Charley Crockett Defends Beyoncé, Calls Out Country Music’s Double Standards

Charley Crockett is making it clear that Beyoncé belongs in country music. In a lengthy Instagram post, the Texas artist pushed back against critics of Cowboy Carter while accusing the industry of hiding behind double standards.

“Hey country folks,” Crockett wrote. “Beyoncé ain’t the source of your discontent. It was 25 years of bro country.” His words came as a response to the wave of backlash Beyoncé has faced since releasing the record, which blends traditional country with other genres.

Crockett pointed out how some of today’s biggest stars built their reputations while borrowing from Hip-Hop and pop. “#1 country artist on earth listens to nothing but rap,” he said. “Openly says he doesn’t really know any country music. Gotta respect his honesty.” He added, “These ‘country boys’ been singing over trap beats for years. So what’s different now? Authenticity.”

He went on to highlight Beyoncé’s accomplishments, noting that she became the first Black woman to win Best Country Album at the Grammys in 2025, while still being overlooked by the Academy of Country Music Awards. “The machine points to a black woman who’s making a statement about marginalized people being removed from the conversation altogether,” Crockett wrote.

Sharing his own experience, he revealed that Nashville executives once attempted to mold him into a prefabricated star. “Many of those business folks called me early on. They had whole albums pre-written and recorded, ready to just plug me in. I have receipts.”

Crockett closed his message by stating, “I don’t need to put down a black woman to advance my music. That’s just embarrassing to the idea of America and I got no respect for it.” He even praised Texas rapper BigXThaPlug as “genuine” and “a true story teller.”