Before breaking Billboard records with “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey admits he felt completely lost. In his latest People cover, he talks about pursuing music, how he’s ushering in his next decade and why he wants to outdo his breakout hit. Read more and check out the full story inside.
“Pretty directionless,” is how he described the early years of his music career to People, bursting with ideas but unsure how to channel them. The Virginia-raised artist, born Collins Obinna Chibueze, once chased complex concepts like a western trilogy album and a rock opera. But it wasn’t until he let go of overthinking that lightning finally struck.
“I was almost self-sabotaging because everything had to be intentional and connected,” he shared. Then came “A Bar Song,” an interpolation of J-Kwon’s 2004 hit “Tipsy” that became an unexpected cultural phenomenon. “It’s a testament to just having fun in the studio and not thinking too much.”
The result? A record-breaking single that still holds a top 5 position on the Billboard Hot 100, made Shaboozey a five-time Grammy nominee, and landed him on stages from Coachella to SNL. But even with the accolades, he’s not coasting.
“I want to outdo this song,” he told the publication. “You’ll drive yourself crazy trying to compete, but I want to keep making music people know across the world.”
Growing up as the second of four children to Nigerian parents in Woodbridge, VA, Shaboozey credits his strong work ethic to his family. He gave a special nod to his father, who worked his way through college with dishwashing jobs and a love for country music.
His genre-blending 2024 album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going cemented his unique sound, fusing hip-hop roots with Southern rock and Americana. As he prepares for his first headlining U.S. tour this fall, Shaboozey is also expanding his reach. He eyeing a production company, signing new artists to his American Dogwood label, and showcasing his love of fashion.
Still, he remains grounded. “As long as you’re inspired, you can create something that changes your life,” he says. “Who knows what the next thing will be? This is when the fun begins.”
Check out the full story here.
