer)youtu.be
Jane Rosenberg
Jane Rosenberg
@arianagrande/Instagram
@arianagrande/Instagram