Beyoncé Speaks Out on Country Music Backlash: Unveils ‘Cowboy Carter’ Album Cover with Patriotic Message.
Beyoncé has revealed the artwork for her highly anticipated country album Cowboy Carter, as she also addresses the criticism she faced upon venturing into this genre.
“Today marks the beginning of the final 10-day countdown until the release of act ii,” the Grammy winner announced. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the fans who have supported TEXAS HOLD ‘EM and 16 CARRIAGES.”
She added, “It’s a privilege to stand as the first Black woman with a number one single on the Hot Country Songs chart. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the overwhelming support of each and every one of you.”
The 42-year-old native of Texas expressed her aspiration, stating, “I hope that in the years to come, an artist’s race will be irrelevant when it comes to releasing music across genres.”
In her album cover, Beyoncé is depicted riding a horse, holding an American flag, adorned in a red, white, and blue leather ensemble complete with a silver Stetson hat.
She wears a large silver wig that dances in the wind and a sash emblazoned with the album’s title across her chest.
Beyoncé shared in her post, “Creating this album took over five years. It emerged from a past incident where I was made to feel unwelcome…it was unmistakably clear that I didn’t belong.”
“However, that episode led me to explore the history of Country music more deeply and to delve into our vast musical heritage. It’s heartening to witness music’s power to bring together so many people globally, while also highlighting the efforts of individuals who have spent much of their lives teaching about our musical past.”
She continued, “The initial criticisms I faced upon entering this genre motivated me to overcome the barriers set before me. Act II is the culmination of pushing myself and patiently weaving and merging genres to craft this work.”
Beyoncé hinted, “The album holds a few unexpected treats, featuring collaborations with incredibly talented artists whom I greatly admire. I hope my heart and soul resonate through it, along with all the love and dedication I’ve infused into every nuance and every note.”
She elaborated, “I’ve approached this album as a sequel to RENAISSANCE… My aspiration is for this music to offer an immersive experience, crafting a journey that allows you to close your eyes, start at the beginning, and continuously immerse yourself.”
To wrap up, she stated, “This album isn’t just Country music. It’s a ‘Beyoncé’ album. Welcome to act ii COWBOY CARTER, and I’m thrilled to share it with all of you!”
Hailing from Houston, Beyoncé ventured into this music style with a country-flavored track titled Daddy Issues from her 2016 album Lemonade.
Her performance of the song at the Country Music Association Awards that year sparked controversy, as she performed alongside the group formerly known as The Dixie Chicks, now called The Chicks.
The CMAs faced backlash after sharing the performance on their social media, attracting hateful comments such as: ‘Beyoncé overrated racist n**r b*h,’ leading to the removal of the videos.
Despite calls from fans to reinstate the videos, a re-upload on Facebook was met with a new wave of racist remarks.
Beyoncé revealed her latest country endeavor last month, unveiling two singles, 16 Carriages and Texas Hold ‘Em, during the Super Bowl.
Both singles were successful, with Texas Hold ‘Em hitting number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, marking Beyoncé as the first black woman to top the Billboard charts with a country song.
Texas Hold ‘Em featured a collaboration with black folk musician Rhiannon Giddens, showcasing her banjo playing skills on the track.
However, not all feedback was positive, as rapper Azealia Banks notably criticized Beyoncé’s new singles.
Black girls can absolutely venture into country music… however, it just seems like you’re missing the mark… Beyoncé, please put an end to this chaos,” Banks commented on Instagram.
Banks, known for her candid critiques, further criticized, “The attempts at gay baiting, and the overly self-centered efforts to clumsily invade a genre you believe your fame will win you praise in… You’re appearing desperate, sis.”
Following these remarks, a source confidentially informed DailyMail.com about Beyoncé’s preparedness for potential criticism of her country album.
“Beyoncé is aware that some may resist her stepping outside of expected boundaries, but she remains undeterred,” the source shared, noting that Beyoncé aimed to highlight “the significant contributions of African-Americans to country music.”
The decision to explore a country album was fueled by the positive reception of her single “Daddy Lessons” and her performance at the CMAs, showing Beyoncé the enthusiasm of her fans for her contributions to the genre.
