Breaking:  Ronnie Milsap Fires Back at  Beyoncé: “She’s a Fraudster, Not a Real Country Artist” | HO

In what’s shaping up to be one of the most unexpected cultural clashes of the year, country music legend Ronnie Milsap has stirred up a storm in both the country and pop music scenes. His fiery remarks on Beyoncé’s latest venture into country music with her concept album, Cowboy Carter, are reverberating through the airwaves. Milsap, known for his significant contributions to the country genre and his crossover hits in the 70s and 80s, didn’t mince words when he labeled  Beyoncé a “fraudster” and dismissed her attempts at country music as inauthentic.

“Look, she’s got talent, but she’s no country artist. You can’t just throw on a cowboy hat, strum a few chords, and call it country,” Milsap stated in a recent interview with a Nashville radio station. His comments come at a time when  Beyoncé’s album has not only topped the Billboard country charts but also sparked a broader conversation about the boundaries of genre and the authenticity of musical expression.

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter is undeniably a fusion experiment, blending elements of country with hip-hop, pop, blues, and even an Irish jig. The album, which is the second in a trilogy that  Beyoncédescribes as a “journey through a reinvention of Americana,” has been both praised and critiqued for its eclectic sound and ambitious scope. Critics and fans laud her for breaking musical barriers and exploring the roots of American music through a modern lens. However, some traditionalists view her genre-bending as a step too far, arguing that her approach lacks the purity and simplicity that define classic country music.

Milsap’s critique taps into this vein of purism. “Country music is about storytelling, simplicity, and soul. It’s not about mixing everything up like a salad bar and hoping it tastes good,” he explained. His comments reflect a broader skepticism among some veteran artists and fans who feel that the genre’s boundaries are being stretched too thinly in an era of musical hybrids.

However, to understand the full impact of  Beyoncé’s album, it’s essential to recognize her stated intention: to spotlight the often-overlooked contributions of Black pioneers in American musical and cultural history. This includes focusing on Black artists in the country genre, where they have historically been marginalized. Cowboy Carter features collaborations with Black country artists like Brittney Spencer and Willie Jones, blending their voices with  Beyoncé’s to create a tapestry of sound that is both new and deeply rooted in history.

Despite Milsap’s harsh words, many in the music industry have rushed to Beyoncé’s defense, arguing that her work is revitalizing interest in country music among younger and more diverse audiences. “What  Beyoncé is doing is opening doors. She’s inviting people to experience country in a new way, and that’s something we should celebrate, not condemn,” said music producer and songwriter Marcus Hummon.

The debate over what constitutes “real” country music is not new. Over the decades, the genre has seen numerous evolutions, from the traditional sounds of Hank Williams and Patsy Cline to the pop influences brought by artists like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. Each wave of change has sparked its own set of controversies and discussions about authenticity and innovation.

Beyoncé herself has not responded directly to Milsap’s comments, but sources close to the artist say she remains committed to her artistic vision and is proud of the conversations her album has ignited. “Beyoncé believes in the power of music to bridge histories and communities. If Cowboy Carter challenges some people’s notions of what country music can be, then perhaps that’s a discussion worth having,” a source said.