Beyoncé Collaborates Twice with Shaboozey on ‘Cowboy Carter’: Who is the Hip-Hop and Country Fusion Artist?
Spotlight on Shaboozey and Linda Martell in “Act II: Cowboy Carter”
In her latest album “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé ensures the presence of Black country artists, one of whom is the versatile crossover talent, Shaboozey. He features on tracks “Spaghettii” and “Sweet Honey Buckiin’.”
Hailing from Virginia, Shaboozey is a Nigerian-American singer and rapper renowned for blending hip-hop and country genres. His single “Let It Burn” amassed over 8 million streams.
Recently, he unveiled the music video for his latest single “Anabelle,” with his album “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going” slated for release on May 31. Shaboozey is signed to Empire and has been making significant strides in Nashville in recent months. He joins a cohort of genre-defying Black artists showcased on “Cowboy Carter.”
The pioneering country musician Linda Martell also graces one of the album’s tracks, emphasizing the eclectic fusion of genres. Martell reflects on the concept of genres, underscoring their fluidity.
Beyoncé’s Musical Evolution: From “Texas Hold ‘Em” to “Cowboy Carter”
Beyoncé introduced her eighth studio album during a surprise Super Bowl commercial on Feb. 11, unveiling the singles “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em.” These tracks garnered over 2 million views each on YouTube within two days, sparking conversation about the revival of Black roots in country music. “Texas Hold ‘Em” made history by propelling Beyoncé to become the first Black woman atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
“Cowboy Carter” forms the second act of a trilogy, following the release of the “Renaissance” album on July 29, 2022. Beyoncé shared insights on the album’s creation on Instagram, expressing her desire for race to become irrelevant in discussions about music genres. She recounted her journey in country music, spurred by challenges faced after her 2016 performance of “Daddy Lessons” at the Country Music Association Awards.
Despite the criticisms, Beyoncé delved deeper into the genre’s history, resulting in the creation of “Cowboy Carter.” She emphasized the album’s culmination as a testament to transcending limitations and blending genres to craft a unique musical narrative.
In her sign-off message, Beyoncé asserts that “Cowboy Carter” isn’t merely a country album, but rather a reflection of her artistic identity.
