Act II Surprise Singles??? (Texas Hold 'Em & 16 Carriages)

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

Ohhh I’m here for it, someone said on Twitter that with the Renaissance trilogy album that Beyoncé is reclaiming music genres that were pioneered by black Americans but became popularized and low key gentrified by white artists/people with the third and final act being rock n roll inspired. I do like both songs but 16 Carriages is so devastating in the best way possible given that she recorded all three of the Renaissance albums during the pandemic I do get a very-covid 19 feeling of the song of how much it has changed our POV on life and times we took for granted. Makes me believe while act 1 was about escapism act 2 is about introspection, retrospection and healing from dark times

[@naomi.cannibal]

Yes, im def getting a more reflective/ introspective vibe from act ii over the celebration that kind of made up act i. Like still celebrating country artists but i think we might get a lil more emotional based on the singles so far

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

@@naomi.cannibalright it makes even more anxious what the themes of act 3 will be about not to jump the shark doe but this journey she’s giving us after the pandemic is insane idk any other artist who have done this

[@LucasNinoMusic]

I wish the rock one was act 2, I don’t like country 😭😅 so I gotta wait till 2026 for that one

[@tiaraw872]

It’s nothing “low key” about it, its most definitely gentrified completely

[@m3dm491]

This theory is quite plausible. If we follow it, act.III will be Rockyoncé and I like it already

[@empressawesome1655]

Dolly Parton has expressed her desire for Beyonce to cover Jolene before, so it would be so cool if Act II includes that song in some way.

[@Housewarmin]

I'd love to see a documentary about the roll out of these acts. The way she waits years to release music, visuals, and content is insane. The way she's planned 3 albums, a tour, a movie, a hair care line, with no leaks is just astounding.

[@IanRoseOfficial]

No act 1 leaked... and visuals...

[@shaunc3828]

And perfume!😮😮❤

[@briancombs9671]

@@IanRoseOfficialthe visuals didn’t leak

[@philw6672]

@@briancombs9671we are the visuals baby 😊

[@IanRoseOfficial]

@@briancombs9671 parts of Virgo groove did. But I didn't see so I don't know if I believe it but the album did leak.

[@danielmolenaar4511]

She did this for us Daddy Lessons stans

[@naomi.cannibal]

Lmaooo and did!!

[@AjaySurya-kq7fh]

I think the second album might be called revolution. In the track called " My house " She released for the renaissance concert film, there is part of the lyrics that goes : " Follow your intuition, renaissance to revolution ".

[@naomi.cannibal]

Oooh you could be onto something

[@AjaySurya-kq7fh]

@@naomi.cannibal 🙇‍♂️

[@nnnnyaaasss]

I think it’s gonna be revival or reclamation for act ii and the final act will be revolution

[@liahb1745]

I see what u mean but honestly I think it might be: Act I Renaissance Act II Enlightenment Act III Revolution

[@simonamukushu8521]

Just a little note. The upcoming project is just named Act ll for now. The official name for the album still needs to be revealed.

[@vivennecapri]

!!!

[@ceeellebee122]

It’s still not Renaissance??? I think house was act 1…country act 2 and rock n roll act 3….all in Renaissance??? Bc I thought that was the name 🤷🏾‍♀️ I’m for it!!

[@simonamukushu8521]

@@ceeellebee122 I can't lie Renaissance would be a cool name for the entire trilogy but, in a note on her website she called the first album Act i Renaissance implying that the rest of the albums having their own respective titles/identities. For example: Act i Renaissance Act ii .... Act iii ....

[@crystalclear675]

Wasn’t it said Act ll was called Anointed?

[@shanel4294]

@@simonamukushu8521she’s about to make so much money, I agree with people saying this is probably gonna be her last body of work before she dips

[@Chuuzus]

Beyoncé’s versatility is so unmatched!!

[@zlonglea]

16 carriages been on repeat 😭

[@AngeBiampandou]

A really beautiful and heartfelt song

[@dinasilva9263]

I'm not a country music fan but i love when Beyoncé did daddy lessons for the lemonade álbum and i'm also very excited for a new álbum. I love when she makes something new and i hope act 3 is a rock álbum like she did with the song don't hurt yourself. ❤

[@naomi.cannibal]

Righttt she’s gotta bring Jack White back for Act III

[@dinasilva9263]

@@naomi.cannibal exactly i love so much the collaboration they had in that song. My favorite from the álbum.

