“A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Shaboozey’s new single, is an unfairly catchy country ditty that will have listeners bopping along to the beat and nodding along to relatable lyrics in equal parts. Shaboozey laments his ever-growing list of expenses and wonders aloud, “This 9-to-5 ain’t workin’ / Why the hell do I work so hard? / I can’t worry about my problems / I can’t take ’em when I’m gone.”
Once the chorus hits, Shaboozey seeks a good time to take his mind off his harsh realities at the local bar: “Pour me up a double shot of whiskey / They know me and Jack Daniel’s got a history / There’s a party downtown near 5th Street / Everybody at the bar gettin’ tipsy.” As the song progresses, he swears he “ain’t changin’ for a check” and admits to waking up still drunk at 10 a.m., but that won’t stop him from regrouping to do it all again because it’s too much fun. Who doesn’t love good, clean escapism?
Watch Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” visualizer above.
For a long time now, the hip-hop community has assumed a relationship between Latto and 21 Savage, although it seems like Shaboozey didn’t get the memo. Moreover, he recently quote-tweeted a mirror selfie that she posted on the social media platform, with a very simple and hard to misinterpret message: “Hiii.” When fans pointed out that the Clayton County MC is already (presumably) taken, the Fairfax native wasted no time in doubling down. “Why they ain’t never post each other???” he responded to a fan who pointed this out, whereas when another user told him to “Focus,” he simply said, “I’m focused… on her.”
Overall, this unabashed thirsting was as comical as it was upfront, and it had a cheeky enough energy to it to lend itself well to Latto’s sense of humor if she were to respond to Shaboozey. What’s more is that this is kind of an ironic time to thirst for her considering her participation in Megan Thee Stallion’s twerking challenge. The 777 artist had previously said that she needed her man’s approval before jumping into the viral trend, and the results did not disappoint many folks online. So it seems like, even at peak heat, this relationship stays strong and unwavering.
Meanwhile, the “SWEET HONEY BUCKIIN’” rapper, singer, and songwriter is far from the first male celebrity to try to shoot their shot at Latto. Few before him have been as funny in the process, though, due to the blunt nature of the advance and for addressing the elephant in the room. If she wants to keep her personal life private, that’s entirely and reasonably within her right, but it also means that there will be plenty of people unable to stop themselves before shooting their shot. We’d bet that the 25-year-old doesn’t mind the attention either way.
Elsewhere, she defended Lizzo amid her retirement, encouraging her to stop listening to the trolls and to keep moving forward. This is an inverse of how the two artists had supported each other years prior, resulting in a full-circle moment. We’ll see what develops in that regard, or if any more suitors appear to get a rude awakening. For more news and the latest updates on Shaboozey and Latto, log back into HNHH.
Genre boundaries are constantly being broken down in the music industry. Most recently, the music world has been abuzz with the groundbreaking release of Beyoncé’s latest album, Act II: Cowboy Carter. Notably, the album features several up-and-coming Black country artists. One of these is Shaboozey.
As public interest in the featured acts is on a steady rise, Shaboozey is a unique figure regardless. The Nigerian-American singer and rapper is an exciting prospect whose ability to morph genres hasn’t gone unnoticed. The singer was not only featured on one track, but two, and this has understandably sparked curiosity, not just from the Beyhive, but from both country and Hip Hop enthusiasts. So just who is this rising talent named Shaboozey?
Born on August 9, 1995, Collins Chibueze, popularly known as Shaboozey, was born and raised in Fairfax, Virginia. As a child, he was inspired to do music after watching music videos on 106 & Park and from his experiences at a Nigerian boarding school during his junior high school days. In 2014, he founded the production company V Picture Films. That same year, he debuted his first single, “Jeff Gordon.” His talents eventually caught the attention of Republic Records, leading to a signing in 2017. The next year saw the release of his debut studio album, Lady Wrangler.
In 2022, Shaboozey signed with Empire and has continued making significant strides in his musical journey. He released his second studio album, Cowboys Live Forever, Outlaws Never Die in October 2022 under the label. He also recently released the music video for his song “Anabelle,” and has announced his next album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, scheduled for release on May 31st, 2024. He’s since served as an inspiration for up-and-coming Black country music artists.
Shaboozey’s Artistry
Shaboozey’s music boasts a fusion of compelling storytelling and infectious beats. Since his first single, he has been carving his own path through the music industry, steadily garnering attention and acclaim. The artist is renowned for seamlessly blending elements of Hip Hop and country music. Besides his solo music career, the 28-year-old worked on the acclaimed and award-winning 2018 animation Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. He collaborated with Duckwrth on the song, “Start A Riot,” for the soundtrack album.
