During the Super Bowl, Beyoncé starred in a comedic advertisement for the US internet service provider Verizon.
The ad depicted her attempting outrageous stunts to “break the internet,” only to find that Verizon’s internet service was too reliable. In the closing moments of the ad, Beyoncé humorously suggests, “OK, they ready – drop the new music,” hinting at upcoming music.
Shortly afterward, announcements on Beyoncé’s social media platforms revealed that her next album, Act II of her Renaissance project, will be released on March 29. This album is speculated to be her long-rumored country music project.
Two songs from the album, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” are already available for streaming. “Texas Hold ‘Em” is an upbeat track, while “16 Carriages” is a poignant country-tinged ballad in which Beyoncé reflects on the struggles and family issues of her youth with raw honesty.
The upcoming album will be a follow-up to 2022’s Renaissance Act 1, which was praised by many fans and critics as the pinnacle of Beyoncé’s career, celebrating dance and house music.