Shaboozey

Shaboozey Biography by Neil Z. Yeung Lady Wrangler The genre-blending multi-hyphenate known as Shaboozey is an eclectic musician, filmmaker, author, and producer whose sound draws varied inspiration from country music, classic rock, '80s pop culture, Afro-beat, jazz, and hip-hop. Though his first output arrived in 2014 in the form of the "Jeff Gordon" single, he wouldn't release his official debut full-length until 2018. That album, Lady Wrangler, was followed by the country- and trap-infused Cowboys Live Forever, Outlaws Never Die in 2022. Born Collins Chibueze to Nigerian parents in northern Virginia, he was sent to Nigeria in junior high for boarding school. While there, he developed a sense of rhythm and delved into his cultural heritage. Back in the U.S., he began making music inspired by the likes of Led Zeppelin, Fela Kuti, the Clipse, Roger Waters, and even Backstreet Boys. One of those tracks, "Jeff Gordon," blended ominous trap with haunting piano, highlighting his desire to create a distinctive hybrid sound. Later, songs such as "Starfoxx" and "Robert Plant" caught the attention of Republic Records, and Chibueze signed with the label in 2017. The next year, he issued the singles "Break the Band (How Could She?)" and "Winning Streak," which combined a bluesy guitar solo, hazy production, and his soulful blend of R&B singing and poetic rapping. The latter song appeared on his official debut LP, Lady Wrangler, which was released that October. Shaboozey's sophomore album, Cowboys Live Forever, Outlaws Never Die, arrived in October 2022 and found him further blurring the genre lines between hip-hip and country. The album featured the single "Tall Boy" and included guest appearances by Powers Pleasant and RMR.