By Lisa Durden
Everybody Black knows that WE created many forms of music; Jazz, Blues, Rock’n’Roll, Disco, Pop, Hip Hop, and oh yes, Country! So, we were all side eyeing those #Karens and #Kens who tried to play in Beyonce’s face by calling her “Cowboy Carter” album cultural appropriation. White folks, y’all know dayum well y’all STOLE country music from Black folks! It continues to bug me out the lengths racists will go to erase Black History.
These fools were hoping Black folks forgot that we are the pioneers of the country music genre, but to their chagrin, Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” Is The Cultural Phenomenon That Reclaimed Its Black Roots and the album is FIYAH!
The history of country music is deeply intertwined with the contributions of Black artists, whose influence has been significant and enduring. Pioneers such as Charley Pride, Etta Baker, Aaron Neville, Cleve Francis, Jake Blount, DeFord Bailey, Lionel Richie, Louis Armstrong, Linda Martell, Dobie Gray, Rufus Payne, and more recently, artists like, Miko Mars, Mickey Guyton, Darius Rucker, Vicki Vann, Brittaney Spencer, Kane Brown, Jimmie Allen, Breland, TLC, Lil Nas X, K. Michelle, Tiera Kennedy, Reyna Roberts, Shaboozey, Willie Jones and of course Beyonce, have played crucial roles in continuing to shape the genre.
Despite their contributions, the mainstream false narrative of country music has often marginalized these artists in favor of their white counterparts.
When Beyonce’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ album hit in February 2024, the song “Texas Hold Em” not only debuted at No. 1, but she also made history as the first Black woman to hold the top spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart and Mrs. Carter also become the first Black woman to top the Billboard Hot R&B Charts and Billboard Hot Hip Hop Charts, since their inception in 1958. #ClapForThat! The #Beyhive swooped down and confronted white folks who tried to come for #QueenBee by calling her country album cultural appropriation.
Her fans weren’t having any of that! In an appearance on MSNBC’s The Blaze,” Dulce Sloan from ‘The Daily Show’ argued, “If white people hated cultural appropriation, then they shouldn’t have stolen music from Black people!”
Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ project, seeks to correct this long-lasting lie, by highlighting and celebrating the achievements of Black country musical masterminds. Through her music, she brings to the forefront the sounds and stories of Black country musicians, ensuring that their legacy is recognized and appreciated by the masses.
By doing so, she honors their contributions and reclaims a genre that has been in fact, appropriated by white country artists, not the other way around.
It was really a slap in those racists’ faces when they learned that the ‘Cowboy Carter album features country music stars and collaborators like Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, Reyna Roberts, Shaboozey, Willie Jones, Miley Cyrus, and the one and only Miss Dolly Parton. They were hot as fish grease! And I loved every minute of it. As the saying goes, “success is the greatest revenge!”
The gag is…the brilliance of Beyoncé’s country album was multi-faceted and strategic! Which all began in 2020 with her visual album ‘Black Is King,’ although primarily a celebration of African culture and heritage, which incorporated elements of country music, blending modern beats with country aesthetics.
The imagery of black cowboys and the rural South, combined with contemporary fashion and dance, created a powerful visual and auditory experience that resonated with fans worldwide and proved to be a planned precursor to ‘Cowboy Carter.’ The haters were hating, cuz they weren’t ready for what hit they angry asses!
What I am most impressed with is the portrayal of Black cowboys in Beyoncé’s work as a deliberate effort to honor and illuminate a significant part of American history that is often neglected. By doing so, she brings visibility to the contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls, enriching the cultural narrative and providing inspiration for future generations.
As Beyoncé leads the charge, ‘Cowboy Carter’ is recognized as the cultural phenomenon that reclaimed its Black roots. Its critical acclaim continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide, ensuring that the legacy of Black country music singers is honored, celebrated, and remembered!
Lisa Durden is a prominent National Media Contributor and TV Personality, renowned for her appearances on prestigious platforms such as ABC 20/20 as an ABC News Contributor, Revolt TV’s ‘Revolt Black News,’ and Fox Soul’s ‘Being Black With Tammi Mac.’ Her contributions extend to CBS News, The Dr. Oz Show, and as an #APlusPanel Contributor on #TheOpinionZone for the former ‘Chasing News Series’ on the My9 Network. Her distinctive voice and activism echoes through her storytelling, establishing her as a vocal Social Justice Journalist and thought leader, recognized by media outlets like Newsweek, Ark Republic and Our Time Press.
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