Shaboozey
Biography
Collins Obinna Chibueze, known professionally as Shaboozey, is a Nigerian-American singer, songwriter, and record producer who has gained significant attention for his unique blend of country, hip-hop, and Americana music. Born on May 9, 1995, in Woodbridge, Virginia, to Nigerian parents, his upbringing was a rich tapestry of cultural influences. His father, who was a farmer in Nigeria before coming to the U.S., instilled in him an appreciation for country music, while his mother introduced him to a variety of sounds. This eclectic musical environment, which included everything from Kenny Rogers and Garth Brooks to Fela Kuti and hip-hop artists like Pharrell and Missy Elliott, profoundly shaped his artistic direction.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Shaboozey's stage name originated from a mispronunciation of his last name, Chibueze, which means "God is king" in the Igbo language. He spent part of his junior high years at a boarding school in Nigeria, an experience that further broadened his perspective. Initially aspiring to be a novelist, his passion for storytelling found a new outlet in music. In 2014, he released his first single, "Jeff Gordon," and founded his own production company, V Picture Films, showcasing his early ambition to control his creative vision. He signed with Republic Records in 2017 and released his debut album, "Lady Wrangler," in 2018. That same year, his song "Start a Riot" with Duckwrth was featured on the soundtrack for the film "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," marking a significant milestone in his career.
Rise to Prominence and Musical Style
Shaboozey's music defies easy categorization, seamlessly weaving together the storytelling of country, the beats of hip-hop, and the soul of Americana. His second album, "Cowboys Live Forever, Outlaws Never Die," released in 2022, further solidified his genre-bending sound. However, it was 2024 that proved to be his breakout year. His collaboration with Beyoncé on her album "Cowboy Carter" on the tracks "Spaghettii" and "Sweet Honey Buckiin'" introduced him to a global audience.
"A Bar Song (Tipsy)" and Mainstream Success
Shortly after his feature on "Cowboy Carter," Shaboozey released his single "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" in April 2024. The song, which interpolates J-Kwon's 2004 hit "Tipsy," became a massive commercial success. It topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Country Songs charts, making him the first Black male artist to top both charts simultaneously. The track's phenomenal run on the charts, including tying the record for the longest-running number-one song on the Billboard Hot 100, cemented his place as a major force in contemporary music. The success of the single propelled his third studio album, "Where I've Been, Isn't Where I'm Going" (2024), to widespread acclaim, showcasing a more folk-pop and acoustic sound.