BEYONCÉ has finally dropped her highly anticipated album “Cowboy Carter,” featuring collaborations with Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Shaboozey, Willie Nelson, Willie Jones, Tanner Adell and Dolly Parton.
With “Texas Hold ‘Em,” the Houston native debuted on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs, peaking at No. 1. Billboard claims that she was the first Black woman artist to accomplish the feat.
The 32-time Grammy winner shared an image on Instagram revealing the track list for her newest country album, “Act II: Country Carter.”
Beyoncé said that “‘Act II: Cowboy Carter’ is an album over five years in the making that 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.”
This “unwelcoming” experience may have occurred when she sang “Daddy Lessons” with The Chicks at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards, according to fans’ speculations on social media.
Billboard reported that criticism existed prior to Beyoncé’s performance. Some fans hit the CMAs for featuring Beyoncé and called for a boycott after a pre-show announcement hinted at her performance.
Beyoncé’s family has strong ties to Louisiana outside of Texas, primarily via her mother Tina Knowles, who connected her to the Acadiana region and Creole culture.
Her family tree is traced in the Bayou Teche Museum. Her mother’s grandparents were from New Iberia and Abbeville, Louisiana; while her paternal ancestors were Afro-Creole people and French immigrants from Acadia.
Along with the titles of other songs on the album, like “Oh Louisiana,” “American Requiem,” “Blackbird,” “My Rose,” and “Alligator Tears,” Beyonce’s previously released singles “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” are featured in the picture.
The first Black woman to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, Linda Martell, appeared to be mentioned in the song “The Linda Martell Show,” according to the Associated Press.
A reference to Dolly Parton and one of her most well-known songs, “Jolene,” can be seen in the track list artwork with the moniker “Dolly P.”
With her country hits, Beyonce has created history by being the first Black woman to reach the top of Billboard’s country music chart.
“I hope that you can hear my heart and soul, and all the love and passion that I poured into every detail and every sound,” Beyoncé said.
“Act II: Cowboy Carter” is out now on all music streaming platforms.
