Sophia Michaels
Shaboozey has experienced remarkable success in 2024. Initially, he started the year as an unknown artist but ended up making waves, securing 14 weeks at the top of the Hot 100 chart.
His single “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” became the year’s biggest success, while he also collaborated on tracks for Beyoncé’s underrated country album “Cowboy Carter,” was nominated for multiple awards, and released his impactful album, “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going.”
But what is the backstory of this artist behind such an anthem? Join us as we uncover the details of Shaboozey’s journey to fame.
The Origin of Shaboozey’s Name
Born Collins Obinna Chibueze, Shaboozey’s last name translates to “God is king” in Igbo, but his stage name originated from the frequent mispronunciation of his full name throughout his high school years.
In a conversation with Billboard, Shaboozey noted that he decided to embrace the mispronounced version instead of correcting his coach during his athletic days: “You had to make it easier for everyone else.”
Growing up in an Nigerian-American household, he faced challenges related to his identity, but his family’s values instilled a strong sense of determination: “If I’m going to do anything, I will excel at it.”
Time Spent in Nigeria
Nigeria has become an influential music hub, and Shaboozey took pride in having lived there for two years during his junior high schooling. Unlike the current Gen Z artists who thrive on social media, his experience was quite different.
In an interview with GRAMMY.com, Shaboozey shared that while young artists in Nigeria are connected to social media, he had to adapt without internet access, which shaped his view on music production, notably Afrobeat. “It’s incredible how infectious that music is,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his Nigerian upbringing, he noted a deep understanding of the agricultural lifestyle, which resonated with the roots of country music: “A lot of food comes from where you live, and it builds a bond with the simplicity of country life.”
His Father’s Influence on His Music
Shaboozey credits his immigrant father as a significant influence on his appreciation for country music. In a 2024 interview with GQ, the star unveiled how his father’s background shaped his diverse musical tastes, creating a foundation for his distinct style.
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Shaboozey shared with the magazine that his father quickly embraced the Texas culture when he moved to America as a college student. The singer fondly remembers, “It’s great to look back at images of my dad in his Wranglers and military camo. That was his look even before I could walk.”
Shaboozey noted that his father’s admiration for artists like Don Williams and Kenny Rogers greatly influenced his music career, though he didn’t always distinguish between the two. He explained to Billboard, “Outside of what I saw on MTV and BET, I didn’t know the specific names of the artists my parents played at home. To me, it was just music.”
Shaboozey’s Journey with Republic Records
Shaboozey embodies the saying, “Try, try again.” Just six years prior to achieving the top spot of 2024 and collaborating with Beyoncé, he was unexpectedly dropped by his record label.
Following the release of his debut album “Lady Wrangler” in 2018, Republic Records—now regretting their decision—parted ways with Shaboozey. The exact reasons remain unclear, but the artist hinted it might have been due to frustrations over his slow rise to fame.
He explained to GRAMMY.com, “Major labels can feel very crowded. They often lack the resources to nurture talent that doesn’t immediately see success. They operate on quarterly goals.” Shaboozey further speculated that his innovative approach may not have resonated well with executives, stating, “I find it crucial to pioneer new ideas and change how music is experienced.”
Shaboozey’s Sports Connections
In 2024, ESPN featured Shaboozey’s song “Last of My Kind” during its Atlantic Coast Conference college football coverage. Before his musical success, Shaboozey was a standout player on his high school football team in Virginia.
Additionally, Shaboozey has strong ties to NASCAR; his popular track “Jeff Gordon” reflects his admiration for the sport. He shared with The Tennessean, “Growing up in Virginia, the culture around me, especially NASCAR, greatly influenced my music. It shaped my style and stories in my songs.” His dream came true in May 2024 when he met the racing legend he named his breakout song after.
Shaboozey Abandoned His Initial Album Plan
At first glance, Shaboozey might seem to have appeared out of nowhere in the country music scene. But he had actually been pursuing his passion for country music long before it became widely popular among pop artists.
His initial album “Lady Wrangler” leaned towards hip-hop, even though it was originally meant to be a country album. Shaboozey explained to Harper’s Bazaar, “I started with that vision, but soon realized the world or even I wasn’t prepared for it. I wanted to ease into the genre first.”
Thanks to groundbreaking tracks like “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X, the genre’s boundaries have shifted significantly. Shaboozey ultimately decided to dive into the music style that has brought him acclaim in 2024, stating, “I intend to create more music like this moving forward, telling stories from my perspective. I’ll keep honing my craft.”
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Shaboozey’s Unique MTV VMAs Experience
Shaboozey’s debut at the MTV Video Music Awards was unforgettable. Nominated for the best new artist and song of the summer, he mingled with stars like Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift, but later confessed he felt somewhat out of place amidst the big names.