Among the various artists featured on Beyoncé’s new album, Act II: Cowboy Carter, Shaboozey stood out for not one, but two feature slots. He collaborated with Bey on the tracks, “Spaghettii” and “Sweet Honey Buckiin’.” Throughout his musical journey, Shaboozey’s music has woven together threads from country, Americana, rock, and of course, Hip Hop. Altogether, his multifaceted musical palette fits perfectly into Cowboy Carter’s genre-bending mission. Celebrating the release of Act II: Cowboy Carter, Shaboozey took to his X account and shared his enthusiasm. He promoted the album, writing: “2 SONGS ON A BEYONCE ALBUM?!?!?! WHAT?!?!?! LIFE NOT EVEN REAL RN!!! Y’ALL CAN’T TELL ME NUN!!!! “COWBOY CARTER” OUT NOW!!!!”
The RX is Uproxx Music’s stamp of approval for the best albums, songs, and music stories throughout the year. Inclusion in this category is the highest distinction we can bestow, and signals the most important music being released throughout the year. The RX is the music you need, right now.
Beyoncé dreams of a world where everyone and everything can exist as they choose to. Where gatekeepers are without agenda beside guarding the integrity of the structure they earned the position and respect to protect. “Texas Hold ‘Em” lives in this utopia where patrons at your local dive bar dance in jolly unison and throw back shots of liquor.
When Beyoncé sings about laying your cards and throwing your keys up, it’s without a care in the world for what exists outside. Renaissance resides here too as its 16 songs are a safe space for Black, brown, and queer bodies who are not only in love with dance and ballroom but created a home for themselves there. In this utopia, there’s nothing to prove, there’s nothing to overcome, and there’s no one to fight. The sanctity of human autonomy is preserved and protected. You can be country today and dance under the disco ball tomorrow.
Cowboy Carter should’ve been born into this utopia. Instead, we have an album born out of disregard for Beyoncé’s country roots as well as her right to create as she pleases. When Beyoncé unveiled the cover for Cowboy Carter, she alluded to the criticism she faced after performing “Daddy Lessons” at the 50th CMA Awards. Beyoncé – born in Texas to parents with roots in Texas, Alabama, and Louisiana – had everything from her true intentions for the song to her country roots questioned. Ironic for the singer who was once considered “too country.”
As Beyoncé sings of dive bars, hoedowns, and tornadoes sweeping through the Lone Star State on “Texas Hold ’Em,” leads a “Riiverdance” with fingernails as her percussion, and cocks her weapon with promises to be “your shotgun ride ’til the day I die” on “II Most Wanted” with Miley Cyrus, it’s clear that questions about her country background are less about “preserving” the genre, and more about excluding stories that tell the truth about country. To bill Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter as an album built to prove these critics wrong would be to shortchange it. Instead, it finds Beyoncé using the sound and environment she was born into to expand the possibilities of genre — and leave them behind.
Eight years after “Daddy Lessons,” Beyoncé returns to her “old friend” which she greets with chippy sarcasm on the opening track to Cowboy Carter. “Ameriican Requiem,” as much as it is a requiem, is a reckoning Beyoncé seeks. Between grand, orchestral vocal runs and twangy and croaking verses, Beyoncé speaks to her critics directly: “Can you hear me? / “Or do you fear me?” The exclusion of Black and brown people in certain spaces, especially ones they occupied in abundance for as long or longer than so-called gatekeepers, is an attempt to eliminate stories of strife and struggle caused by the same group who wants to whitewash those faults in hindsight.
However, these stories will constantly resurface in the art Black and brown people create, making it hard for these antagonists to brush them off with claims that things weren’t that bad or that they’re a lot better now, a contradiction that melts the brain if you think about it too hard. They fear the reminder, but the constant presence of these stories that track our progress and celebrate those from the past who opened the doors for today are too valuable to be erased.
Cowboy Carter resurrects stories of Beyoncé’s past as well as those from Black artists in the South. “16 Carriages” mourns the innocent life she once had as a child in the land of milk & honey with a future she naively hoped would be just as sweet and nourishing. Though her music dreams came true, the price at which they were granted produced an “undеrpaid and overwhelmed” child, a mother “goin’ so hard, now I miss my kids,” a battered relationship between her parents that ended in their separation after her father’s infidelity. The record, just like Cowboy Carter, thrives in the face of unfortunate circumstances.
