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Beyonce has become the first Black woman to reach the number 1 spot with a country song, "Texas Hold 'Em."  The single debuted last week at number two.

This was the first of two tracks the superstar released on Super Bowl Sunday.  While fans will have to wait a little longer for the compete release of Renaissance:Act II, the first two singles are certainly notching their place in history.

Being on the top of the charts is not a new place for Beyonce.  This makes her ninth solo number one hit to go along with four others as a member of Destiny's Child.

Beyonce's entrance to country music didn't come with all open arms.  One Oklahoma station originally refused to play the song, but when her fans overwhelmingly petitioned the station, they added it to their rotation.  The outcry resulted in "Texas Hold 'Em" being officially promoted on country radio and then right to the top of the charts.

The charting lists began in 1958 and not a single time has a Black woman made it to number one spot on the Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart.  She is also the first Black woman to top both that list and the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs list.

According to the Guardian, in just the first four days after release, it was streamed 19.2 million times and downloaded 39,000 times just in the United States. 

According to Luminate data as of February 27, the song has now been streamed 26 million times, adding to 48 million ATD.  This bumped Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves "I Remember Everything" to number two with 17 million streams, adding to 524 million ATD.

Beyonce's delve into the country music could be an invitation for people who have never even thought about giving the genre a listen, to open up to the idea.  Country music could be ready for an injection of people who had previously lost interest or never even considered.  Beyonce's fans probably weren't tuning into country music stations before her release and now could find a love of a new genre.  

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
MLB

All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe

With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit into the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability, and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts, and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.

Quinn Ewers’ Camp Performance Forces Dolphins Into Tough QB Decision
NFL

Quinn Ewers’ Camp Performance Forces Dolphins Into Tough QB Decision

Being the backup quarterback isn't necessarily the most exciting role for anyone, but for a team like the Miami Dolphins, where starter Tua Tagovailoa has suffered four concussions since entering the NFL in 2020, it could be vital. As of now, a clear battle for that spot has formed between rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers and veteran former first-round selection Zach Wilson as they go head-to-head. Of course, training camp is where these kinds of questions can be solved, and so far, it appears that Ewers has done a good job in putting his best foot forward. On Friday, David Furones of the Sun Sentinel gave a very positive update on the young quarterback, stating, "Dolphins rookie QB Quinn Ewers had a strong third practice of training camp. Made several impressive, big-time throws." The update sparked conversations among many fans, both supporting Ewers and a serious showing that there's interest in seeing who comes out on top. "Show ‘em, Quinn," said one comment. "He just does a lot of things (anticipatory throws, timing throws, MOTF accuracy, etc.) that fit this system much better than what Wilson does. I think with refinement and development we could have a backup in Miami that can operate the offense efficiently…finally," said another. "Love to hear it!" a third added. A fourth stated, "I'd be surprised if he's not the backup.." "I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Quinn Ewers has the physical tools to stick at the next level. It’s just a matter of shaping the rest," a fifth continued. "That’s QB2 potential QB1 in the future Glad we drafted Ewers," said another. Another big test for both Ewers and Wilson will be during the Dolphins' three preseason games, as the coaching staff will get a much better look at how these two perform during live matchups. Luckily for both, though, being the backup is all they're truly fighting for, as Kyle Crabbs of A to Z Sports predicts that each will make the final 53-man roster, with cuts needing to be made by Aug. 27.

Cowboys fans send animated two-word message to Jerry Jones
NFL

Cowboys fans send animated two-word message to Jerry Jones

Dallas Cowboys fans appear to have one thing on their mind during training camp, and they made sure to let team owner Jerry Jones know about it on Saturday. Hundreds of Cowboys fans showed up to the team's annual "Opening Day Ceremony" on Saturday in Oxnard, California. Jones addressed the crowd, and the 82-year-old was greeted with a lot of restless supporters when he took the microphone. As Jones began talking about how disappointed he was with his team's 7-10 season last year, many fans shouted the same two-word message: "Pay Micah!" The fans eventually settled enough for Jones to urge them to take note of all the changes the Cowboys have made this offseason. "I was shocked last year when we ended up with the record that we had. I never saw that coming. I want you to know, and I want you to look for as you watch practices this week, I want you to watch what we've done in the areas that we needed to work on," Jones said. "Look at what we've done in this offensive line. Look at what we've done, if you will, with our receiver cops. Look at what we're doing with our defense. A lot of changes out here -- a lot of coaching changes, a lot of player changes." Parsons is set to make $24M in the final year of his rookie contract this season. He is undoubtedly seeking to become the highest-paid defensive player in football, which would mean topping the $41M per year T.J. Watt recently got with his new deal from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Parsons had 12 or more sacks in each of his first four NFL seasons. Jones has hinted that he is playing hardball with the star linebacker in contract negotiations, and Cowboys fans do not seem to appreciate it.

Sparks roll toward playoff spot with buzzer-beating win against Liberty
WNBA

Sparks roll toward playoff spot with buzzer-beating win against Liberty

The Los Angeles Sparks are the hottest team in the WNBA right now, and they keep inching their way toward a playoff spot. Their winning streak extended to five games on Saturday night with what was their biggest win of the season, knocking off the defending champion New York Liberty by a 101-99 margin. They got the win when second-year player Rickea Jackson hit a game-winning, buzzer-beating lay-up at the end of the fourth quarter to break a tie. Along with making the game-winning shot, Jackson also finished with a team-leading 24 points in the win. It was not only the Sparks' biggest win of the season, but it was also one of the best games of the WNBA season overall. The Liberty overcame a 13-point halftime deficit and tied the game with less than 25 seconds to play in regulation, setting the stage for Jackson's winning shot. The five-game winning streak is huge for the Sparks because it has put them right back into the mix for a playoff spot. With Saturday's win, the Sparks (11-14) are just one game back of the Las Vegas Aces (12-13) for the final playoff spot. Whether they end up getting that spot or not, there is undeniable growth for the Sparks as this season has gone on. After finishing with the league's worst record a year ago and winning just eight games, they have already exceeded that win total and are on track to crush it this season. The Sparks have not made the playoffs since the 2020 season and are at least playing their way back into contention this season.

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