Not a Country Album, But a Beyoncé Album: A Review of ‘Cowboy Carter’

Beyonce released her highly anticipated album ‘Cowboy Carter’ late last Month.

By Christmaelle Vernet

On March 29, 2024, the multigenerational talent Beyoncé released Cowboy Carter, a 27-track album with country influences. During the Super Bowl, Beyoncé released two singles from the album: “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em”, which have already broken records on numerous streaming platforms. The album was five years in the making, with Beyoncé citing her experience following her performance at the 2016 Country Music Awards as inspiration for taking a deeper dive into the world of country music. Beyoncé is no stranger to the genre, having shown interest in the music style by composing her hit “Daddy’s Lessons”, featured on her critically acclaimed album Lemonade. Later that year, she performed the song with the country music band, The Chicks (formerly known as the Dixie Chicks), and expressed feeling unwelcome in the category. “This album has been over five years in the making. 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,” said Beyoncé in an Instagram post celebrating the ten-day countdown to the album’s release.

The album begins with a beautiful ballad composed of layering harmonious vocals entitled “AMERICAN REQUIEM”. In the song, Beyoncé directly addresses the criticism she received from those who believed that she did not belong in the genre and emphasizes how there is no right way to produce country music. The proceeding track “BLACKBIIRD” features several Black female country artists: Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts. Black country artists are often overlooked in country music spaces, furthering Beyoncé’s mission to promote inclusivity, as today, the genre’s most prominent artists remain predominantly white. The album includes star-studded features with Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Post Malone, and Miley Cyrus all being included in various tracks. The interludes throughout the album replicate the sounds of a listener flipping through radio stations, and through this body of work, Beyoncé demonstrates a unique blend of various genres such as house with tracks like “SWEET HONEY BUCKIN”, “RIIVERDANCE”, and rap with “SPAGHETTI”. Beyoncé’s experimentation with a variety of genres proves her statement that this album isn’t a country music album but a Beyoncé album.

The album pays tribute to the pop legend’s younger children. Her daughter Rumi’s voice opens the song “PROTECTOR”, and “MY ROSE”, which she dedicates to her son Sir. Beyoncé’s interpretation of the iconic country classic “Jolene” adds new freshness and liveliness to the track, with Beyoncé’s rendition being established as a warning rather than a plea to the infamous Jolene. Beyoncé frequently references Black rights movements throughout the piece, with “BLACKBIIRD” being a cover of the Beatles song Paul McCartney wrote after being inspired by the Little Rock Nine.

This album has definitely brought out a side of Beyoncé I was very excited to see. As a long-time fan, I have noticed her interest in country for a few years, and I was heavily anticipating a full body of work. It was definitely well-executed, paying a beautiful homage to country, Blackness, and artistry in music, as well as honoring some of the biggest names in the genre. I also loved her use of sampling “These Boots are Made For Walkin’” by Nancy Sinatra in “YA YA”. While mostly featuring songs that would be easily categorized as country music, Beyoncé’s personalizations make the project personable and unique to Beyoncé’s discography, and I admire her courage to dabble in other genres, with her three-album run leaving me wanting more. I am curious, as always, about what she will be able to accomplish next with ACT iii.

My picks for notable tracks: “BLACKBIIRD”, “LEVII’S JEANS”, “PROTECTOR”, and “TYRANT”.

Red Hair, Country Music, and Soul: The Reyna Roberts Effect

Photo by Oath Management

By Diamond Smith

Nashville, TN — In the heart of country music’s capital, where the soulful twang of guitars resonates through the air, a rising star has emerged, breaking through the stereotypical image of country music. Reyna Roberts, a 26-year-old African-American country singer with a shock of signature red hair, has made waves in the industry with her debut double album, “Bad Girl Bible,” released on Sept. 8, 2023.

Roberts, a native of Alaska, is turning heads and challenging perceptions about what country music should sound like. Much like her predecessors: Lil Nas X with his release of “Old Town Road”, Blanco Brown, Kane Brown, Mickey Guyton, and one of the greats: Jimmie Rodgers (Who is called the Father of Country Music).  According to Time Magazine, the blues with its chords of drums and stringed instruments deprived of, “slave spirituals, field songs, religious hymnals, or the works of professional black songwriters.”

Within the modern-day music landscape, we have seen a reclamation as well as a fusion of country music with acoustic rhythms, R&B influences, and a unique blend of acoustic rhythms, R&B influences, and a voice that speaks to the heart. Roberts has carved out a niche for herself in an industry that has often been criticized for its lack of diversity.

From her visual albums Stompin Grounds in 2020 and Pretty Little Devils, to her most recent, “Bad Girl Bible” is a game-changer. The double album features a rich tapestry of storytelling, blending traditional country themes with modern narratives. Each track is a testament to Roberts’ versatility as an artist, seamlessly fusing the raw emotion of country music with the sultry vibes of R&B. With her influences ranging from Beyonce to Carrie Underwood.

Photo by Reyna Roberts

Roberts’ music is her soulful voice as well as her authenticity which effortlessly traverses the highs and lows of love, loss, and self-discovery. The song’s lyrics delve into the complexities of embracing one’s authentic self, challenging societal norms, and celebrating individuality.

