These days, a new Beyoncé album is generally cause for celebration – fans poring over album covers, track lists, song lyrics and release plans, looking for hidden gems and rare treasures. For Cowboy Carterher latest album released in March, one of those gems came in the form of Shaboozey, the up-and-coming country singer who's been making some small waves in his career to date and was featured on two of the album's tracks, “Spaghetti” featuring Linda Martell” and “Sweet/Honey/Buckiin.”
If those guest spots introduced Shaboozey into the pop culture mainstream, it was what followed that really brought him to the fore. Two weeks after its release Cowboy Carter, the Virginia-born singer has released “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” via American Dogwood/EMPIRE, a spin-off of J-Kwon's 2004 song “Tipsy” that's a fun, infectious song that's quickly won over hearts. , minds — and a very captive audience. This week, the song takes a historic leap Advertising signHot Country Songs chart, which rises from No. 6 to No. 1 — and replaces Beyoncé's “Texas Hold 'Em” at the top of the chart, marking the first time two black artists have led the chart in as many weeks since which chart became a comprehensive species classification in 1958.
The song, which will herald the artist's next album, Where I've been is not where I'm goingdue for release on May 31, was on such a rise that even the week Taylor Swift flooded the Hot 100 with her new song 31 Department of Tormented Poets The album, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was one of only two songs on the entire Hot 100 increase, as it moved from No. 36 to No. 27, with a possible jump into the top five charts for next week as Swift's fervor subsides. And all that momentum is helping co-manager Range Media Jared Cotter win his title Advertising sign's Executive of the Week.
Here, Cotter talks about how Beyoncé's appearance helped fuel Shaboozey's latest hit, the value of being in the right place at the right time (and being prepared for the moment to come), and the success that brought them here. “He's going to be a superstar who continues to push boundaries and make great music for years to come,” says Cotter. “This is just the beginning.”
This week, Shaboozey's “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” hit No. 1 on Hot Country Songs, his first chart topper. What key decision did you make to help make this happen?
A key decision was to make sure we were prepared for Beyoncé's moment. We didn't even have it 100% locked in, but I wanted the team to be prepared if it happened, so we pushed the original release date of the song back three weeks. In this way we were able to take advantage of a truly extremely unique opportunity with a lot of warmth and algorithmic love. The Beyoncé Bounce is real!
The song replaced Beyoncé's “Texas Hold 'Em” at No. 1, the first time in history that two black artists led the chart back to back. What is the significance of this for you and Shaboozey?
As black people, we are aware of and in awe of the history we have created. Country is a genre that has historically been very closed off and something like this would normally never happen. It's a positive sign that times are changing and that country listeners just want great music, no matter who it's coming from. Kudos to Beyoncé and her team for breaking down that door.
Shaboozey has been buzzing for a while, but exploded into the mainstream with two features on Beyoncé Cowboy Carter album. How did that come about and how were you able to use that momentum to promote “A Bar Song”?
Beyoncé was already familiar with Boozey because her team—including her mom, Tina Knowles — showed us a lot of love on Shaboozey's “Let It Burn.” But mostly Beyoncé's features came about because her A&R, Ricky Lawson, happened to be at our Range Showcase night at the Winston House in Venice, CA. Shaboozey is an incredible live performer and that night was special. It's a testament to taking advantage of the opportunities that come your way because you never know who's watching.
On this week's Hot 100, amid a flood of new songs from Taylor Swift, “A Bar Song” was one of only two songs on the entire chart to actually climb, going from No. 36 to No. 27. How was it possible to do this song?
It's the perfect song. It has a tried and true jam on J-Kwon's “Tipsy” so the familiarity is there and everything about the verse and chorus is a hook. Plus, it's fun. After the success with Paul Russell's hit “Lil Boo Thang” this year, I really think people just want to have fun again.
Shaboozey first teamed up with EMPIRE in 2021 and is having this huge moment three years later. Why did EMPIRE's collaboration make sense in a traditional Nashville-style deal, and how did you build his career during that time to lay the foundation for this moment now?
EMPIRE has been an incredible partner. What Gas pedal, Nima [Etminan] and Tina [Davis] What they've built is nothing short of amazing – I don't think they get enough credit for what they've done and continue to do across multiple genres. They've been huge supporters of Shaboozey and shown tremendous patience as he discovers his sound. Now that the time is right, they are throwing everything into this project with staff and resources. Their belief in him is felt by everyone on their team. As a manager I couldn't be happier to work with all of EMPIRE, including her Sac Pache, Peter Kadin and Harrison Golding.
With Morgan Wallen, Zach Bryan, and Bailey Zimmerman, among others, country music has had a big push this past year and counting. At the same time, Range has signed more country acts lately and is investing in the genre. Did you see this rise in country music coming and how to capitalize on the genre's mainstream popularity moving forward?
Yes. Range is at the forefront of this revolution in the country and I am delighted to add my energy. It was extremely valuable to lean on country music veterans on the Range like Matt Graham, Jack Minihan and Shawn McSpadden as I navigate a new genre as a manager. Our staff in our newly opened Nashville office is second to none, and we will continue to capitalize on the rise with passion, expertise and boots on the ground.
What's next for Shaboozey?
More great music and great shows are coming to a city near you. He will be a superstar who continues to push boundaries and make great music for years to come. This is just the beginning.