[@wayne9_9]

Yes I loved Daddy Lessons and I'm so excited for this country album

[@dinasilva9263]

@@wayne9_9 one of my favorite songs from the lemonade álbum. I love the vibe of the song.

[@Oneofonejah]

Yall slept on daddy’s lessons in 2016! Im here 4 act three, lets goooooo hive!🫡🥺🤍

[@karisuperstar]

I think she's gonna release the visual album that ties all 3 acts together after she's done with all 3 acts. The sneak peek of all the visuals we've seen from this new project and renaissance will be in that.

[@Oyepapi81]

I agree with this theory. Music from all 3 Acts first. Then a movie with visuals.

[@TroyPrévostMusic]

I believe the 16 carriages symbolize the years of her youth/'normal life'. She credits '97 as her debut year, which would have made her roughly 16. She sings about needing to grow up and take the reigns for helping her family as her parents supported her dreams/legacy. I think it can be seen as sad but I found it mostly pensive/reflective. Saying her success wasn't overnight and her abundance wasn't handed to her, regardless of her talent and dedication to her craft. That's my understanding of the song. It reminds me of 16 candles as well, just carriages for creativity or alignment with the genre imagery if that makes sense. The song message is conceptually in line of Sugarland's 'Already Gone' or 'In Color' by Jamey Johnson to me; just that good ol' thought provoking, reflective storytelling common in country music. Def going down as one of my faves from her discography.

[@tylerhackner9731]

I’m so here for Countryonce! Not even a fan of country but I’m absolutely here for a black woman reclaiming genres white folks would claim as theirs. Reminder tho: black people created it all

[@naomi.cannibal]

yupppp so excited to be introduced to more black country artists

[@Madtrix09]

I defo feel like act iii is gonna be rock since that is a genre stolen from our culture

[@faeriegraver]

​@@Madtrix09it *has* to be rock and I'm excited

[@Dontbootit]

A black trans woman built the great wall of China

[@teriverse]

PREACH!!! 🎉🎉

[@babyjush12]

i’m excited for this new album! my close friend and i listened to both singles and we loved both lol. texas hold em is such a good song, and 16 carriages is literal perfection. i’m excited to see how this era will play out as i’ve only seen people of all backgrounds embracing the singles so far. hopefully she’ll be able to break down doors for the many black country artists there are out there right now who don’t get the amount of shine that they should!

[@EssenceWoodard]

This was my thought as well!

[@blue_champignon5738]

I would love to see a collab with Mega Thee Stallion since they're both from Texas and Yola had an amazing country album that would be a perfect pair

[@ar-yj8lb]

Stand For Myself and Starlight are so good, Yola's vocals soar so much on those tracks,

[@roxdaphe]

still ascending after listening to 16 carriages for the first time 😭

[@Chuu_Vault]

Texas Hold' Em was a bop i swear, and yayyyy New Naomi video l, exactly what i needed to lift up my mood

[@vonte16]

you’re one of my favorite pop culture commentators! love your content

[@feelgood2994]

I took Solargenic to be her making a new word. Solargenic is to the sun (solar)that photogenic is to photography. She’s out having fun and looks good doing it.

[@Lildeadthing420]

this is the PERFECT time for telephone to get its sequel

[@gigigondim]

i’m holding on to hope that it will happen, in my mind it makes total sense since Beyoncé’s texas hold ‘em COULD very well reference Gaga’s poker face and the fact that she also mentioned texas hold ‘em in the lyrics of poker face besides, gaga has already experimented with country, so i’ll have faith until the end 🥲

[@bastetowl3258]

yes they promised a "to be continued" at the end of the telephone mv

[@ShonnysLab1995]

I loved the take on the 2 singles and the Acts. I missed ya videos, I’m glad to be back 💯❤️ you got me excited for Act 2

[@Astrapionte]

I LOVE 16 Carriages. Love it. As an artist, it’s so refreshing to hear something new… something fresh and unexpected. Kuntry is such a big thing in the south, and she’s going to put her own zest on it? Here for it.

[@christopherjones8162]

Omg the way u role this down is crazy 😭got my brain on overload

[@nathanielplacide4119]

I hope she ends Act 2 with a dolly parton feature, or sample, similar to how she ended renaissance with a donna summers sample

[@kiki45918]

YEEEHAAAW-CÉ! I am so interested in how this album will sound! 16 Carriages was my fave out of the two. Can't wait for the next concert! 🤠🪩

[@mother_of_wasps]

Side note. Idk if you say this, but for renaissance act I, house is heavily full of samples and interpolation. It was quite literally birn from it. Also I'm so happy Beyonce is reclaiming country. I hope act III is rock. Not only for the reclaimation, but rockyonce is INSANE. Don't hurt yourself is next level.

