Beyoncé educating us on black country music icons was not on my 2024 bingo card.

Rumors were swirling about Queen Beyoncé venturing into the wild, wild world of black country music for Act II of her legendary Three-Album project. As a loyal member of the Beyhive, I have been out here in the streets, windmilling for the Queen. All the while, my friends are quaking in their boots at the mere thought of Beyoncé donning a cowboy hat and strumming a guitar.

Where Did Beyonce’s Black Country Music Come From?

You see, it wasn’t so long ago that Beyoncé dropped “Daddy Lessons” like a country bombshell, only to face a tsunami of backlash when she dared to perform it on the sacred grounds of a major country music stage. That performance? Let’s just say it got scrubbed from the CMA’s website faster than you can say “yeehaw.”

And don’t even get me started on the wild ride of 2019 with Lil Nas X and his chart-topping anthem “Old Town Road.” That was a whole ‘nother rodeo, folks.

Was Country Music Originally Black?

First up on the agenda: the mind-boggling revelation that country music might have some deep, dark roots in Black culture. I mean, who would’ve thunk it? But when you trace it back, all roads lead to the banjo — that magical instrument with a history as rich as a slice of pecan pie.

Picture this: enslaved Africans bringing over the West African lute, which eventually morphed into the banjo we know and love today. Through the trials and tribulations of oppression, Black folks used music as their voice, with work calls, chants, and spirituals echoing through the fields like a symphony of resilience.

Our Black Country Music Roots Are Still Very Complicated

But hold onto your hats, folks, ’cause here’s where it gets real shady: minstrel shows. These spectacles brought Black music into the limelight, but at what cost? Suddenly, the banjo became the star of the show, even though it was rooted in African traditions. Talk about cultural appropriation on steroids!

So, as we dive into the murky waters of country music history, let’s not forget the unintended consequences of cultural exchange. And let’s raise a toast to Queen Beyoncé, who’s about to shake up the country music scene like a tornado in a trailer park. Y’all ready for this wild ride? Let’s giddy up and get going! 🤠

Check out this deep dive video about how Black Country Music is still changing the game!

We Enter Our Country Era As ACT II is Out Now

I am so grateful for Beyonce educating us on the Dark and Shady History of Country Music. I am also happy that she featured some really great black country artists like Willie Jones, Shaboozy, and Tanner Adele.  There are so many great black country artist out there and one of my favorites right now is Breland so we have to show our support. While taking a break from housewives, I learned so much while making this video. I found out Ray Charles made one of the greatest country records of all time and there is still so much to for me to learn. I can’t wait to continue to educate myself as I mentally prepare myself for everything Beyonce has in store. 

This ain’t a Country album. This is a “Beyoncé” album.

Beyonce