Cowboy Carter Is A Love Letter to Creatives

By Maya Mackey

I’ve written about the drama and racism that preceded (and will likely continue to be a contender with) Cowboy Carter, Beyonce’s new album. Many will declare this her best album ever.  I think it’s premature to declare that after only one week.  Nonetheless, I will say this album serves a love letter to creatives and entrepreneurs that A.) you belong in any space you want to be in and b.) you’re allowed to push the boundaries of your creativity without permission.

When Beyonce declared, “This ain’t a country album. This is a ‘Beyonce’ album”, I admit I was annoyed. Girl, why did you have us cuttin up and fighting white people in your defense if this isn’t a country album? What was the reason?” 

Then I heard Cowboy Carter and it is in fact, not a pure country album but a Beyonce album. Cowboy Carter is all the parts of Beyonce. It’s hard, it’s ratchet, it’s emotional, it’s Southern, it’s deep, it’s healing, it’s fun. It’s everything she i,s as a 42 year-old woman, wife, and mother of three. The authenticity on this album mirrors that of her self-titled album, released 10 years ago, and I don’t think it’s surprising that her authenticity is receiving the rave reviews that it is.

After surviving a pandemic followed by yet another recession, I think it’s safe to say that we all might be in need of restructuring and reconnecting to our most authentic parts. There is a pattern in everything I’ve written about this year, from debates on what makes a good “Black” story to Beyonce’s Country era, to debates on who’s the GOAT of Rap and what room for versatility there is in Hip Hop while still being respected. 

I can see a common theme. People are wondering when will it be safe to be ourselves? When can we tell stories and create art that contains all our parts? When will culture and authenticity be a fusion instead of a competition? When will we be celebrated for pushing boundaries and innovating when the old ways and old stories get too old?

On April t, 2024, Beyonce was awarded The Innovator Award at the iHeart Radio Awards. In her acceptance speech, she said “Being an innovator often means being criticized, which often will test your mental strength. Being an innovator is leaning on faith and trusting that God will catch you and guide you…My hope is that we’re more open to the joy and liberation that comes from enjoying art with no preconceived notions.”

So to the creators and innovators out there, regardless of the industry you claim, let Beyonce be the last permission you “need” to go out and do you. Make the art you want to make and have faith there is a buyer, a consume, and an audience for it. The world needs your innovation. We’re waiting on you. Get to work.