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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25 Years Later Juvenile Drops Visuals For 400 Degreez
If you grew up in the Cash Money Millionaire era, then you know why the visuals to Juvenile’s 400 Degreez are a big deal, even 25 years later. We discuss it here!
Photo Credit: Marcus Ingram/Getty Images
As a Hot Girl and Juvenile fan, when Juvenile spilled the tea, it took me back to Lakeshore Rollerworld in my little hometown. If you grew up in the Cash Money Millionaire era, then you know why the visuals to Juvenile’s 400 Degreez are a big deal, even 25 years later. Juvie The Great and Mannie Fresh getting back together again to breathe life into a classic hit that is 400 Degreez in an ode to its 25th anniversary is beyond legendary. Originally taking the world by storm with its release on November 3rd, 1998, the album went on to go 4x platinum, selling over 4 million copies and remains his best-selling album to date.
Directed by Diesel Filmz and featuring Mannie Fresh, the video flashes between current-day Juvi and some of the biggest career landmarks of his run. Some might think he’s crazy to invest in making a video for a 25-year-old song, but the numbers say otherwise. Making its debut on YouTube on March 26th, in just 3 days it has already amassed over one million views, displaying that you can always repurpose timeless content and music.
Juvenile - 400 Degreez (Official Music Video)
His innovative nature and strategy didn’t stop at the video! To continue capitalizing on this legendary moment, today the New Orleans lyricist also dropped a deluxe edition of 400 Degreez that includes two new tracks titled Party and We Blowing Money, available on all streaming platforms as you read this article.
We Platinum on YouTube!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
— JUVENILE (@juviethegreat) March 29, 2024
Thank you fans & remember it’s never too late to bet on yourself pic.twitter.com/pkghhuNRwG
Last year, Juvenile ignited the excitement for this upcoming release with one of the most viewed performances on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts. This showcase not only reaffirmed Juvenile's influence but also highlighted the deep roots and vibrant musical culture of New Orleans that continue to inspire artists worldwide.
Juvenile: Tiny Desk Concert
With a major impact like this a decade later, it makes me wonder why none of the 50th-anniversary of hip-hop celebrations acknowledged Cash Money and Juvenile’s impact on the industry from 1997 up until around 2008. The Cash Money era undeniably changed the rap game, mixing transparent storytelling with Mannie Fresh beats we can’t even begin to explain. And let's not forget, Cash Money Music were the OGs of flaunting wealth with tracks fueled with references to fancy cars, designer threads, and the high life, laying down the blueprint for the flashy side of hip-hop we see today. Put some respect on it!
Aside from stunting, Juvenile's relatable bars about street life and personal battles hit hard, and his ability to consistently create amazing bodies of work as a solo artist made him a legend in the game.
Will dropping visuals for classic tracks be a new wave that our favorite pastime artists use to celebrate their discography and even continue building their fan base? We can all admit that music these days does not compare to this unduplicatable era, so is this the perfect time for the greats whose run has respectfully ended to dust off their CDs and mics and bring the essence of real rap back?
Only time will tell, but shout out to Juvenile for recreating this classic moment for the 99 and the 2000 babies. Check out the new video for 400 Degreez and stream 400 Degreez Deluxe on all platforms.
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Meet Camille Shanklin, Media Correspondent for 247 Live Culture!