Forget the rhinestone suits and stadium anthems. Country music’s newest superstar, Shaboozey, is rewriting the rules.
His hit song, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” has become a chart-topping phenomenon, reaching the coveted No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
But Shaboozey’s sound is anything but traditional. This genre-bending enigma, with roots that stretch from Virginia fields to Nigerian soil, is a fusion of hip-hop and country that’s captivating audiences and breaking down barriers.
Dive deeper and discover the story behind the music, from his unique upbringing to his meteoric rise to the top of the charts.
Shaboozey is making history!
This week, his hit song “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, following its reign at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
This accomplishment makes Shaboozey the second Black artist ever to hold the top spot on both charts simultaneously. Beyoncé achieved the feat earlier this year with her song “Texas Hold ‘Em.”
The 29-year-old’s smash hit is from his album “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Top Country Albums chart. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is a clear indication of Shaboozey’s rising stardom, and it appears he’s enjoying the ride.
Shaboozey has been rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest names in music and sports. He recently performed at Michael Rubin’s famous White Party, a star-studded event, and even got a shoutout on Rubin’s Twitter [see tweet].
With chart-topping hits, exclusive parties, and a successful album, it’s safe to say Shaboozey is having a phenomenal summer!
Everything You Need to Know About Shaboozey
Shaboozey’s name has been echoing through the music industry lately, and with good reason.
This singer-rapper’s unique blend of country and hip-hop, coupled with his recent chart-topping hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” has him pegged as a rising star.
But Shaboozey’s journey is more than just catchy tunes and award show appearances. It’s a story of cultural influences, artistic evolution, and a relentless drive to break down genre barriers.
From Nigeria to Virginia
Born Collins Obinna Chibueze, Shaboozey’s background is as diverse as his music.
While he grew up in Virginia, his family roots lie in Nigeria. This unique heritage played a crucial role in shaping his musical identity. His father, who initially moved to Texas from Nigeria, instilled a love for classic country artists like Kenny Rogers and Garth Brooks in young Shaboozey.
However, Shaboozey’s musical landscape wasn’t limited to just American sounds. He also embraced the rich tapestry of traditional Nigerian music, creating a foundation for his future genre-bending exploration.
Shaboozey’s experiences didn’t stop there. Spending two years at a boarding school in Nigeria further deepened his appreciation for the outdoors.
“Agriculture is a big thing over there,” he shared in a recent interview with GQ. “You’re growing the stuff you eat. I definitely think there’s a connection there.”
This connection to the land, a recurring theme in country music, resonates through Shaboozey’s lyrics and creative vision.
Shaboozey: The Name and the Inspiration
Shaboozey’s stage name is more than just a catchy moniker. It’s a personal connection to his Nigerian heritage.
Derived from the latter part of his birth name, “Chibueze” (which translates to “God is King” in Igbo), Shaboozey embodies the strength and resilience found in his cultural roots.
In an interview with New Wave Magazine, he revealed how the playful misinterpretations of his surname in high school led to the creation of his stage persona. “It kind of just stuck, so I picked it and kept it pushing,” he said.
From Soundcloud to the Big Leagues
Shaboozey’s musical journey began during the “Soundcloud Era,” a time when bedroom studios and online platforms fostered a new generation of independent artists.
Like many aspiring rappers, Shaboozey found himself drawn to the world of hip-hop. Artists like Drake and Joey Bada$$ heavily influenced his early creative endeavors.
Growing up in Virginia, Shaboozey also couldn’t escape the vibrant DMV (D.C., Maryland, and northern Virginia) rap scene, a breeding ground for industry giants like Wale and Pharrell.
This fusion of local hip-hop and his own cultural background laid the groundwork for the unique sound that would define Shaboozey’s music.
Record Deals and Collaborations
2018 marked a significant turning point in Shaboozey’s career. After relocating to Los Angeles, he landed a record deal with Republic Records.
This deal paved the way for his debut album and his first major collaboration with label mate Duckwrth.
Their song, featured on the soundtrack for the critically acclaimed Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, showcased Shaboozey’s ability to transcend genre limitations.
By 2021, Shaboozey, at the young age of 23, caught the attention of Empire Records, a move that further solidified his position in the music industry.
Shaboozey’s Unforeseen Literary Connection
While music has become his primary artistic outlet, Shaboozey’s initial passion lay in writing. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, he revealed his childhood dream of becoming an author.
Although fate led him down a different path, his creative spirit still thrives through storytelling.
Instead of crafting fictional worlds between the pages of a book, Shaboozey now uses his musical platform to weave narratives into his songs, captivating audiences with his relatable lyrics and unique perspective.
Making History: Shaboozey at the Top of the Charts
Shaboozey’s latest single, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” catapulted him into the history books.
The track not only topped the Hot 100 chart, but it also cemented Shaboozey’s place as the first Black man to achieve this feat with a country-influenced song.
This accomplishment came hot on the heels of Beyoncé’s record-breaking “TEXAS HOLD EM,” which made her the first Black woman to reach No. 1 on the Country Music charts.
Absolutely, here’s a data table that you can incorporate into the existing section on Shaboozey:
Shaboozey: A Snapshot
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Collins Obinna Chibueze |
| Stage Name Origin | Derived from the latter part of his birth name (Chibueze) |
| Musical Influences (Early) | Nigerian Traditional Music, Country (Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks), Hip-Hop (Drake, Joey Bada$$) |
| Musical Influences (Later) | DMV Rap Scene (Wale, Pharrell) |
| First Record Deal | Signed with Republic Records in 2018 |
| Notable Collaboration | Duckwrth (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack) |
| Second Record Deal | Signed with Empire Records in 2021 |
| Chart-Topping Hit | “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” (2024) |
| Billboard History | First Black man to reach No. 1 on Hot 100 with a country-influenced song |
Wrapping Up
- Shaboozey’s journey is a testament to the power of embracing your heritage and defying expectations.
- From his soulful vocals to his genre-bending beats, he’s carving a new path in country music, one that welcomes fresh perspectives and celebrates diversity.
- With his infectious energy and chart-topping success, Shaboozey is more than just a rising star – he’s a force to be reckoned with, proving that music truly transcends boundaries.
- Shaboozey’s story is one of artistic innovation, cultural diversity, and a relentless drive to push boundaries. His accomplishments are paving the way for a more inclusive and exciting future for country music.