Shaboozey’s Journey to Stardom: From Struggles to Global Hitmaker with Beyoncé’s Game-Changing Advice
In the fast-paced, ever-changing world of music, few artists manage to stand out and carve their own unique path. Shaboozey, who exploded onto the scene with his smash hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” has risen to the top ranks of the industry with a sound that blends hip-hop and country in a fresh and distinctive way. But his path to stardom wasn’t without its hurdles.
When Shaboozey began recording for Beyoncé’s highly acclaimed album Cowboy Carter, he found himself overwhelmed by the magnitude of the project and his own self-doubt. He feared that his vocal abilities didn’t measure up to the high bar set by the legendary Queen B herself.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Shaboozey revealed the advice that would change his life and career trajectory forever. “When I was recording the songs on her album, I was like, ‘Oh man, I can’t do these runs,’ or ‘I am nowhere near the vocalist, performer, or anything Beyoncé is,'” Shaboozey confessed. “I kind of got in my head about that.”
But instead of letting self-doubt hold him back, the support and guidance from Beyoncé’s team helped him realize something crucial: his unique qualities were his greatest strength. “What they told me was, ‘Hey, we brought you here for you to do you, for you to be yourself,'” Shaboozey shared. “The most important lesson I took is to just be yourself.”
Confidence in Uniqueness: Shaboozey’s Defining Moment
It was this pivotal advice that helped Shaboozey shift his perspective and gain confidence in his abilities. Rather than focusing on the areas where he felt he was lacking, he embraced his individuality. “Just be confident in the fact that you are different, you are unique, and that’s what people are going to resonate with,” Shaboozey added.
And resonate they did. His infectious personality and raw authenticity quickly captured the attention of music lovers worldwide, culminating in the meteoric success of “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” This record-breaking hit catapulted Shaboozey to superstardom, reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and setting an unprecedented 19-week streak at the top of the Hot 100. The song even surpassed the record set by Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” further solidifying Shaboozey’s place in music history.
Influences and Inspirations: A Fusion of Country and Hip-Hop
While Shaboozey’s sound is distinctly his own, he acknowledges the influences of both hip-hop legends and iconic country stars that shaped his musical journey. “Along with hip-hop artists, I was influenced by legends like The Rolling Stones, Waylon Jennings, Bob Dylan, and Johnny Cash,” Shaboozey revealed. “I would say Johnny Cash was someone who resonated with me very early on. Marty Robbins, too. His voice was just so sweet and distinct. Marty was really cool, especially in my later years, and seeing the parallels between country music, storytelling, and hip-hop.”
These influences can be heard in Shaboozey’s music, where he seamlessly blends country storytelling with the rhythmic, lyrical flow of hip-hop. His ability to merge these two seemingly disparate genres has won him a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim.
A Year Like No Other: Shaboozey’s Unstoppable Rise
2024 has been nothing short of an extraordinary year for Shaboozey. His single “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” continues to dominate the charts, and he has performed alongside some of the biggest names in music. One of the highlights of his year was a performance at the NFL Halftime Show in Houston, where he shared the stage with Beyoncé during the iconic “Beyoncé Bowl” on Christmas Day.
Shaboozey’s ability to collaborate with artists of Beyoncé’s caliber speaks volumes about his talent, work ethic, and ability to transcend genres. As his career continues to soar, it’s clear that his journey has only just begun.
Looking Ahead: Shaboozey’s Future in the Spotlight
As Shaboozey reflects on his rise to fame, one thing is certain: he’s not slowing down anytime soon. His musical style continues to evolve, and his unique blend of genres promises to make waves in the industry for years to come. With the lessons he’s learned from legends like Beyoncé, Johnny Cash, and Marty Robbins, Shaboozey is ready to take the world by storm.
Shaboozey’s story is one of self-discovery, resilience, and unwavering confidence in his ability to stand out in a crowded industry. As he continues to build on his success, one thing is for sure: he’s here to stay. His message to other aspiring artists? “Just be yourself, and the world will resonate with you.”