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On Tuesday, Beyoncé unveiled the name of her forthcoming country album: “Cowboy Carter.” The album is Act II of a three-part project she recorded amid the pandemic, and she’s not letting up.
After dropping two singles following her Super Bowl commercial, the Houston-bred artist has taken the country industry by storm, ascending to the top of the charts with “Texas Hold ’Em” and taking over the internet with TikTok line dances.
Similarly to her “Act I: Renaissance” release, Queen Bey once again bestowed upon us limited-edition merchandise box sets, replete with a ringer tee, vinyl records and CDs featuring bonus tracks. However, it wouldn’t be a true announcement without some fan speculation, particularly from Beyhive members trying to decode the meaning behind the album’s name.
Some internet sleuths believe that “Cowboy Carter” is more than just a nod to Beyoncé’s married name, Knowles-Carter (as in Shawn Carter, aka Jay-Z). Rather, it could be a very specific reference to Texas country music history, and a reclamation of such as a Black Southern artist.
TikTok user Little Debbie (@beysus.christ) drew a connection between the esteemed Carter Family, known as “The First Family of Country Music,” and Leslie Riddle, a Black guitarist from whom the Carter Family learned signature musical techniques.
“I’m already seeing people hate on Beyoncé for this ‘Cowboy Carter’ Act II, specifically for the name ‘Cowboy Carter’ and saying that it’s basic,” the user said. “Let me tell you the explanation, the reason why the name of Act II is ‘Cowboy Carter.’”