[@tinymxnticore]

For years whenever people ask if I listen to country I would say “Yes…Cash, Dolly and of course Beyonce.” Apparently none of them listened to Daddy Lessons because they had no idea what I meant. So this is my vindication!!!

[@a.lumpia]

i'm OBSESSED. I have only these two songs on repeat all day / since it came out. I've watched all act ii analysis videos on KZbin. I cannot look away at the complete artistry of this woman. Also, I agree. I prefer 16 Carriages but it does feel sadder. Every time I listen to it, I'm like, "No Bey, don't be sad!" I'm not black, yet I can easily acknowledge the shifts she is creating in culture in general.

[@taticalypso-halls2261]

I heard that her album Act ii. is going to be a mixed between country and new jack swing (as well as other 90s sounds). I'm not sure if this is the direction she's going with her album, but from what I know that's what's out there. Anyways go Beyonce!!👑🌟🎵

[@Everymonthisaugust210]

So excited for this! I’m soooo ready! Also, as a San Antonian and proud Texan, the random San Antonio history lesson was cool.

[@sugloja]

Both songs are okay to me, I’ll listen to the new album to see what it’s all about .

[@ninarobertson3901]

I mean it all makes sense to me. The sound is country but still sounds like Beyoncé. She’s pretty country herself so I think it’s a reasonable choice lol I’m excited for the responses- I already see people freaking out lol

[@TaVonya]

I’m excited for ACT II 🙌🏾💖✨

[@ceeellebee122]

I’m excited about Renaissance act 2….but I’m really here for act 3 rock n roll!! I love act 1 and think it’s finally music Beyonce wants to do as opposed to what she was to put out over years. I feel like her self titled album was her doing her..But who am I but just a fan since DC days 😂. We shall see!!! Didn’t know Dream said that My house ended the Renaissance era 😂.

[@Tswazy2]

I hope people will give recognition for black country artists currently in the country music world. I see that some people bring up that K. Michelle had always talked making a country album. Mickey Guyton has been on the scene for awhile now. She even was the first black woman to co-host the American Country music awards. Even Ciara had a country song recently

[@dominiquecrump9929]

2:59 you are soooo good at these breakdowns ❤

[@crystalcastillo7575]

I LOVEE how I always lear new things from your videos. I can't believe she was referring to poker in the title. UGHH your so good

[@pressley1637]

I want to point out a reference ppl keep missing: in the act 2 teaser, the man in the blazer & red hat is a direct reference to Paris, Texas which is a great movie

[@gigigondim]

thank you so much for this analysis!!!! as a latin 🇧🇷 person i guess i wouldn’t get to understand everything, especially it being from a genre that isn’t as spread as pop music - at least to people out of the us i think and i also wanted to say that i so regret that i didn’t listen to jaguar II when you talked about it - i only listened to it when victoria won her grammys -, and i slept on it, from now on i’ll just blindly trust in your suggestions bc the album is heavenly sung and so good 🤣 p.s.: you’re so beautiful and you know very well how to command attention with your voice, besides your analysis are always on point 🥰🥰

[@jaycepptx]

texas hold em: good 16 carriages: has me in an emotional chokehold and i have no choice but to leave my hometown in pursuit of something i was very happy to see apple music reclassify her singles from pop to country. the denial of this being country is blatant bullshit.

[@85chicaloca]

Given how much of a student Beyonce is and how she does her homework when embarking on a genre, I don’t think 16 carriages is in reference to 16 candles. It’s more likely to harken back to an earlier blues/country song in the 1920’s where the singer, forgot his name, used 16 carriages on a train as a metaphor to sing about a relationship that went wrong. If you listen when the instrumentation comes in, it sounds like the how the crack of buggy whips or the cracking of reins used on horse drawn carriages.

[@memaddox13]

Great video per usual! 👏🏾

[@lulujones]

16 carriages is beautiful, texas hold em... I'll give it some more time haha

[@naomi.cannibal]

plsss Texas Hold Em is a cute lil ditty 😭

[@lulujones]

​@@naomi.cannibal I know I know 😅 I just prefer the sad girl country vibe, like Tammy Wynette for example

[@mari98_]

the CMAs are always gonna be tight I dont see them changing there but I hope she rallies more folks blacklisted/pushed out of mainstream country for not fitting in the the post-9/11 genre mold. Before this country had been a rally point for working poor of the south especially at the height of labor union organizing. “A you won’t break my soul” is more in line with the tradition of country than any of the maga truck and beer stuff rn 🥴

[@izoilica2516]

I think that I am going to wait until the album drops to listen to these songs entirely. I remember when Break My Soul dropped, I wasn’t in love with it too much, but it was on repeat. Then when the album dropped, that project blew me away!

