With Beyoncé’s new album, Cowboy Carter, set to drop March 29, the global superstar has shared some insight about the highly-awaited project.
In a lengthy Instagram caption for the official cover art, seen above, Beyoncé revealed that the album had 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. But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive,” Beyoncé wrote. “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.”
She continued, “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.”
The criticisms Beyoncé alludes to could be from when she faced backlash for simply performing “Daddy Lessons,” a Lemonade fan-favorite, at the CMA Awards in 2016. The country-tinged track was also submitted for Grammy consideration. However, Billboard reported that it was allegedly rejected by the Recording Academy’s country music committee.
Bey also confirmed that there will be collaborations on the album, though she has not revealed who yet. “I have a few surprises on the album, and have collaborated with some brilliant artists who I deeply respect. 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.”
Cowboy Carter will include the lead single “Texas Hold ‘Em,” which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and later reached No. 1 on the Hot 100. The country track was released with a B-side, “16 Carriages,” which will also appear on the album.
“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,” she said.
Cowboy Carter is the second installment of Beyoncé’s three-act project, which started with 2022’s Act I: Renaissance.
Renaissance debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, with 332,000 equivalent units sold in the first week.
The now-platinum album won Best Dance/Electronic Music Album at the 65th Grammy Awards in 2023. Beyoncé made history as the first Black woman to win a Grammy in that category.
Beyoncé supported the album on her Renaissance World Tour, which grossed over $579 million worldwide.
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Pre-order Act II: Cowboy Carter here.
