A final post before The Big Release.
As an antidote to the negativity in my last post, read this article from Vulture.
And here’s another look at the performance that inspired the gift that we’re about to receive.
I read that Vulture piece the other night, and it lifted my mood. Although Beyonce’s performance was met with negative—and in certain instances, blatantly racist—energy, the days leading up to it weren’t all filled with sour grapes.
For one thing, Beyonce was at the CMAs because someone in charge genuinely wanted her to be there. And I quote:
Robert Deaton, executive producer, CMA Awards: I was in L.A. when Lemonade dropped. When someone like Beyoncé puts out an album, you listen to all of it. “Daddy Lessons” came on, and I was like, “Man, this is so Texas country. This would be great for the CMAs.”
via Vulture
That afternoon, I saw an article going through each cut, and when it got to “Daddy Lessons,” it said, “This is Beyoncé’s CMAs performance.” I’m like, Okay, someone else is thinking that! Normally, I make asks to be on the show after the nominations come out. But this was different. This was Beyoncé. I didn’t know anybody in her camp, but I did get the emails for the publicist and manager. I sent a note to Beyoncé’s team that day, going, “I don’t know what your plans are, but the CMA Awards are in November. This would be a great performance for everybody.”
The rest was, truly, history. (Go read the whole article if you can. It’s pretty damn good.)
As an aside, I can’t help but laugh as I contrast Deaton’s reaction to “Daddy Lessons” with those of others who question(ed) whether or not it’s a country song. Anyone with ears knows what genre that track is.
Meanwhile, within the stunning performance, there’s one heartwarming detail that I keep recalling—Beyoncé blew kisses into the crowd. I may feel a bit sad and protective of Bey concerning what might have transpired. Yet I keep trying to console myself with the notion that she had a few friends in the audience.
Other thoughts…
Can we kill the crabs in the bucket?
Those are two of the amazing Black country artists that the Instagram algorithm threw my way after Beyoncé released her country singles. I was already aware of people in the mainstream, like Mickey Guyton. And I know that there are more.
Yet while I was thrilled to discover Reyna and Tanner, I’ve been alarmed by some of their so-called-fans’ attitudes. Beneath their Instagram posts, as expected, there have been racists. But in addition to them, I couldn’t help but notice comments made by certain (Black) fans. The words that irritated me the most fell into two camps, which I’ll paraphrase.
Number One: “Beyoncé needs to stay in her lane*. Look at how she’s taking away from REAL Black country artists!!”
Concerning “stay in her lane” I’ve actually seen someone use that language. And I think it’s shameful. For one thing, no single artist is obligated to only perform one genre of music.
And ANOTHER thing: Look at the doors Beyoncé is kicking down with this new release! As I write this post, I have yet to hear Renaissance Act 2. Yet let’s not forget that “Texas Hold ‘Em” hit number one on the country charts.
I know that she’s not the first Black woman to do so. Lord willing, she won’t be the last.
The second type of sentiment that I’ve seen and want to address? “The only reason you say you like Beyoncé is because you have to, as a part of the music industry. Blink 3 times if you need help!!” Shoutout to Reyna Roberts. In defense against one of those comments, she said that one of the reasons she sings is because of Beyoncé.
Talk about giving props to your inspiration!
And while I’m at it, shoutout to Tanner Adell. I wonder how many people complaining in her mentions know that she’s featured on Cowboy Carter?
Furthermore, this idea of musicians secretly being manipulated into liking Beyoncé is utterly ridiculous to me.
Beyonce’s success in the country music genre does not mean that other Black artists are doomed to fail. If nothing else, I think she’s making their stars shine brighter.
As she said
Touching everything in my plain view
“I’m That Girl” – Beyoncé
And everything next to me gets lit up, too.
I don’t know about you. But I’m leaning into this long weekend. I’ll be thinking of Jesus and bouncing along to Cowboy Carter.
Happy Easter to you all!
Photo by Israel Palacio.
claire.she.goes 