Shaboozey’s rise in country music reached new heights when his song A Bar Song (Tipsy) became a massive hit. But his journey to stardom started earlier, thanks to his feature on Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning album. Recently, the singer—born Collins Obinna Chibueze—shared a powerful piece of advice he received from Queen Bey herself, one that has stayed with him ever since.
In an interview with People, the 29-year-old singer reflected on his experience working with the music icon, calling it an unforgettable moment in his career. But beyond the studio sessions and creative collaborations, Beyoncé left him with words that changed his perspective: Be yourself. That simple yet profound guidance helped him embrace his unique artistry with confidence.
“When I was recording for her album, I kept thinking, ‘Oh man, I can’t do these vocal runs,’ or ‘I’m nowhere near Beyoncé’s level as a vocalist or performer,’” Shaboozey admitted. “I got in my own head about it.”
However, he recalled being reassured by her team: “They told me, ‘Hey, we brought you here for a reason—to be yourself.’”
Beyoncé herself echoed this sentiment, telling him, ‘Just be confident in the fact that you are different, you are unique, and that’s what people will connect with.’ Those words gave Shaboozey the confidence to own his sound and lean into his individuality.
And that authenticity paid off. A Bar Song (Tipsy) skyrocketed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and spent an impressive 19 weeks on the Hot 100—surpassing the record previously set by Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road for country-hip-hop crossovers.
Shaboozey also opened up about his early love for country music, citing legends like Johnny Cash and Marty Robbins as inspirations. Their storytelling and distinctive vocal styles shaped his approach to the genre.
Beyond his solo success, his contributions to Cowboy Carter went beyond just being a featured artist—he also co-wrote Spaghettii, a track that brought together a star-studded lineup, including country greats Linda Martell, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson, alongside modern stars Miley Cyrus and Post Malone.
With a sound that blends country, hip-hop, and storytelling, Shaboozey is proving that staying true to himself—just as Beyoncé advised—is the key to standing out in the industry.