The Six Masterminds: Who Really Composed Beyoncé’s Grammy-Nominated Hit "Texas Hold 'Em"?

The global phenomenon that is Beyoncé’s "Texas Hold ‘Em" has done more than just top the charts—it has rewritten the rules of country music and sparked a worldwide conversation. Released as the lead single for her groundbreaking album, Cowboy Carter, the track’s infectious, banjo-driven energy immediately raised a key question among fans and industry insiders: who are the composers and creative forces behind this genre-bending masterpiece? As of this current date in December 2025, the song is at the center of the music world, having secured multiple major nominations for the 2025 Grammy Awards, making the full list of contributors more relevant than ever.

The composition of "Texas Hold ‘Em" is a collaborative tapestry woven by a powerful team of six songwriters, each bringing a unique background to the track’s innovative sound. While Beyoncé Knowles herself is credited, the song’s success is a testament to the synergy of this diverse group of composers, producers, and instrumentalists who helped craft its unique blend of country, folk, and pop sensibilities, challenging traditional genre boundaries and making history in the process.

The Full List of Composers, Songwriters, and Producers Behind "Texas Hold ‘Em"

The composition of "Texas Hold ‘Em" is officially credited to a core group of six songwriters and a trio of primary producers. This collective of creative minds ensured the song was not only a commercial success but also a nuanced piece of musical artistry.

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• Beyoncé Knowles-Carter: Songwriter, Composer, and Primary Producer.
• Brian “Killah B” Bates: Songwriter and Producer.
• Elizabeth Lowell Boland (Lowell): Songwriter and Piano Contributor.
• Megan Bülow (bülow): Songwriter.
• Nathan Ferraro: Songwriter and Producer.
• Raphael Saadiq: Songwriter and Multi-Instrumentalist.

The official credits also list Atia "Ink" Boggs as a songwriter/lyricist in some reports, highlighting the extensive collaborative nature of the project. The production team was led by Beyoncé, Killah B, and Nathan Ferraro, with additional production from the legendary Hit-Boy.

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter: The Visionary Composer

As the primary artist and a core composer, Beyoncé’s role was far more than just performing the song; she was the central visionary. Her intention to create a country album that honored the Black roots of the genre drove the entire project, including the specific sound of "Texas Hold ‘Em."

• Role: Songwriter, Composer, Producer, and Lead Vocalist.
• Impact: Her commitment to the track resulted in her becoming the first Black female artist to top the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with a debut single.
• Album Context: The song served as the lead single for her critically acclaimed eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, which is nominated for Album of the Year at the 2025 Grammys.

The Co-Writers: Canadian & American Powerhouses

The track’s unique sound is largely a product of its diverse co-writing team, which features a strong Canadian contingent alongside established American talent.

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Elizabeth Lowell Boland (Lowell)

Lowell, a Calgary-born Canadian artist, played a pivotal role in the song’s creation, contributing not just to the writing but also to the instrumentation.

• Background: Known professionally as Lowell, she is a singer-songwriter and activist.
• Contribution: Co-writer and credited with playing the piano on the track.
• Fresh Detail: She has publicly stated that she and the team "knew that we had that song years before it came out," suggesting a long gestation period for the track.
• Recognition: Received two Grammy nominations for her contributions to "Texas Hold ‘Em."

Nathan Ferraro

Another key Canadian contributor, Nathan Ferraro, was instrumental on both the writing and production fronts, helping to shape the final sonic landscape of the track.

• Background: Toronto-based songwriter and producer, formerly the frontman for the band The Midway State.
• Contribution: Co-writer and co-producer, ensuring the song’s blend of traditional and contemporary elements.
• Career Highlights: Has a track record of collaborating with major pop artists like Lady Gaga and Carly Rae Jepsen.

Brian “Killah B” Bates

A prolific Chicago native, Killah B is a seasoned producer who brought his extensive experience in crafting mega-hits to the country genre.

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• Background: American songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, known for his work across R&B and Hip-Hop.
• Contribution: Co-writer and co-producer, helping to give the song its polished, radio-ready sound while maintaining its organic feel.
• Recognition: A three-time Grammy Award nominee who has been praised for making history with the song’s success.

Raphael Saadiq

Raphael Saadiq is a legendary figure in R&B and Neo-Soul, whose involvement lent significant weight and musical depth to the track, further underscoring the song’s genre fluidity.

• Background: Acclaimed songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, known for his work with artists like D’Angelo, Solange, and Mary J. Blige.
• Contribution: Credited as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, providing bass, drums, piano, and Wurlitzer piano to the recording.
• Recent Honors: His work on the song earned him a nomination for Songwriter of the Year at the People's Choice Country Awards.

The Unexpected Star: Rhiannon Giddens’ Banjo Contribution

One of the most defining and discussed elements of "Texas Hold ‘Em" is its prominent banjo intro, a feature that immediately grounds the track in traditional folk and country music. This crucial instrumental part was provided by the celebrated musician Rhiannon Giddens.

The Role of the Banjo and Viola

Giddens, a MacArthur “Genius Grant” fellow and an expert in the history of American folk music, played both the banjo and the viola on the track.

• Banjo History: Giddens has been a vocal proponent of educating the public on the banjo’s African roots, arguing that Black artistry is intrinsically woven into the fabric of country music.
• Musical Authenticity: Her involvement immediately provided the track with a layer of deep, historical authenticity, countering arguments that Beyoncé was simply "dabbling" in the genre.
• Complex Feelings: Giddens has spoken about her "complicated feelings" regarding the track's massive success, particularly in the context of the music industry’s historical treatment of Black artists in country music, which adds a layer of topical authority to the song’s narrative.

"Texas Hold ‘Em" and the 2025 Grammy Nominations

The collective efforts of the composers and producers have been formally recognized by the music industry, solidifying "Texas Hold ‘Em" as one of the most important songs of the year.

A Clean Sweep of Major Categories

For the 2025 Grammy Awards, the single and its parent album, Cowboy Carter, have secured nominations across several major categories, a massive win for the entire creative team.

• Record of the Year: A nomination for the performance and production of "Texas Hold ‘Em."
• Song of the Year: A nomination for the songwriting and composition of the track, directly recognizing the six core writers.
• Best Country Song: A key nomination that validates the song's place within the country music genre.
• Album of the Year: A nomination for the entire Cowboy Carter project.

The song’s success, both critically and commercially, is a powerful statement on the evolution of country music, driven by the collaborative genius of its composers. From the historical depth provided by Rhiannon Giddens' banjo to the pop sensibility of Canadian writers like Lowell and Nathan Ferraro, and the legendary production touch of Raphael Saadiq and Killah B, "Texas Hold ‘Em" is a masterclass in modern musical composition.

LSI Entities and Keywords for Topical Authority

The composition credits for "Texas Hold 'Em" are a nexus of talent, connecting multiple genres and industries. Key entities woven into the song’s narrative include: Killah B, Lowell Boland, Megan Bülow, Nathan Ferraro, Raphael Saadiq, Rhiannon Giddens, Hit-Boy, Stuart White (Mixing Engineer), the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, MacArthur Foundation, and the USC Thornton School of Music. The song’s success is intrinsically linked to the broader conversation around Black artists in country music, the African roots of the banjo, and the Cowboy Carter album's genre-blending vision.