[@crystalcastillo7575]

I hope that the country music awards embrace her like she deserves

[@krustomer]

I'm a shaking ass music kinda girl so I'm personally sad that renaissance act ii isn't along that vein, but i respect the artistry

[@QueenDeeTV]

I was waiting for your video! I knew you’d be on it lol

[@thelightscoming]

in celebration of beyoncé’s new era, u should analyze her magnum opus (lemonade btw)

[@85chicaloca]

On Texas Hold Em, the banjo you hear are played the reknown Black artist and banjo player, Rhiannon Giddens

[@daydreamishh]

I really loved both but i liked 16 carriages more too

[@amberreed7704]

I hope she sticks to the reclaiming genres that were lowkey taken from black people and only works with black country artists. There are a bunch out there, both signed to the big labels and independent. I would love to see a Mickey Guyton or Kane Brown feature.

[@casiedomingos5197]

Beyoncé and Dolly Parton would truly break the internet AGAIN omgoodness!

[@aryxn0]

You are the only music critic who i happen to agree everytime

[@flawlesseleven]

There are so many Black Women in country. Brittney Spencer just released an album that is really good. Yola, Sunny War, Reyna Roberts, Mickey Guyton, Miko Marks, Priscilla Renea (aka Muni Long), Amythyst Kiah, and Allison Russel. So many more too, please go stream them

[@marionkemunto3604]

She had to start with the visuals with the way people stressed her for visuals for Act 1

[@Lizzybeth2012]

She's also been married to Jay z for 16 years!

[@GOTHICPOSTY]

I feel like Beyoncé teased country as the next album by wearing the bedazzled cowboy hat in act i , so it makes sense that act ii is rock because the visuals for Texas hold em are giving a rock vibe imo

[@cherryhughes2141]

I’m Blackfoot and I love country music stop living in a box

[@Okewme]

Wow, both Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion embracing the 🐍 what is the meaning behind it? Is she shedding the previous album?

[@Kencarsonlvr297]

I dont listen to much country besides A picture to burn by Taylor swift but Im here for it. I love both singles. I cant pick a favorite though it keeps changing every time i listen to them lmao

[@TheNinjapancake14]

Does anyone remember Beyonce at the CMA’s some years ago? I think she wore a sparkling gold gown. The conversation of black people in country was still relevant then too

[@Phoenix2024-k1g]

Am here for it, tho country ain’t for me but I will be supporting.

[@strawberrylime33]

So excited to hear the country twist! It'll be a different type of country than the dirts-and-boots Georgia-peaches country pop that's popular today.😊

[@SailorEddy]

I thought Act II was going to be more like My House or more like Act I. I don’t like country music, but I am definitely hyped about this album.

[@PinkDesertEagle]

Act iii is a visual album/movie of Act i and Act ii

[@nnnnyaaasss]

MY HOUSE -> MY COUNTRY

[@crystalcastillo7575]

I think the title 16 carriages, may reference the tour buses she travels with. people have said that Beyonce has a lot of tour buses on the road with her, with equipment etc etc. so maybe thats it...?

[@stayfly3000]

So here for the countryfied era. Didn't Beyonce first appear in the Bug-A-Boo video in a cowboy hat? She's not new to this, it's her birthright!

[@liliabed7633]

very thoughtful review as always! I’m from Europe not the US therefore can be wrong but I assume the number 16 is a reference to a famous country song ‘16 tons’ of Merle Travis from the 60’s. he was white but the sound is certainly deep south Black and I’m seeing clear connection and inspiration there. also there’s so many levels and layers of her art and especially this country era of hers. it’ll definetly generate discussion. her artistic approach is visibly very personal and even vulnerable, however it got very public and political as ignorant dumb people are accusing her of appropriation. I can’t even comment on that, it’s so stupid. also it’s amazing to witness this Renaissance journey and the concept of reclaiming traditionally Black genres through her exeptional versatility vocally, artistically, visually etc. she’s a real artist and the haters can only be sorry for missing on a true gem🤷🏽‍♀️

[@kashdaddy1]

16 Carriages is in reference to Junior Parker’s song Mystery Train which was made famous by Elvis

[@Talia778]

I honestly liked texas hold ‘em more than 16 carriages. It was so fun 😝

[@Justjewels0]

Thank you

[@Mezz29]

The snake on her glasses symbolizes Snake Eyes in Poker. If there is no point established it’s a loosing roll.