“Ya Ya,” a blood-pumping, foot-stomping, and hand-clapping chant, salutes the legacy of the Chitlin Circuit, a string of venues in the South that was home to Black artists who wanted to perform their music as they were denied the opportunity to do so in white venues. Undeniable legends like James Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, B.B. King, Little Richard, the Jackson 5, and Tina Turner all performed throughout the Chitlin Circuit. The Chitlin Circuit and Cowboy Carter are both born from the attempted exhalation by their respective distractors and oppressors. Their greatness won’t be questioned, but they should’ve been able to exist with better circumstances at their foundation.
Cowboy Carter doesn’t exist in the world that country is “supposed” to be in. Instead, it blends genres that go against tradition and brings us the brash “Spaghettii,” the bass-knocking “Tyrant,” the pop-leaning “Levii Jeans,” and the funky “Desert Eagle.” Things are much different in Beyoncé’s country, just as they were in her ballroom. With the inclusion of talented burgeoning artists like Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, and Shaboozey, she uncovers a side of country that deserves more time in the spotlight. It proves that country, just like other genres, is simply what you make of your roots and experiences that sprout from it. Everyone should be able to tell their story how they please. Cowboy Carter protects and advocates for the undisturbed existence of art from Black and brown creatives, and through 27 songs, Beyoncé stands as a winner in a fight that should’ve never existed.
Cowboy Carter is out now via Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records. Find out more information here.
Aside from today’s Easter holiday, many people all over the world have also been celebrating the release of BeyoncéCowboy Carter. The singer’s eighth album is also the second installation in a trilogy of albums she promised before the release of Renaissance. Cowboy Carter is a sprawling 27-track effort that captures Beyoncé in a full country swing, swapping 808s and uptempo dance production for the twang of a strumming banjo and a good ol’ time at the rodeo.
So far, Cowboy Carter has been met with positive reviews as it even went on to break a Spotify streaming record in the first 24 hours since its release. Throughout the album’s 27 songs, Beyoncé recruited help from names all over the industry. Some are frequent collaborators (The-Dream & Jay-Z) and others are new to working with Beyoncé (Shaboozey, Tanner Adell & Brittney Spencer). With all that being said, we dove into the album credits to see who helped Beyoncé make each of the songs on Cowboy Carter a reality. You can scroll down to check out the full list.
1. Ameriican Requiem
Guest Vocalists: Ink (Background Vocals) Producers: Beyoncé, Derek Dixie, Jon Batiste, Khirye Tyler, No I.D. & Tyler Johnson Co-Songwriters: Ink
2. Blackbiird
Guest Vocalists: Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy & Reyna Roberts (Featured Artists) Producers: Beyoncé, Khirye Tyler & Paul McCartney Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, John Lennon & Paul McCartney
3. 16 Carriages
Guest Vocalists: N/A Producers: Beyoncé, Ink, Dave Hamelin, Raphael Saadiq & Stuart White Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Raphael Saadiq, Ink & Dave Hamelin Drums: Lemar Carter Guitar: Dave Hamelin, Ink & Justus West Organ: Dave Hamelin & Gavin Williams Piano: Dave Hamelin Steel Guitar: Justin Schipper & Robert Rnadolph Synthesizer: Dave Hamelin Trumpet: Ryan Svendsen
4. Protector
Guest Vocalists: Rumi Carter (Intro Vocals) Producers: Beyoncé & Jack Rochon Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Ryan Beatty, Camaron Ochs & Jack Rochon
Guest Vocalists: Willie Nelson (Featured Artist) Producers: Beyoncé & Dave Hamelin Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Dave Hamelin, Jeff Gitelman & Leah Nardos Takele
15. Just For Fun
Guest Vocalists: Willie Jones Producers: Beyoncé & Dave Hamelin Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Dave Hamelin, Jeff Gitelman, & Ryan Beatty
16. II Most Wanted
Guest Vocalists: Miley Cyrus (Featured Artist) Producers: Beyoncé, Jonathan Rado, Michael Pollack, Miley Cyrus & Shawn Everett Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Michael Pollack, Miley Cyrus & Ryan Tedder
17. Levii’s Jeans
Guest Vocalists: Post Malone (Featured Artist) Producers: Beyoncé & Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Austin Post (Post Malone), Nile Rodgers, S. Carter (Jay-Z) & Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant
Guest Vocalists: N/A Producers: Beyoncé, Dave Hamelin & Jack Rochon Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Ryan Beatty, Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant, Dave Hamelin, Mark Spears & Jack Rochon
25. Tyrant
Guest Vocalists: Dolly Parton Producers: Beyoncé, D.A. Got That Dope & Khirye Tyler Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Camaron Ochs, David Doman, Dominik Redenczki, Ezemdi Chikwendu & Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant
26. Sweet ★ Honey ★ Buckiin’
Guest Vocalists: Shaboozey (Featured Artist) Producers: Beyoncé & Pharrell Williams Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Collins Chibueze (Shaboozey), Hank Cochran, Harlan Howard, S. Carter (Jay-Z), Terius “The-Dream” Gesteelde-Diamant & Pharrell Williams
27. Amen
Guest Vocalists: Danielle Balbuena (070 Shake) Producers: Beyoncé, 070 Shake, Dave Hamlin, Derek Dixie, Ian Fitchuck, Sean Solymar, Tyler Johnson Co-Songwriters: Beyoncé, Camaron Ochs, Danielle Balbuena (070 Shake), Darius Dixon, Dave Hamelin, Derek Dixie, Ian Fitchuk & Tyler Johnson
Cowboy Carter is out now via Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records. Find out more information here.
