Shaboozey: Five Things to Know About the New Black Star of Country Music

With a Beyoncé stamp of approval and his recent No. 1 hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey is making waves in the music industry, and it’s time to pay attention. The singer-songwriter is known for blending genres like country and hip-hop while staying true to himself.

“I’ve always been on a mission to bridge the gap between cultures, whether that’s hip-hop and country or just urban and rural,” Shaboozey told GQ in a recent interview.

With a standout performance at the BET Awards and the release of his third album, “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going,” Shaboozey is on a roll. For those new to his music, here’s what you need to know:

Nigerian-American Roots Shaped His Passion for Country Music

 Although Shaboozey grew up in Virginia, his family is from Nigeria. His dad moved to Texas from Nigeria, where his love for country music began, listening to artists like Kenny Rogers and Garth Brooks. 

Shaboozey also enjoyed traditional Nigerian music and popular radio hits, including Nelly. Spending two years in a Nigerian boarding school, he developed an appreciation for the outdoors. “Agriculture is a big thing there,” he told GQ. “You’re growing what you eat. I think there’s a connection there.”

Stage Name Origin

The name “Shboozey” comes from the last part of his birth name, Collins Obinna Chibueze. In high school, the nickname stuck, and he decided to keep it. “Chibueze” means “God is King” in Igbo.

Musical Start in the SoundCloud Era

Shaboozey began his musical journey rapping during the SoundCloud era. Influenced by rappers like Drake and Joey Bada$$, and the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and northern Virginia) rap scene, he embraced his love for music.

First Record Deal in 2018

The country music star first signed to Republic Records after moving to Los Angelos in 2018. He then released his first album. That same year, he scored a collaboration with label mate Duckwrth for a song featured on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

By 2021, Empire Records had scooped then 23-year-old Shaboozey, according to The Washington Post. Then, the rest was history.

From Aspiring Author to Music Star

Shaboozey originally wanted to be a writer, but music became his passion. “I still get to tell stories, but instead of books, I’m writing Billboard hits,” he told Harper’s Bazaar. 

His latest single, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” reached the top of the Hot 100 chart, making him the first Black man to achieve this in country music. Just before him, Beyoncé made history as the first Black woman to top the Country Music charts with “TEXAS HOLD EM.”

Celebrating his accomplishment, the Virginia native posted on X, “TAKE A DOUBLE SHOT OF WHISKEY 4 ME!”