Let’s not pretend that the Queen of Music, aka Beyoncé, is not the master of catching her fans off guard. This is the same woman who, on December 13, 2013, made the “world stop” when she shockingly released her self-titled album, Beyoncé. And she did so without any heads-up or promotion. With her tendency to move in silence and keep things rather mum about her future projects (even when she leans into a more traditional promotional rollout, it’s highly safeguarded), she’s managed to create a culture where people are clamoring onto her every move, looking for clues as to what she has planned next. 

That being said, people are obviously searching for details in relation to the follow-up to 2024’s Cowboy Carter. Well, did fans spot two major clues in the form of two new tracks now available to stream and credited to her daughter, Blue Ivy?

Blue Ivy Carter Has 2 New Tracks Now Streaming

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On May 29, the track “black velvet: The Betty Black Interlude” by artist ESSADIKI featuring Blue Ivy Carter appeared on Spotify and Apple Music. Then, on May 31, another song titled “Mother May I Burn?” by Blue Ivy Carter featuring ESSADIKI popped up. The tracks probably flew under the radar upon their release for two reasons. First, they aren’t credited to Beyoncé directly, so you wouldn’t find them by simply searching for her name in your preferred music app. Second, both songs are only instrumentals, so they are finished works of art. 

Now, for those wanting to question if the tracks are legitimate, here’s the kicker. Both of the releases are registered under the Parkwood Entertainment LLC, Beyoncé’s record label. 

In terms of what they sound like, again, they’re just instrumentals. However, they do both have a rock and roll quality about them. Listening to “black velvet” in particular is reminiscent of the Kings of Leon’s 2008 smash hit “Use Somebody.” 

Are the New Blue Ivy Instrumentals Part of Beyoncé’s Act III?

Back in 2022, when Beyoncé released her widely celebrated album Renaissance, she made it clear that the album was Act I of three total. 2024’s Cowboy Carter served as Act II, and fans are patiently waiting for Act III. Given that only two years have lapsed between the first two acts, many speculate that Act III will drop this year. Not only that, but these Beyoncé sleuths heavily believe Act III will lean into the rock and roll genre. 

As such is the case, it’s easy to assume the Blue Ivy instrumentals are really Beyoncé instrumentals that we will soon hear on the latter’s new album. But to be clear, the “Cuff It” singer nor her team has confirmed any of that. Heck, as of publication, they haven’t even commented on the two new tracks streaming. For all we know, Blue Ivy may have some music in development for her own project. 

So ultimately, at this point and time, there’s no way to know what these songs mean, if anything. Fans will just have to continue to sit on pins and needles, waiting. But you can stream “black velvet: The Betty Black Interlude” and “Mother May I Burn?” for yourself right now.