Beyoncé has officially released her eighth studio album, COWBOY CARTER. It is the second installment of a three-act trilogy following 2022’s Renaissance. COWBOY CARTER sees Beyoncé fully diving into the realm of country, tapping into her Texan roots. Prior to her latest release, she first ventured into the genre on “Daddy Lessons” from 2016’s Lemonade. The latest album’s lead singles “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and “16 CARRIAGES” appear on the new 27-track album, of which Beyoncé handles the majority herself. There are, however, numerous guest appearances that contribute vocals throughout the tracklist. As we begin to digest her latest album, we are ranking Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER features from least to greatest. This list excludes those who speak on the interludes, such as Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Linda Martell, and Rumi Carter. Take a look at the list below.
Featured on both “SPAGHETTII” and “SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN’” is hip hop and country artist Shaboozey. “SPAGHETTII” is easily the most rap-oriented song on the album, and Shaboozey assists Beyoncé in bridging the the two genres. However, his overall performance is nothing outstanding compared to other COWBOY CARTER guest features. The same can be said about Shaboozey’s appearance on “SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN’.” He lends his vocals to the first part of the song, which fuses country and Jersey club. Shaboozey’s guest features ensure vocal variety on the 27-track album, but they are not memorable in the grand scheme of the tracklist.
4. “BLACKBIIRD” – Tanner Adell, Brittany Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, & Reyna Roberts
COWBOY CARTER’s second song is one of a few different Beyoncé covers. She reimagines The Beatles’ “Blackbird,” enlisting Tanner Adell, Brittany Spencer, Tiera Kennedy, and Reyna Roberts as features on the song. The up-and-coming country artists get a moment to shine, especially Adell. Due to the song being a cover and its short runtime, the artists’ feature feels more like a brief solo than a complete collaboration. Their appearances may be short, but being a featured artist on a Beyoncé album is the ultimate cosign.
Post Malone’s surprise feature on COWBOY CARTER is one of the album’s best collaborations. On “LEVII’S JEANS,” his voice sounds very comfortable over the mid-tempo guitar strumming. He also pushes himself vocally, which is a necessity for those who sing alongside Beyoncé. The collaboration feels very natural and works for both of their musical styles. With the two being in completely different artistic places earlier in their careers, now was the perfect moment for Post Malone and Beyoncé to sing together.
2. “JUST FOR FUN” – Willie Jones
Willie Jones’s feature on “JUST FOR FUN” might be brief, but he leaves quite the impression. An instant standout on COWBOY CARTER, his feature is its very own moment, especially when he and Beyoncé sing together. Their voices complement each other nicely, with the bass of Jones’s voice coinciding with Beyoncé’s deeper register. Willie Jones does not overstay his welcome on “JUST FOR FUN,” but his presence certainly enhances the track.
Easily the standout COWBOY CARTER feature is on “II MOST WANTED,” a beautiful duet between Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus. Over the course of her career, Cyrus has shown that country is her true calling, which “II MOST WANTED” reinforces. It is the style of music over which she sounds most comfortable and is able to showcase her vocal ability. Beyoncé’s smooth and overpowering voice, combined with Miley’s gentle and gruff tone, blend seamlessly as they sing with one another. While Beyoncé’s voice tends to vocally outshine anyone, their voices come together in country music. Miley Cyrus’s feature on “II MOST WANTED” is undoubtedly the most memorable and impressive feature on COWBOY CARTER. It feels like a true collaboration more than any other guest appearance.
