From Cowboys to Hip-Hop: The Music of Shaboozey|Pop Culture | Switching Styles
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From Cowboys to Hip-Hop: The Music of Shaboozey

  • Writer: Dylanna Fisher
    Dylanna Fisher
  • Aug 20
  • 2 min read

In a music industry often confined by rigid genre lines, Shaboozey emerges as a trailblazer, seamlessly blending hip-hop, country, rock, and Americana into a unique and captivating sound. Born in Virginia and armed with an eclectic array of influences, he has steadily built a career marked by innovation and fearless storytelling. With collaborations alongside some of the biggest names in music and a rapidly growing fanbase, Shaboozey is redefining contemporary music and making waves across multiple genres.

A Unique Sound Rooted in Heritage and Influence

Born Collins Obinna Chibueze on May 9, 1995, in Woodbridge, Virginia, Shaboozey’s stage name stems from a high school football coach’s mispronunciation of his last name. His Nigerian heritage and American upbringing have deeply influenced his musical style, creating a distinctive fusion that sets him apart.

Drawing inspiration from legendary artists like the Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, Johnny Cash, and Bob Dylan, he also incorporates elements of Afrobeat, jazz, and even cinematic storytelling influenced by Martin Scorsese’s films. This diverse mix of inspirations results in a sound that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, allowing him to connect with audiences across cultural and musical boundaries.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Growing up in a Nigerian-American household, Shaboozey was exposed to a rich blend of cultural influences that shaped his artistic perspective. Initially drawn to storytelling through writing, he eventually found his true calling in music.

His breakthrough came with “Jeff Gordon,” a track that fused NASCAR culture with hip-hop and trap beats, setting the foundation for his genre-blending style.

Career Breakthrough and Mainstream Success

Shaboozey’s debut album, Lady Wrangler (2018), established his artistry, but it was Cowboys Live Forever, Outlaws Never Die (2022) that earned him widespread recognition in both hip-hop and country music circles. However, his third album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going (2024), launched him into mainstream fame.

With the chart-topping single “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and high-profile collaborations with Beyoncé on SPAGHETTIIand Sweet Honey Buckiin’, Shaboozey solidified his status as a boundary-breaking artist. His ability to weave compelling narratives while merging multiple genres has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following. With five Grammy nominations in 2025 and a career on an upward trajectory, he continues to push creative boundaries and redefine the musical landscape.

Conclusion

Shaboozey is redefining what it means to be a musician in today’s world. His fearless fusion of genres, raw storytelling, and innovative sound make him a standout artist with a promising future.

He is more than just a musician—he is a visionary who challenges the norms of the industry. His genre-defying sound and fearless innovation ensure that his music remains fresh, unique, and deeply personal. Whether you’re a fan of country, hip-hop, rock, or a fusion of all three, Shaboozey offers something truly special.

Explore More of Shaboozey’s Work

Want to hear more? Follow Shaboozey on streaming platforms and social media to stay updated on his latest releases. And don’t forget to share your favorite Shaboozey track with us in the comments!

With his career on the rise and his sound defying categorization, Shaboozey is undoubtedly an artist to watch. Stay tuned for more from this groundbreaking musician!

Switching Styles is based in central Alberta, on the enduring homelands of many Indigenous Peoples, including the Beaver, Big Stone Cree, Cree, Dënéndeh, Ĩyãħé Nakón mąkóce (Stoney), Kelly Lake Métis Settlement Society, Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis, Lheidli T’enneh, Michif Piyii (Métis), Mountain Métis, Niitsítpiis-stahkoii (Blackfoot / Niitsítapi), Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Tsuut’ina, ᓀᐦᐃᔭᐤ ᐊᐢᑭᕀ Nêhiyaw-Askiy (Plains Cree), Woodland Cree, and many others. As a Canadian music platform, we recognize that the arts exist within broader systems shaped by colonial history. Colonial policies and practices deliberately sought to suppress Indigenous cultures, traditions, and songs. We acknowledge this history and its ongoing impacts of colonialism. We are grateful for the opportunity to share music and culture on these lands, and we commit to ongoing learning, accountability, respect, and meaningful action.
 

We commit to supporting Indigenous voices and ensuring that Indigenous music, stories, and cultures are protected, amplified, and never erased.

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