Beyoncè Continues To Break Barriers and Records With The Release of Cowboy Carter
In typical Queen Bey fashion, the release of Cowboy Carter brok the internet and Spotify's streaming records for the most streamed album in a single day. We discuss it here!
Beyoncè releases the album art for Cowboy Carter via Instagram.
Photo Credit: Instagram (Beyoncè)
By: Camille Shanklin
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is once again dominating the charts, this time venturing into a new genre: country music. Her latest release, Act II: Cowboy Carter, debuted on March 29th, marking the continuation of the Renaissance project and her eighth studio album. As we all know from the online controversy this one dives deeply into Beyoncé's Texan roots and her affinity for country music.
With an extensive tracklist of 27 songs, Cowboy Carter features collaborations with esteemed figures from the country music scene, including Willie Nelson, Tanner Andell, Shaboozy, Miley Cyrus, Brittney Spencer, Linda Martell, and her daughter, Rumi Carter.
An iconic highlight of Act II is Beyoncé's interpretation of Dolly Parton's timeless hit, Jolene. Her rendition offers a fresh perspective on the classic, reminiscent of the intensity displayed during her Lemonade era. Tracks like II Most Wanted with Miley Cyrus and Smoke Hour with Willie Nelson exemplify Beyoncé's ability to seamlessly fuse different musical styles while maintaining her distinctive sound.
Before the album's release, Beyoncé shared on Instagram that Cowboy Carter had been five years in the making, inspired by a period where she felt marginalized in the country music community. Many speculate this sentiment stems from the controversy surrounding her performance of Daddy Lessons at the 2016 Country Music Awards.
Despite facing criticism, Beyoncé's talent and endorsement from revered figures in country music propelled Cowboy Carter to unprecedented success. In typical Queen Bey fashion, she broke the internet and Spotify's streaming records for the most streamed album in a single day. Cowboy Carter serves as a testament to Beyoncé's refusal to be confined by genre conventions. With each project, she reaffirms that genuine talent transcends boundaries and can not be boxed in. Stream Cowboy Carter now on all streaming platforms.
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Beyoncé Is Now The Honorary Mayor Of Santa Clara City
Beyoncé continues to build on top of her legacy. She is now the Honorary Mayor of Santa Clara City for one day. We discuss it here!
By: Gentel Sharrie
Beyoncé continues to build on top of her already astounding legacy. She has now been appointed the Honorary Mayor of Santa Clara City for one day. The Grammy-Award-winning songstress was also presented with the key to the city. This prestigious honor was presented the same night of her Renaissance tour that happened in Santa Clara at the Levi Stadium, where the San Francisco 49ers play all their games. Dr. Yvette Noel-Schure accepted the proclamation on Beyonce's behalf.
Dr. Yvette Nicole-Schure accepts key to the city in Santa Clara on behalf of Beyoncè.
The city of Santa Clara gave her the honor because of her hard work, achievements, and impact around the world. Beyoncé has 32 Grammys and she has sold over 200 million records worldwide. The Houston native rose to fame as the lead vocalist of Destiny's Child, an iconic girl group in the late 1990s. She embarked on a highly successful solo career, releasing hit albums like "Dangerously in Love" and "Lemonade." Beyoncé is celebrated for her powerful vocals, captivating performances, and empowering messages in her music. She has also acted in several films and is recognized for her philanthropic efforts.
Beyonce's Renaissance tour started in Sweden, and she is finally making her way to the city of Los Angeles, California. One of her performances will be on her birthday September 4th. The most exciting part of the tour has been watching her hit the stage with her prodigy daughter Blue Ivy, and they have been killing it with their powerful dance break. Beyoncés Renaissance World will end in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 27th.
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Recap of the 23rd Annual BET Awards
Recap from the 23rd Annual BET Awards featuring nostalgic performances, tributes, and winners celebrated in a star-studded event. We discuss it here!
