Beyoncé’s latest album, “Cowboy Carter,” serves as a platform for showcasing diverse Black artists, with Willie Jones featured on the track “Just For Fun.”
In the catchy chorus, Beyoncé belts out:
“I’m hoping tonight brings swift sleep to my side, Just need to push through, no need to hide. Born in shadows, but who brings the light? I’m just adjusting, getting used to the fight.”
Jones chimes in on the second verse:
“Down South, just for kicks, I’m the man, I know it, Yet everywhere I go, I keep my face veiled. Amongst cowboys and clovers, rodeo shows that circus, I arrived here with purpose, but the reason’s elusive. Beneath the surface, it all lies.”
Jones, a Louisiana native, blends hip-hop, R&B, and country in his music. His 2023 album, “Something To Dance To,” under Sony Music Nashville and The Penthouse label, further showcased his unique style.
Leading up to this year’s Super Bowl, Jones released a cover of Usher’s hit “OMG” and hosts “The Crossroads Radio With Willie Jones” on Apple Music radio. His journey began with a captivating performance of Josh Turner’s “Your Man” on “X Factor” in 2012, and he’s been a staple at the annual CMA Fest in Nashville.
Beyoncé teased her eighth studio album during a surprise Super Bowl commercial on February 11. The album’s first singles, “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em,” quickly gained traction, marking a significant moment in reclaiming country music’s Black roots. “Texas Hold ‘Em” made history as Beyoncé became the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
“Cowboy Carter” is the second installment of a three-part series, following the “Renaissance” album released in 2022. Beyoncé’s Instagram post prior to the album’s drop highlighted its five-year journey, stemming from an unwelcoming experience she had years ago. This likely refers to her 2016 performance of “Daddy Lessons” at the Country Music Association Awards, which sparked mixed reactions.
In her post, Beyoncé expressed her hope for a future where an artist’s race doesn’t dictate genre boundaries. She shared her deep dive into country music’s history, overcoming initial criticisms to create a genre-blending masterpiece.
In her sign-off, she clarified, “This isn’t just a Country album. This is a ‘Beyoncé’ album.”
