Fatshimetrie, a blog that celebrates musical diversity, recently showcased the success of Beyoncé’s latest project titled “Cowboy Carter,” which brought attention to Black artists in the country music scene.
The up-and-coming artist, Shaboozey, commends Beyoncé for starting a much-needed conversation. He expressed his admiration, stating, “I think it’s amazing. The fact that Beyoncé was able to spark this conversation and include more people in this space is just beautiful.”
Hailing from Virginia with Nigerian roots, Shaboozey is featured on all 27 tracks of Beyoncé’s album and released his first album, “Lady Wrangler,” in 2018, at the age of 28.
Reflecting on his musical journey into country western hip-hop, Shaboozey shared, “I think growing up, I had no limits. Coming from Virginia, there was nothing to compare myself to. I always enjoyed experimenting on my own, and I believe that’s what I continue to bring to my music.”
Similarly, Reyna Roberts collaborated with Beyoncé on her album “Act II,” providing backing vocals on the tracks “Blackbiird” and “Tyrant.” She considers Beyoncé, affectionately known as Queen B by her fans, as a great source of inspiration.
In a groundbreaking move, Beyoncé became the first black woman to top Billboard’s country chart in February. Reyna Roberts lauds this achievement, expressing her admiration for Beyoncé’s ability to inspire a whole generation of artists. Beyoncé’s foray into country music has reignited discussions about the roots and diversity of the genre, signaling potential shifts in Nashville’s landscape.
Reyna Roberts, reminiscing about her first visit to Nashville five years ago, recalled the lack of representation for Black artists in country music at the time. Determined to change the narrative, she remarked, “I’ll make sure there’s representation, I’ll make sure people see me and know they belong here.”
While Beyoncé’s album features a legendary interpretation of Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene,” it is not confined to a strict country genre but reflects a broader musical spectrum. Beyoncé’s ability to challenge the traditional structures of country music showcases her versatility and innovation, transcending genres in her latest musical masterpiece.