(CNN) — Beyoncé is betting that her highly anticipated country album (“Cowboy Carter”) will make race-related stigma in that genre and beyond “irrelevant.”
The singer of “Texas Hold ‘Em” revealed a new image for “Cowboy Carter,” dubbed the “act ii” album to her 2022 hit “Renaissance.” She explains that the project was inspired by a past experience where she felt unwelcome.
“But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive,” Beyoncé said without elaborating.
The Houston native has already incorporated country elements into her music, including her 2016 hit “Daddy Lessons.” She released two songs off of “Cowboy Carter” last month before the Super Bowl: “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em.” the year, Beyoncé sang the song with the Chicks at the CMA Awards, drawing racial outrage.
“The criticisms I faced when I first entered this genre forced me to propel past the limitations that were put on me,” the Grammy-winner wrote Tuesday. “Act II is a result of challenging myself, and taking my time to bend and blend genres to create this body of work.”
On the 10-day countdown to “Cowboy Carter,” Beyoncé hinted a few surprise collaborations, noting that she “collaborated with some brilliant artists who I deeply respect.”
“This ain’t a Country album,” she said. This is a Beyoncé album. I am happy to present act ii COWBOY CARTER!"
“Cowboy Carter” debuts March 29.