Beyoncé has unveiled the captivating limited edition artwork for her highly anticipated upcoming album, Cowboy Carter.
The album serves as the second act in a trilogy following the critically acclaimed 2022 release, Renaissance.
The exclusive album cover, available for purchase solely on Beyoncé’s official website, portrays the artist holding a cigar, adorned with long beaded braids, and sporting a sash bearing the inscription, “act ii BEYINCÉ.”
While some may perceive the spelling as unconventional, journalist Brooklyn White-Grier highlighted its significance on X (formerly known as Twitter).
White-Grier emphasized that “Beyincé” is the surname of Beyoncé’s maternal family lineage. Additionally, the Cowboy Carter era, as described by White-Grier, is about honoring legacy and paying homage to those who paved the way.
Beyoncé’s mother, Miss Tina Knowles, shed light on its history during a 2020 episode of the In My Head with Heather Thomson podcast. “A lot of people don’t know that Beyoncé is my last name. It’s my maiden name,” said Knowles, per People. “My name was Celestine Beyoncé, which at that time was not a cool thing to have that weird name. I wanted my name to be Linda Smith because those were the cool names.”
She shared that, unfortunately, due to a clerical error, some family members’ surnames were recorded as “Beyincé” on legal documents, a discrepancy stemming from historical discrimination against Black individuals.
“It’s interesting — and it shows you the times — because we asked my mother when I was grown. I was like, ‘Why is my brother’s name spelled B-E-Y-I-N-C-E? You know, it’s all these different spellings,'” Knowles added.
“And my mom’s reply to me was like, ‘That’s what they put on your birth certificate.’ So I said, ‘Well, why didn’t you argue and make them correct it?’ And she said, ‘I did one time. The first time, and I was told ‘Be happy that you’re getting a birth certificate’ because, at one time, Black people didn’t get birth certificates.”
Also Read: Beyoncé Unveils Title For Upcoming Album: “Cowboy Carter”
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album appears to draw inspiration from race and history, as articulated by the artist herself in an Instagram post on Tuesday.
Beyoncé revealed that the album’s genesis stemmed from a past experience of feeling unwelcome, prompting her to delve into the depths of Country music’s history.
She emphasized the unifying power of music and its role in amplifying the voices of those dedicated to educating others on musical heritage.
Featuring tracks such as “Texas Hold’em” and “16 Carriages,” the album is set for release on March 29, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in Beyoncé’s multifaceted exploration of identity, history.