With Beyoncé set to drop her new Cowboy Carter album in a couple of hours, fans had wondered if she’d be having any special guests on the album — after she revealed the tracklist yesterday. We now know the record will include collaborations with Post Malone, Miley Cyrus, Willie Nelson, and Shaboozey.
However, not many people were familiar with Shaboozey, who will appear on “Spaghettii.” Here’s what to know.
Who Is Shaboozey? Meet The Singer On Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter
Shaboozey is a 28-year-old rising musician from Virginia. He has released two albums influenced by country, including 2018’s Lady Wrangler and 2022’s Cowboys Live Forever, Outlaws Never Die — which is likely how he ended up on Beyoncé’s radar.
He also contributed a song with Duckwrth called “Start A Riot” to the soundtrack of 2018’s Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse.
For those looking to check out Shaboozey’s recent tunes before Cowboy Carter is out, he has released two singles this year. The first, “Anabelle,” is a catchy blend of rock and country, and is a perfect introduction to his talent as a vocalist. His most recent song is “Vegas,” a slower track that leans more into the country inspiration, as the instrumental incorporates a whistling sound out of a western movie.
Cowboy Carter is out 3/29 via Parkwood/Columbia. Find more information here.
The Beyoncé story continues with the release of her latest album, Cowboy Carter. She didn’t make the project by herself, though, so these are the artists she got to feature on the album.
Who Is Featured On Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Album?
As Consequence notes, the full tracklist with features was revealed before the album’s North American release, when it started being available in international markets like Australia and New Zealand. Shaboozey, Miley Cyrus, and Post Malone are featured on the album. The site also reports the album is presented in the style of a country radio show, and Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Linda Martell appear as DJs. On a related note, the album also features covers of Parton’s “Jolene” and The Beatles’ “Blackbird.”
Check out the album’s full tracklist below.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tracklist
1. “Ameriican Requiem”
2. “Blackbird” (The Beatles cover)
3. “16 Carriages”
4. “Protector”
5. “My Rose”
6. “Smoke Hour With Willie Nelson”
7. “Texas Hold ‘Em”
8. “Bodyguard”
9. “Dolly P”
10. “Jolene” (Dolly Parton cover)
11. “Daughter”
12. “Spaghettii” Feat. Shaboozey
13. “Alliigator Tears”
14. “Smoke Hour II”
15. “Just For Fun”
16. “II Most Wanted” Feat. Miley Cyrus
17. “Levii’s Jeans” Feat. Post Malone
18. “Flamenco”
19. “The Linda Martell Show”
20. “Ya Ya”
21. “Oh Louisiana”
22. “Desert Eagle”
23. “Riiverdance”
24. “II Hands II Heaven”
25. “Tyrant”
26. “Sweet Honey Buckin’”
27. “Amen”
Cowboy Carter is out 3/29 via Parkwood/Columbia. Find more information here.
Beyonce has certainly been wowing hip-hop and country fans with recent singles “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” and “16 CARRIAGES.” However, there is another artist we feel you should be paying attention to that may be doing it a bit better. Shaboozey, a native of Virginia and of Nigerian descent, has been blowing up over the past couple of months. However, the 28-year-old has been mixing elements of hip-hop and country since the mid 2010s. Today, we excited to cover our first Shaboozey track “Vegas.”
A song that has turned a lot of hip-hop fans heads as of late has been “Let It Burn.” The track released in October of 2023 and it sees Shaboozey bust out his rapping chops on the second half. What also makes the break-up song work so well is his standout deep and husky voice. Even in a high register, he shines as well.
“Vegas” incorporates some similar elements of that song, but this one is a little less explosive. However, that is not to say it is a bad song by any means. In fact, it is quite catchy, probably even more so than “Let It Burn.” Once again, you will here Shaboozey pick up the speed on his lone verse. This track definitely has the tone of an old western and it is another welcome addition into his catalog.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new single, “Vegas,” by Shaboozey? Is this the country singer’s best song to date, why or why not? Have you been checking out more country music after hearing his tracks? What is your favorite song of his and why? Do you think he needs to drop a new album this year? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Shaboozey. Finally, stay with us for everything the most informative song posts throughout the week.
Quotable Lyrics:
I pour my shame inside my cup and drink myself to sleep If I make it through the night, then it’s a sweet dream I got demons, devils, calling me Play by the gutter, covered in dirt, got it all over me I’m sipping on whiskey, I’m feeling it now Tell momma I’m sorry for letting her down
