Beyoncé Shares Artwork and Inspiration Behind New Record:"'Act II: COWBOY CARTER' Isn’t a Country Album, It’s a “Beyoncé Album”

With ten days to go before she releases her highly anticipated Renaissance sequel to the world, Beyoncé has taken a moment to explain the process behind the album –dubbed Act II: COWBOY CARTER – that has already stirred so much excitement, curiosity, and unfortunately, criticism.

In a post on social media, the pop icon sets the record straight about her presumed foray in country music, breaking down the album's very beginning, the how and the why it came to be. But first, she addresses the success its seen so far.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of the supporters of TEXAS HOLD ‘EM and 16 CARRIAGES," the artist begins in her message, referring to the album's first two singles, which were released in tandem and met with near immediate praise. "I feel honored to be the first Black woman with the number one single on the Hot Country Songs chart. That would not have happened without the outpouring of support from each and every one of you. My hope is that years from now, the mention of an artist’s race, as it relates to releasing genres of music, will be irrelevant".

The artist goes on to write that Act II: COWBOY CARTER has been a project 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", she continues, possibly pointing to her initial flirtation with the country genre when she remixed her Lemonade hit, 'Daddy Lessons', into a countrified anthem alongside The Chicks. She explains, it was because of the experience that drew her deeper into the genre.

"I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive," she shares. "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".

The artist adds: "The criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me. act ii is a result of challenging myself, and taking my time to bend and blend genres together to create this body of work".

In her message, Beyoncé gives hints about the album that has been a near mystery since it was first teased the night of the Super Bowl LVIII.

"I have a few surprises on the album, and have collaborated with some brilliant artists who I deeply respect", she reveals, perhaps confirming Dolly Parton's intuition. "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".

She explains that the album acts as a continuation of her 2022 opus, RENAISSANCE, adding, "I hope this music is an experience, creating another journey where you can close your eyes, start from the beginning and never stop."

In closing, the artist lays it all out for the fans and cynics alike: "This ain’t a Country album. This is a 'Beyoncé' album. This is act ii COWBOY CARTER, and I am proud to share it with y’all!"

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