BET Awards | Christopher Polk/Getty Images
By: Joshua Martin
Wow!! What a night!! The 23rd annual BET Awards, which honors the year’s best performances in music, TV, film and sports was jam packed with plenty of nostalgic performances, memorable speeches and tributes to the late great Tina Turner and this year's Lifetime Achievement Award winner Busta Rhymes.
Patti LeBelle sings at the 2023 BET Awards on June 25, 2023. (Michael Tran/ Getty Images)
Led by musical melodies curated by DJ and Producer Kid Capri, the 5 hour long ceremony took place at a packed Microsoft theater in Los Angeles. This year’s ceremony featured live performances from Hip Hop legends like Big Daddy Kane, Master P, Uncle Luke, Trina, Trick Daddy, Ja Rule, the Ying Yang Twins and more… It was truly a celebration of 50 years of Hip Hop.
The past two award shows were hosted by actress Taraji P. Henson, but due to the writers strike, BET like many others are switching to a hostless format. SInger Muni Long took time to acknowledge the importance of writers amid the WGA strike.
“Writers are, in many instances, the glue to the execution of artistry and storytelling. Our ability to extract emotion from performers helping them to articulate their voices and vision to the world is irreplaceable. The protection of the writer is crucial. We simply must protect our intellectual property.”
During the broadcast Latto won Best Hip Hop Female Artist while Coco Jones took home the award for Best New Artist.
Coco Jones receives the Best New Artist at the BET Awards on June 25, 2023. (Kevin Minter/Getty Images)
Drake led all nominees with 7 nominations, including Best Male Hip Hop Artist and Album of the ‘Year for Her Loss’ with 21 Savage. 21 Savage and Lizzo followed with 5 nominations each, while Beyonce, Burna Boy, Chris Brown, Ice Spice, and SZA had four.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Quavo and Offset onstage reunion brought out all the feels. It was great to see them squash whatever they had between them to perform some of the ‘Migos’ classic songs in the memory of fallen group Takeoff.
Quavo and Offest performs at the 2023 BET Awards on June 25, 2023. (Kevin Minter/Getty Images)
Busta Rhymes also had something to say about the current state of Hip Hop and what needs to change.
Busta Rhymes received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 BET Awards on June 25, 2023. (Michael Tran/Getty Images)
“Y’all messing up the bag. Y’all messing up the energy. I don’t like when I talk to these dudes that run these streaming platforms and they talking about, ‘You know, we turning the consumer off because there’s so much little this and little that going on with you rappers.’ We’re gonna stop that. We’re gonna love each other, and we gonna get to this money.”
Sza and Beyonce each won three times including tying for the Album of the Year Award
Below is the complete list of winners of each category
BEST ACTOR
Damson Idris — WINNER
BEST ACTRESS
Angela Bassett — WINNER
YOUNGSTARS AWARD
Marsai Martin — WINNER
BEST MOVIE
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever — WINNER
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Renaissance, Beyoncé — WINNER (tie)
SOS, SZA — WINNER (tie)
BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST
SZA — WINNER
BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST
Chris Brown — WINNER (tie)
Usher — WINNER (tie)
BEST GROUP
Drake & 21 Savage — WINNER
BEST COLLABORATION
“Wait For U,” Future feat. Drake & Tems — WINNER
BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
Latto — WINNER
BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
Kendrick Lamar — WINNER
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
“Kill Bill,” SZA — WINNER
VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Teyana “Spike Tey” Taylor — WINNER
BEST NEW ARTIST
Coco Jones — WINNER
BEST GOSPEL/INSPIRATIONAL
“Bless Me,” Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin — WINNER
VIEWER’S CHOICE AWARD
“Break My Soul,” Beyoncé — WINNER
BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT
Burna Boy (Nigeria) — WINNER
BET HER AWARD (honoring motivational and empowering songs that center women)
“Break My Soul,” Beyoncé — WINNER
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
Angel Reese — WINNER
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Jalen Hurts — WINNER
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Meet Camille Shanklin, Media Correspondent for 247 Live Culture!