Shaboozey’s slow-burning hybrid of hip-hop and country is finally the biggest song in the land

Shaboozey, a trailblazing Black country rapper and singer, is currently celebrating a significant milestone in his career. His song “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100, making him the first Black male artist to achieve this feat on both the Hot 100 and the Hot Country Songs charts. This accomplishment follows his collaboration with Beyoncé on her album “Cowboy Carter,” which helped catapult him into the limelight.

Shaboozey’s success is a notable moment in the history of Black country artists, often overlooked in the genre’s mainstream narrative. He contrasts with pioneers like Charley Pride, who faced significant barriers, including having their music distributed without promotional photos to obscure their race. Shaboozey’s journey has been more direct and defiant, with his album’s video trailer openly challenging the gatekeepers of country music.

Source: NPR