19th March, 2024
By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi
Beyoncé has unveiled the official artwork for her upcoming album, “Cowboy Carter,” along with a heartfelt message about her journey and the inspiration behind the project.
“This album has been over five years in the making,” the musician explained in her note.
“It was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t.
“But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive.
“It feels good to see how music can unite so many people around the world, while also amplifying the voices of some of the people who have dedicated so much of their lives educating on our musical history,” she added.
Acknowledging her groundbreaking singles “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages,” Beyoncé expressed gratitude for the support that led her to become the first Black woman to top the Hot Country Songs chart.
She hopes that in the future, an artiste’s race will no longer be relevant when it comes to defining musical genres.
Reflecting on the challenges she faced entering the Country genre, Beyoncé emphasized how those criticisms fueled her determination to push boundaries and blend genres in her music.
With “act ii,” she presents a body of work that is a result of pushing herself creatively and collaborating with talented artistes she deeply respects.
Beyoncé teased surprises and collaborations on the album, expressing her hope that listeners can feel the love and passion she poured into every detail.
She sees “act ii” as a continuation of her previous album, “Renaissance, “inviting listeners on a journey where they can immerse themselves in the music from start to finish.”
Beyoncé emphasized that “Cowboy Carter” isn’t simply a Country album but it’s a reflection of her artistry and identity.”