Beyoncé is drawing mainstream attention to Black artists and country music after becoming the first Black woman to top Billboard's Hot Country Music chart. In recent years, there's been a renaissance of new Black country artists producing music despite getting little radio play.

The intrigue: From musicians Mickey Guyton and Dalton Dover to singers Julie Williams and Jimmie Allen, the artists sing about isolation, race, Jesus, partying on the back road and, of course, drinking after a breakup.

• Here are some images of today's most influential Black country music artists who have built a following at Black rodeos and on playlists.

What's next: Axios also has its own Black country music Spotify list for you to enjoy.