On Taste of Country, a mobile app that provides news, interviews, country music songs, and videos about country music, Roberts expressed in an interview, “Definitely getting acceptance and help from other artists gives me more confidence in myself,” she continues, “but then also realizing, like, ‘Hey, you’re a pretty bada– girl!’ Just having to remind myself [to not] feel too shy all the time, not going back to my introverted self, saying, ‘Girl, you got this! Remember who you are!’ That’s been essential for my mental state.”

Photo by Reyna Roberts

The album has garnered widespread acclaim not only for its groundbreaking sound but also for Roberts’ identity as a black woman who proudly shares her passion for country music and music in general. Reyna Roberts represents a new era in country music, conversations can be had about diversity and the true history and origins of country music in the black community. She encourages black women to be themselves midst a society that may try and put them in a box and other artists to explore and experiment with their unique styles.

In an industry where representation has been a long-standing issue, Roberts is breaking barriers and providing a fresh perspective. She is not only making a name for herself but also opening doors– as many have before her –for other artists who may not fit the traditional mold of a country star.

To Read More: Reyna Roberts Says It Took Time to Find Musical Self-Confidence | https://tasteofcountry.com/reyna-roberts-pretty-little-devils-new-music-2023/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Photo by Reyna Roberts

Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop

DJ Kool Herc performing at a block party (Photo credits: Icon Collective)

By Fiona Bautista

On Aug. 11, 1973, the world was changed forever.

In an era of political tension and economic troubles, residents of the Bronx were divided in more ways than one–the construction of the Cross Bronx Expressway being the most significant contributor.

Prior to the building of this freeway, the neighborhoods that would be most impacted by its creation were considered “among the most racially integrated in the country.” However, many white residents fled to other neighborhoods as challenges arose, leaving Black and Brown communities in the wake of the destruction. The conditions of these neighborhoods deteriorated, resulting in the rise of crime and poverty.

Despite these hardships, the youth of the displaced communities found joy through block parties. One party, in particular, resulted in the creation of the genre we know and love today.

DJ Kool Herc, born Clive Campbell, decided to host a back-to-school party with his sister at their apartment complex on 1520 Sedgwick Ave. There, he premiered the “break-beat” technique, which elongates the climax of a song by switching between two turntables to loop the break. This technique marks the birth of hip-hop.

Hip-hop was quick to catch on after that, developing its own culture and providing communities with a platform to express themselves.

Artists in the early stages of American hip-hop often called out corruption, violence, and the poor quality of life in their neighborhoods. Hip-hop gave individuals a voice.

Hip-hop is more than just music, though. Four core elements now define the genre–DJing, MCing, breaking, and writing.

DJing involves the beats and music; they are the foundation. Defined as “disc jockeys,” DJs work intimately with turntables to switch from one song to another and create new and exciting sounds that audiences can appreciate.

MCing, in simple terms, is rapping. Originating as somewhat of a sidekick to the DJ, MCs–also known as masters of ceremonies–were people that simply made announcements. Over time, they became more prominent figures, freestyling and commanding the room to keep people engaged and the energy up.

Breaking is the dance style that defines hip-hop. Because the genre is so heavily based on off-the-dome decisions, breaking takes inspiration from numerous dance styles and combines them to create something unique.

Lastly, writing is the graffiti art that is so often associated with the “look” of hip-hop. Consisting of bright colors, bubble and block lettering, and the challenging of boundaries of traditional art, it predates the other three defining elements of the genre.

With the speedy development of hip-hop, it comes as no surprise that it became a global sensation. By the 1980s, the music genre’s influence expanded to international territories.

Aug. 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. However, this is a year-long celebration. There will be numerous events around the world intended to highlight hip-hop culture. This includes concerts, battles, exhibitions, and several iconic hip-hop figures coming together to honor the golden anniversary.

One way the music industry has already celebrated the anniversary was at the 2023 Grammy Awards, where artists shared music’s biggest stage to perform a tribute to hip-hop’s rich history. This showcased legendary figures such as Grandmaster Flash, Public Enemy, LL COOL J, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Ice-T, Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, and more.

You can celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with The Rebirth Project now on Spotify!

Invitation for DJ Kool Herc’s party that marked the birth of hip-hop (Photo credits: Icon Collective)

U Tryna Feel like a Baddie? Listen to this Playlist.

By Lucia Solorzano

I love women in hip-hop because they are all so different from each other and bring in new styles, aesthetics, and dope personalities to the industry. They are able to embrace their sexuality which is often shamed and furthermore embrace every part of their personality with cockiness and style.

GIRLS: Yung Baby Tate’s Anthem for Every Woman

By Lucia Solorzano

Yung Baby Tate is an impressive rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer based out of Atlanta, Georgia. Her newest album, GIRLS (released on Feb. 5), celebrates the different angles of her own womanhood and self in an empowering, fun, and expressive way. In her self-produced album, Yung Baby Tate’s sound is unique and bouncy, matching her vibrant and impeccable fashion style. The album features other talented rappers and singers including Bbymutha, Killumanti, Mulatto, Kari Faux, and Baby Rose.