There were no warm greetings during Beyoncé’s initial entry into the country music genre eight years ago. In fact, the reception she got was cold enough to freeze meat, according to the global superstar.
The country music gatekeepers made it unequivocally clear to Queen Bey that she was not wanted in the very music genre that, ironically, Blacks were very instrumental in creating.
The hate from country music honchos inspired Beyoncé’s country music album
“This album has been over five years in the making,” Beyoncé told her colossal 320 million followers on Instagram Tuesday alongside the cover art for her new album.
“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.”
After the rude reception, Beyoncé did not retreat to the safe confines of pop and R&B, although she did drop the No. 1 Billboard blockbuster Renaissance. Instead, she “did a deeper dive” into the history of country music.
“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 global superstar told her fans.
Beyoncé talks about the negative feedback for her audacity to try country music
“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 “Texas Hold ‘Em” hitmaker said.
According to the New York Times, Beyoncé performed “Daddy Lessons” at the Country Music Awards with The Chicks, then known as the Dixie Chicks, comprised of lead singer Natalie Maines and sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer.
“They treated us very weird backstage,” Maines told the Times in July 2020. Maines was also repulsed at how Beyoncé was treated following the show, calling it “disgusting.”
Beyoncé was also victimized by the racist diatribes by some fans following the performance at the CMAs. Even more insulting was the fact that the video of The Chicks and her was yanked off of YouTube and the rest of social media.
TMZ reported back then that CMA execs were “concerned about the reaction to Beyoncé’s support and the support of the Dixie Chicks for the Black Lives Matter movement.”
GenXers and GenYers remember how The Chicks were immediately exiled from the country music industry following their criticisms of President George W. Bush’s declaration of war against Iraq in 2001.
As for Beyoncé‘s upcoming country album, entitled act ii, the Renaissance woman promises dynamic collaborations with multiple “brilliant artists.”
“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 penned on IG.
17 Responses
Change is good
Awe…poor Beyonce..please!! Trying to make it about race as usual, the Dixie Chicks are white and they too were a part of that song that was pulled!! I think she has done fine without the support of the country genre!! Get over it already!!
Country music was started by black people!!
But white people robbed us of that too!!!
We don’t talk to stupid people…
Fascinating read until it was spun to be racial. People were responding to the riots or peaceful protests. Like them or hate them- it wasn’t about Beyoncé. She gets her ass lucked everywhere she goes.
Trust.
Obviously over your head. Your ignorance is loud and clear ha! Carry on, Queen Bey. This is how you know it’s working. Its hard to grapple with their mediocrity in the presence of such unprecedented excellence. We love to see it!
Oh Puleez…the “Chicks” were blackballed because of the mouthy broad that was embarrassed to be from the U.S. [get your facts straight] and Beyonce…oh poor thing…waaaaaaah. So sick of poor me millionaires and spoiled brat celebrities.
No No, Nona! Natalie Maine’s never processed dislike of her country. She said she was ashamed that George W. came from the U.S. It’s pretty clear that the unjustified Iraq war has proven her right. Saddam Hussein did not possess nuclear weapons not was he, at that time, planning to produce them.
You’re so dumb that you make my head hurt.
Jay-Z’s Grammy comment about Beyonce deserving to win “Album of the Year,” (she’s won 32 Grammys already), then saying, some artists are “robbed” and “don’t deserve to be” in a Grammy category is an excluding statement as well (How are Album of the Year winners supposed to take that?). I do believe mistreating Beyonce, who is new to the country genre, is unkind. I just don’t see how her husband Jay-Z’s statements a month ago were kind by comparison.
Really sick & tired of everything having to be about “race”. I could care less that she makes a country album.
Y’all tired of everything being about race?
Really?
The audacity!
The Country music folks don’t want their organization to turn into a dope-fueled, foul-mouthed form of entertainment. Everyone has the right to speak their mind. I know the Rappers have been known to be very clannish. So, I tread lightly…you cannot change social norms overnight by screaming “racist” at everyone you don’t like. Look at what so many great black musicians and entertainers went through and prevailed. Everyone in every part of the country feels the way they do because of their own personal experiences.
Sounds like B couldn’t handle not being in the center spotlight for once after being used to it for so long. Country people have strict standards as it is a way of life for them. On the surface, it seems like a racial thing but there exist black country singers such as Charley Pride considered the most successful black country singer and then you have Darius Rucker in second in 2008 topping Billboards Top country artists and there are very others. So sick of the race card being played. The real reason is because Beyonce is a diva and they have low tolerance for that. She tries to hide it but you hear and see things that she couldn’t cover. Celebrities seem to be mentally ill because the power goes to their heads and they lose reason and perspective. Same with politicians. They also don’t particularly like celebrities using their fame to voice their opinions and force their agendas in matters they have no expertise in. Whenever a celebrity is asked their opinion on a matter they have no business in, it is an ass-pull to drive reception from the media up. I just find it strange. I’m here to enjoy music, not rally and protest. I can understand if it is for a good cause such as charity. That is what it is. She needs to compose herself with more grace and humility. She’s just trying to employ a misdirection tactic and use race as a way to cover her personal faults and save her ego.
That’s called privilege…
Maybe I’m confused. If I was a white woman who wants to put braids in my hair, I’m in the wrong for stealing culture, I’m trying to be black? Then why in the hell is Beyonce wearing a white woman’s hair style? If she wants to pull the “Race” card then keep it real. You can’t get mad at white people for doing what Beyonce is so blatantly doing. I’m proud of my culture, but us black people have got to do better!!