Mysghana Rhawena Bussie-Mekonnen
Professor Parker
Introduction to Sociology
30 March 2025
Cowboy Bowl: The Complexities of Lyricism and Musical Arrangements
A writer from The New York Times remarked on Tupac's posthumous album in 1996,
calling some tracks “sparse and unfinished” while noting the chaotic mix of sounds. Even though
the context of this observation focuses on Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, there is a distinct
correlation between the melodic revelations created by Tupac Shakur and the harmonic musical
textures executed by Beyoncé.
During the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans game, Beyoncé had the opportunity to
share her spotlight with deserving vocalists, Tiera Kennedy, Brittany Spencer, Tanner Adell, and
Reyna Roberts. In the 1990s, society often listened to Black American music with a biased ear,
while many upper-class White Americans enjoyed country music there was a perception that
exclusively Black Americans enjoyed rap music. This divide in pop culture only made tensions
worse, with politicians blaming rap lyrics for issues like violence and crime. For countless Black
listeners, both country music and rap music reflected the real struggles faced across the nation.
Just four months ago, I caught a Christmas Day livestream concert of an NFL game
featuring Beyoncé. She combines R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul, and gospel for a truly unique sound.
This blending of styles and complex vocal techniques gives her music depth and broad appeal.
Music as a form of therapy has roots that reach back to the days of slavery. Enslaved Africans
used music to express everything from joy to hope, and that tradition continues today. Attending
concerts, sports games, and festivals remains one of the few ways young people can spend
quality time together socially, without impairing the attention spans of those congregated. The
music of this generation empowers people and encourages inclusivity, especially at live shows.
Post Malone joined her on stage and though he is not known to be a country artist, his vocal
arrangements matched the exquisite tone changes from the headliner.
Now, let’s talk about Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter. She has an incredible way of
bringing texture to her performances, whether through her voice, movements, or stage presence.
Most of her shows feature live bands and rich vocal layers. At the concert last Christmas, she
sang an array of selections from the Grammy-winning album Cowboy Carter. This album shed
light on country artists who have been overlooked and castaway from the spotlight.
I believe Cowboy Carter deserves a spot alongside iconic albums like Me Against The
World by Tupac, Whitney by Whitney Houston, and Jackie by Ciara. These albums connect with
Beyoncé's latest work, not just in the complexity of the vocals but also in their lyrical depth.
Beyoncé's vocal talent shines through. She uses her diaphragm to support powerful notes,
allowing her voice to fill a stadium with ease. Her ability to implicate intricate riffs and runs adds
even more depth to her sound and showcases her outstanding skill.