Reflecting on the experience, he mentioned to Billboard that the atmosphere felt more focused on established artists rather than newcomers like him. However, he appreciated the support from staff and fellow Black attendees throughout the evening.
He also expressed discomfort when in proximity to Lil Nas X, another artist breaking barriers in country music. Shaboozey noted the unspoken connections they shared as they navigate similar paths in their careers.
How Shaboozey’s Hit Almost Didn’t Make It
Shaboozey’s chart-topping success with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” came decades after J-Kwon’s original hit “Tipsy” was denied the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100. The track uses the classic crunk rhythm to narrate a relatable story about unwinding after a hard day’s work.
However, the release faced delays, primarily due to sampling rights that required clearance. J-Kwon described the negotiations concerning royalties, which almost derailed the collaboration.
Once resolved, the result was historic; “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” became a massive hit, securing the top position on the Billboard charts. J-Kwon later joined Shaboozey for a memorable live performance at the BET Awards, with Shaboozey expressing joy over introducing a unique musical genre onto that stage.
Shaboozey’s Aspirations in Filmmaking
Shaboozey is not just focused on music; he aims to break into the film industry as well. He has established his own production company, V Picture Films, and has high hopes for its future.
Importantly, Shaboozey is passionate about supporting his home state by setting up the company locally instead of in Hollywood. He envisions a film studio in Virginia to empower Mid-Atlantic artists to collaborate and create.
He draws inspiration from classic films and legendary directors, sharing that his ambition is to be a multifaceted storyteller in cinema, fulfilling a lifelong dream of being a writer, director, and producer to share impactful stories with the world.
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Shaboozey and Emily Ratajkowski: A New Connection
In August 2024, Shaboozey made headlines when he was seen with model and actress Emily Ratajkowski in New York. The two were reportedly seen together at Musica, enjoying each other’s company throughout the night.
Emily, who has dated celebrities like Harry Styles and Brad Pitt, was previously seen attending one of Shaboozey’s concerts. Speculation about their relationship intensified when they were photographed exiting a movie together. The next day, Shaboozey was seen leaving her residence, indicating their bond might be more than just friends.
The two may have met at a Fourth of July celebration hosted by Michael Rubin. A source mentioned that their relationship is casual as they explore their connection.
Shaboozey’s Privacy Preference
Fans shouldn’t expect Shaboozey to share much about his personal life. The artist has gained a reputation for being tight-lipped regarding his relationships, especially when questioned about Ratajkowski.
When asked directly about his romantic life in 2024, he casually replied “Pass” to Esquire and has also evaded similar questions from fans during performances, citing his preference for privacy.
Nonetheless, Shaboozey encourages fans to delve into his music for insights into his life and inspirations, sharing that storytelling is significant in his West African heritage.
Beyoncé’s Influence on Shaboozey
Shaboozey’s career received a major boost in May 2024 when he collaborated with Beyoncé on her country music venture, “Cowboy Carter,” contributing to two successful tracks that topped the Hot 100.
Expressing his admiration for Beyoncé, he highlighted her cultural impact and how she has inspired him both personally and professionally, driving him to push for continuous innovation in his music.
Shaboozey shared that Beyoncé’s work ethic has taught him to remain inspired, emphasizing the importance of creativity and exploration as an artist.
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Shaboozey Struggles with Celebrity Status
Rapidly transitioning from anonymity to stardom can be an overwhelming experience, as evidenced by Shaboozey’s journey. He has learned firsthand that fame can have significant consequences.
In a candid interview with the Los Angeles Times, the artist revealed, “Growing up in a small town, I never imagined I’d be recognized worldwide.” He described the sudden change in his life as a “complete 180,” expressing difficulty in accepting his newfound recognition.
During a chat with Billboard, Shaboozey shared how country music resonated with him, stating, “It teaches the appreciation of simple pleasures, like having a reliable truck to take someone special to share a sunset.”
Shaboozey Takes Legal Action Against Music Publisher
After the massive hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey aimed to exit his publishing contract with Warner Chappell. He soon found, however, that the process was far from straightforward.
As reported by Rolling Stone, Shaboozey’s team reached out to inquire about unrecouped balances, but received no response from Warner-Temerlane. Consequently, he filed a lawsuit in August 2024 claiming breach of contract.
His contract required him to pay back 110% of unrecouped advances to pursue more favorable deals. The lawsuit contends that Warner has refused to provide crucial financial information, and additionally, Shaboozey accused his previous label, Kreshendo, of colluding with Warner to deny his request.
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