Cowboy Carter is set to be released on March 29, and Beyoncé recently shared insights into the inspiration behind her upcoming album in a detailed statement. The highly anticipated album is expected to showcase Beyoncé's venture into country music, with the release of two lead singles last month: '16 Carriages' and 'Texas Hold 'Em.' The latter quickly climbed to the top spot on the Hot 100 chart, making Beyoncé the first Black woman to achieve this feat on the Hot Country Songs chart.
In her statement, Beyoncé expressed gratitude for the support that led to her historic achievement and emphasized her hope for a future where an artist's race is irrelevant in defining music genres. She revealed that Cowboy Carter was born out of an experience over five years ago where she felt excluded from the country music scene.
While Beyoncé did not specify the exact incident that inspired the album, it is noted that she faced backlash in 2016 after performing the country song 'Daddy Lessons' at the Country Music Association Awards. Some country music fans criticized her appearance at the event, and the Recording Academy's country music committee rejected the song's inclusion in country music categories at the Grammys that year.
Beyoncé's statement highlighted her determination to challenge the limitations imposed on her in the country music genre and her commitment to exploring its history. She teased that Cowboy Carter will feature surprises, including collaborations with respected artists, and will be a continuation of her multi-album project, Renaissance.
Emphasizing that Cowboy Carter is not just a country album but a reflection of her artistry, Beyoncé concluded her statement by expressing pride in sharing this new chapter with her fans. The album is eagerly awaited by music enthusiasts and fans alike, as Beyoncé prepares to showcase her versatility and creativity in this latest musical endeavor.