that BEYONCÉ effect

everything next to her gets lit up, too

#WednesdayWisdom

“The joy of creating music is that there are no rules.” ~ Beyoncé

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Morning Musings

Photographer: Blair Caldwell / Copyright: Parkwood Entertainment LLC

Like many members of the BeyHive, I stayed up wayyy past my bedtime last week to listen to COWBOY CARTER, the eighth studio album from music icon Beyoncé (though I would like to note that my fandom predates the BeyHive seeing as how I was bopping to Destiny’s Child “No, No, No” since ‘97).

Fans have long speculated that the second installment of the singer’s three-act project would be country-themed and those theories were all but confirmed when Beyoncé showed up to the Grammys earlier this year in a Western-inspired outfit complete with the biggest cowboy hat you’ve ever seen. And when she announced two new songs at the Super Bowl from her forthcoming album, “16 CARRIAGES” and “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” it was settled—Beyoncé was going country. Except, as many people noted, she’s been country.

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter hails from Houston, Texas…the Third Ward, to be exact. She grew up going to the rodeo and is the “grandbaby of a moonshine man,” as she sings on “AMERIICAN REQUIEM,” the haunting opener to COWBOY CARTER, which seems to reference her 2016 Country Music Awards performance of “Daddy Lessons” with The Chicks.

The singer alluded to the experience an Instagram post promoting her latest album writing:

“This album has 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. 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 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.”

“Daddy Lessons” was one of my favorite songs on Lemonade. My sister and I also grew up blasting Shania Twain, Faith Hill and The Chicks (“Goodbye Earl,” anyone?). Mainstream country may not have been marketed to Black fans like us, but we definitely listened.

Like a lot of people, I’ve been learning a LOT about the history of country music and Black people through Beyoncé’s music and this new album in particular. She’s also introduced me to a both up-and-coming Black country artists, such as her cover of the Beatles’ “BLACKBIIRD,” which features Tanner Adell, Tiera Kennedy, Reyna Roberts and Brittney Spencer (and was written by Paul McCartney and inspired by the Little Rock Nine; Shaboozey, who is featured on two of my favorite tracks, “SPAGHETTII” and “SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN';" Willie Jones, who is featured on “JUST FOR FUN;” and legendary Black country artists, such as Linda Martell, who was the first Black woman to play the Grand Ole Opry.

As a result of COWBOY CARTER, six of these artists enjoyed debuts on the U.S. Spotify charts. And that, my friends, is the Beyoncé effect. Everything she touches turns to gold. And everything she does is intentional (that’s that Virgo in her).

Ever since self-titled “changed the world with that digital drop” back in 2013, I’ve wondered, “how is she going to top this?” And then there was Lemonade. And then Coachella. And then The Lion King: The Gift (which doesn’t get the credit it deserves, in my opinion). And then, and then, and then…

It’s very clear at this stage that there is no one else in her league. Her only competition is herself. And that’s the kind of motivation I aspire to as a creative. Inevitably, every time Beyoncé launches a new project I feel inspired to take on the world, break the rules and level up. I imagine it’s how many Black women feel after listening to her music, watching one of her documentaries, or attending one of her concerts.

At the end of her Instagram post about COWBOY CARTER, Beyoncé wrote: “This ain’t a Country album. This is a ‘Beyoncé’ album.” And indeed it is. Dare I say it may be her best album to date. It’s cinematic. It’s sonically rich. You can hear the influence from music legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Tina Turner and more. It is a beautiful, comprehensive, full body of work. I can only imagine what act iii holds for us (rock, perhaps? 👀) and I can’t wait to see. But in the meantime, I’ll be listening to COWBOY CARTER on repeat, throwing that thang in a circle to “TYRANT,” and reminding myself that my only competition is me. Period.

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ICYMI

I landed my first byline in New York Magazine (eek!) and it’s all about innovative New Yorkers who’ve successfully converted their closets into offices, nurseries and even a podcast studio.

I also wrote a personal essay for Milk Drunk (Bobbie’s editorial arm) about taking antidepressants and how they’ve helped my mental health as a new mom.

And I also chatted with Dr. Sarah Bren of the Securely Attached podcast about all things parenting, perfectionism and more.

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Upcoming Events

• April 27: Nurturing Nest: A Daytreat for Chicago Moms. I’m teaming up with my good friend Nia Ellis to provide a relaxing afternoon to Chicago-area moms (whether you’re trying to conceive, newly postpartum or many years postpartum). Join us for a restorative yoga practice led by Nia; meditation led by yours truly; and a soothing sound bath by Candyce Jones. Use the promo code LOREAL5 to save $5 on your ticket!

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Links I Love: COWBOY CARTER Edition

• With ‘Cowboy Carter,’ Black Country Music Fans Are Front and Center, At Last (The 19th)

• On Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé Reclaims What's Rightfully Hers (Harper's Bazaar)

• Your ‘Cowboy Carter’ Reading List Is Here! Giddy the F*ck Up! (Autostraddle)

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