South African DJ and producer Black Coffee has opened up about a surprising moment in his career: declining an opportunity to collaborate with global pop icon Beyoncé.
During a recent appearance on Podcast and Chill with MacG, released March 11 on the Podcast and Chill Network, the Grammy-winning DJ explained why he once turned down the chance to contribute music for Beyoncé. According to Black Coffee, the decision stemmed from his creative standards rather than fear or hesitation.
“I think when the time comes,” Black Coffee said while reflecting on the situation. He recalled performing a DJ set in Los Angeles for Beyoncé and her husband, hip-hop mogul Jay-Z. “So after that, I did the gig in L.A. for them. I mean they still had my number then.”
The producer said Jay-Z later contacted him to praise the performance. “Following week, he was like, ‘Man amazing set. Can’t get over the party,’” Black Coffee recalled. The message left him unsure how to respond beyond a simple thank-you.
Two weeks later, Jay-Z reached out again with a direct question about music for Beyoncé.
“He says the same thing, but he says: ‘Do you have music for Bey?’” Black Coffee said. “Then I’m like, ‘Okay, I’m done with you.’ So I don’t respond to that.”
DJ Black Coffee Recalls Turning Down A Feature From Beyoncé
Despite the comment, Black Coffee clarified that he respects the artists involved and prefers a different style of collaboration.
“Also what would make me ready for that, just like Drake get on the plane, let’s be in the same room,” he said. “That’s how I want to work now.”
He also described how many major artists request full song demos rather than unfinished instrumentals.
“Most of these artists will be like send stuff,” he explained. “When they say send, they don’t mean a beat. You must send a full song.”
Black Coffee added that some performers rely on specialized writers to create demo recordings that mimic their vocal style. He cited the example of songs prepared for Rihanna to demonstrate how a track might sound once recorded.
Queen Bey is rumored to be working on an “Americana” album for the latest installment in her Carter series. This will follow her award-winning Cowboy Carter album, released in 2024.
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