To be honest: A country version of “Tipsy”, the noughties party anthem by J-Kwon, wasn‘t on our list for 2024. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” by Shaboozey is exactly that though, it has hit No. 1 on the US Hot 100 Charts at the time of writing, and the song looks like the hottest contender for summer anthem of the year in the country. What’s even more noteworthy: The Nigerian-American singer is the first Black male artist to simultaneously top both the Hot 100 charts and Hot Country Songs charts. That’s history right there.
That’s because the success of Shaboozey’s blend of Country, Hip-Hop, Trap, Folk und Americana marks a pivotal moment in music history: Not only does “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” showcase the 29 year old singer’s lyrical prowess and charismatic delivery via mixing 2004’s “Tipsy” with alcohol-fueled tales from the honky tonk.
The success of Shaboozey’s contemporary country sound also underscores a broader cultural shift towards diversity in cowboy culture and country music, a genre traditionally perceived as predominantly White – despite Black Country legends like Linda Martell, Country Hall of Famer Charley Pride and countless others, who have helped shape the genre since its inception.
Topping both the genre’s niche charts and the Billboard Hot 100 is yet another milestone for Black artists in country music. Especially given that Shaboozey is succeeding the reign of Beyoncé, who just recently set the record for the first Black female artist to top both charts simultaneously with “Texas, Hold ‘Em” – a single from her Cowboy Carter album, on which Shaboozey landed three prominent guest spots too, by the way.
