Country singer-songwriter Charley Crockett has spoken out in defense of Beyoncé and her Grammy-winning country-inspired album Cowboy Carter, while criticizing leading figures in modern country music and the Nashville industry.
In a candid Instagram post on August 19, Crockett pushed back against critics targeting Beyoncé’s presence in the genre, writing: “Hey country folks. @beyonce ain’t the source of your discontent. It was 25 years of bro country… These ‘country boys’ been singing over trap beats for years.”
His comments appeared aimed at Morgan Wallen, who recently admitted he doesn’t listen to much country music, despite topping the Billboard 200 with his album I’m the Problem.
Crockett also took issue with Gavin Adcock, who publicly dismissed Cowboy Carter as not fitting within country music. Crockett countered, saying: “I don’t need to put down a Black woman to advance my music. That’s just embarrassing to the idea of America.”
The Texas-born artist further criticized the Nashville establishment, claiming he had once been pressured to release pre-written, formulaic albums. He praised authenticity in music, highlighting Texas rapper BigXthaPlug, whose upcoming project features collaborations with Luke Combs, Ella Langley, and Darius Rucker.
Responses to Crockett’s post were divided. Fellow country artists Kaitlin Butts and Chris Housman expressed support, while Adcock fired back on X and Instagram, mocking Crockett’s originality.
Crockett recently released his album Dollar a Day on August 8, part of a trilogy, while Adcock released Own Worst Enemy a week later.
The debate underscores broader tensions in country music over genre boundaries, authenticity, and inclusion.