Regardless of what the mainstream country music scene refuses to accept or believe, cowboy culture is Black culture. It has been from the very beginning.

The success of Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – which is based on the club banger from St. Louis’ own J-Kwon – and Beyoncé’s Grammy Award-winning “Cowboy Carter” have resulted in appropriation accusations from current artists and fans of the genre.

They only need a brief history lesson to learn that cowboy culture – and the music it inspired – is rooted in Blackness.

Cahokia native Michael B. Whitfield, known professionally as Michael B. Whit, has been paying his dues as a country artist long before it became fashionable.

Whit’s grind inspired veteran St. Louis promoter Phil of Liquid Assets to bring an event that celebrated country

See Full Page