[@theen1sh]

Just to clear up - RENAISSANCE is the name of Act i, not the whole project. The project is colloquially known as "the trilogy" but doesn't really have an official name. So: Act i - RENAISSANCE Act ii - Name TBD Act iii - Name TBD

[@tomasjephersin84]

ACT III Is Rock N Roll

[@odilejones9129]

If this whole project is about Beyonce reclaiming black genres, then, surely the third album would be something like grunge or some kind of rock.

[@hassancampbell2119]

Kanye and Beyonce in one week we are just being spoiled. that Vultures 1 album with the $20 Yeezy slides just hits different.

[@MikalahJoy]

Unrelated - but you remind me of Ananda Lewis from MTV back in the day. Gorgeous!

[@mlw9195]

16 Carriages is semi country

[@LucasNinoMusic]

I’m personally not a fan of the singles, as I do not like country music at all. I’m excited for act 3 though, I heard it’s rock which is one of my fav genres

[@jbell7105]

I don’t like the songs but I’m still here for it!

[@josss_ie8083]

Honestly same, there's something about Beyonces voice thats just sounds so rough on those songs. I dont really listen to country but the songs i do like the vocals are usually reallly smooth. But the singles arent bad tho just not for me, cnat wait for the whole ablum and more upbeat songs!!

[@shanel4294]

I don’t listen to Beyoncé but if she collars with dolly im SAT.

[@jbell7105]

@@josss_ie8083 I don’t agree on the “roughness” but I’m with you as far it not being FOR ME. Texas Hold ‘Em had me like… hmmm maybe 🤔 lol. Of course I will give the full album a listen! I did like Daddies Lessons though! lol …

[@jbell7105]

@@shanel4294 I think Dolly said she would like Beyonce to cover Jolene! We shall see!

[@sassybdiy7565]

Same, I guess the people will call me a hater since I don't really like it

[@crystalcastillo7575]

I hate country but i WILL tune in, to give beyonce her #1 in that genre tuh!

[@jourdonpatron212]

I just know there's gonna be country rap songs on this album. Sometimes akin to Rules by Doja Cat

[@PureHoneyBoo]

Is rules country?

[@jourdonpatron212]

@@PureHoneyBoo Country Rap.

[@BLINGRIAH-RirixMimi]

It’s unlikely, but I hope that ACT 3 is a Destiny’s Child reunion 😭.

[@Lizzybeth2012]

Would love beyonce cover let him fly by patty griffths

[@KairoK]

I think act two will be a double album for some reason. I don't see Texas Hold Em and 16 Carriages on the "same" album

[@Dontbootit]

Rumours that Beyoncé is featured on one of the vault tracks of Taylor Swifts debut country album (Taylor’s version)

[@crystalcastillo7575]

16 carriages makes me so sad for some reason.

[@NyahJones-wr8vy]

I hope she partners with Shania Twain!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[@yazmuses]

I hate country music but I’m here for this new era.

[@Santiago-in1xf]

People are already trying to act the fool and say the new songs are not country. Then when there's pushback, they caveat to "country-tinged" . Saw one article where they called Texas Hold'Em country-tinged and 16 Carriages "Americana". We might have a sitch where each genre is trying to say the music isn't theirs whilst pointing in a circle to the other genres.

[@matthewray2570]

I literally predicted this last year… shell do a tour next year n then well get act 3 2026 act3 tour 2027 n then the visuals maybe 2028-2030

[@bastetowl3258]

16 carriages is my fave out of the two. texas hold 'em was supposed to be more of an upbeat song that you could line dance/square dance to but it was too low energy for me. also i thought tracy chapman was a folk music artist not a country artist...

[@gingerz2202]

Beyoncé will shine a light on country even more I’m so glad we’re it belongs as the black artist the beyhive did crack the code we been said a country album and the a rock album as the last installment yep get them cowboy boots and hat right back out enlightenment album 💿 hopes so

[@Ryan12334]

Ik we don’t care about the scammys here but they’re about to be a bloodbath next year 😭 literally every big name is releasing (except Rihanna..)

[@crystalcastillo7575]

cmon history lesson

[@kevinmathew2973]

Telephone part 2

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Nooooooooooo 😮

[@xtooseasoned]

🤠👠