Celebrity Coverage
Shaboozey: country music’s newest star
Photo source: Daniel Prakopcyk
Shaboozey is carving out his own lane. Building on the success of her appearance on two of Beyoncé’s songs, “SPAGHETTII” and “SWEET HONEY BUCKIIN’,” the Virginia native’s country song “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” became a Top 100 hit on the Billboard 100. The album combines the sounds of hip-hop, country and folk right into a sonic melting pot that could be a microcosm of Shaboozey’s sound as an entire. In the face of his newfound fame, he desires to take his music to the subsequent level while highlighting all of the black talent that the genre of country music has to supply.
Born Collins Obinna Chibueze, Shaboozey grew up immersed in an eclectic mixture of music that included every little thing from classic hip-hop and R&B to country icons corresponding to Kenny Rogers and Garth Brooks. “My sound comes from this whole melting pot,” he tells ESSENCE. “He comes from Virginia. It’s just Virginia to a T. Honestly, I just wanted to lay the groundwork for other artists in the area to not be confused about what this sound is and should be.” Although his childhood dream was to turn into a novelist, he began experimenting with making music in highschool and shortly joined a collective of local artists – and the remaining, as they are saying, was history.
Now the Nigerian-born singer, songwriter, filmmaker and music producer is preparing to release his debut country album titled The upcoming project focuses on Shaboozey’s incredibly detailed storytelling and soulful vocals. Songs like “Let it burn“, a haunting song about heartbreak”Annabelle” and most recently “Vegas” were met with each critical and industrial acclaim, which raised expectations for the star’s recent work.
“It’s some of the best music I’ve made in a long time,” Shaboozey says of the album. “I’m very excited about the collaboration I’ve had on this film; We introduce them slowly as we speak and they sound amazing. It’s cool to collaborate in this process and have access and talk to some of the people who inspired me to create this project, so I’m really grateful for that.”
With a slate of chart-topping songs, newfound fame, and infinite creativity, Shaboozey has a protracted profession ahead of him – and he desires to take the world with him.
ESSENCE: Your artistry could be very unique. Can you speak about your beginnings in music and what was the primary art form you were exposed to as a baby?
Shaboozey: I believe everyone listens to music, especially at a young age. You are exposed to every little thing, TV, radio, what your parents are playing, just different events, weddings, cooking. So I believe all of us encountered music quite early. It’s probably not the primary day we were born, but in my case, my parents immigrated here from Nigeria. I used to be born in Virginia. My dad, who also went to school in Texas, then moved to Virginia. He was also exposed to country music, in order that got thrown into the combination as well. So it’s hard to reply this query because I believe music has all the time been around me.
In your earlier profession, your sound was more influenced by trap and hip-hop. Now it is a heavier mixture of country, folk-pop and more. When did this transformation in your music occur and what inspired this transformation in your sound?
I believe obviously growing up – I used to be an enormous hip hop fan. If I turned on MTV or turned on , I might see Ja Rule, Chingy, J Kwon and others. That’s why I do know every hit from 1999 to the current – every hip-hop song. In highschool, girls loved Drake and Future, so we began desirous about it. And then I believe sooner or later when it got here to me making music, all of us rapped because that was the thing you probably did. It was sort of what was around, what my friends were playing and every little thing, and within the football locker room, what I mean? You’re not going to pretend to be Garth Brooks simply to get hot.
So I believe playing sports gave me a predisposed must go to the studio. And then I believe after I began desirous about it, I asked myself, “What will set me apart? How can I stand out?” And then I ponder, “What do I want my message to be? Where am I from?” Hip-hop is very important depending on where you come from. You have people like Goodie Mob in Atlanta, Future, etc. You have your people in New York, you have people from the West Coast and the Midwest. So I asked, ” What does this mean for Virginia? Why do I need this where I come from?”
I believe that put me on a mission to see what was around me. What are some features of Virginia which might be unique to this region that usually are not found elsewhere? So I began in search of outdoor things. We have Cabela’s. Many people engage in outdoor activities. We fish, we wish to go to the bay, we go to the paths, to the Shenandoah Valley. We even have the Richmond International Raceway and NASCAR. We got some of these things too. And then there’s also Pharrell, there’s also Missy, there’s also Timbaland, there’s also Patsy Klein, the old country singer. Beyonce put her personal songs on “Sweet Honey Buckin.”
You mentioned Beyoncé in your previous answer. I desired to ask you ways you two got together and what was your experience, recording process like while you made music together with her?
Yeah, after I got here into this place, there wasn’t a number of representation there. Of course you might have Darius Rucker, Jimmy Allen, Mickey Guyton and Charlie Pride, all those people. But it isn’t lots should you compare the variety of hip-hop artists, R&B artists. You go to country music, there’s about 4 or five. As for the brand new ones, again there usually are not lots of them. So I believe after I set out on this journey, I didn’t realize how difficult it might be to realize acceptance there, not only from white people, but in addition from black people and the industry as an entire.
When I did that, I saw it as a chance because people see that you simply are following your path. So I believe when Beyonce decided to take a risk and express that a part of her artistry, it made sense. When you concentrate on this music, genre and magnificence, my name comes up very often. So truthfully, I believe it made sense. Many fans have requested this. Many of her fans asked within the comments, “Oh, are you recording a country album? If you aren’t getting Shaboozey, this will likely be an issue. So the universe, man, a number of people put their energy into wanting this to occur and manifest – I believe it has come true.
You had a successful profession before, but I do know you are getting more attention now, you are energetic . How has your life and profession modified because you appeared on the album?
Oh yes. He is certainly one of the best artists of all time, an all-time artist. Because I’m black, lots of my relations, especially the ladies in my life, are die-hard fans. She’s having a tough time. So to see your cousin, brother or member of the family on something like this can be a crazy move for me. But it has definitely modified. It had some of the famous projects and implementations of the yr. She was making history. We made history or are making history. And that is a blessing, man. My life has definitely modified, as you’ll expect. People are taking pictures and lots of eyes are on me, many ears are on me, individuals are what I say. If I say I ate turkey bacon this morning, it’d make the news. This is cool. It’s great to have such an enormous platform now, to give you the option to confer with more people and spread my message.
How do you’re feeling in regards to the recent popularity of black artists within the country genre straight away?
I believe this has already been done, but I still think there continues to be lots to do. We are still in its early stages. I still think individuals are listening and tuning in, but I still think there’s a number of work to be done. Even when all is alleged and done, I still don’t think there are that lots of us. There are other artists who have not even been tested, like Buffalo Kin, a black country artist who sings more traditional, classic bluegrass Americana music. Kashus Culpepper, War and Treaty, all these people who find themselves still making music that I actually like, bluegrass Americana. So I need to see more people talking about these guys and what they do, because they’re amazing voices that I believe are still misaligned.
Celebrity Coverage
Travis Hunter’s father receives the court’s consent to personally be a witness to NFL sleep.
Indianapolis, Indiana – February 28: Defensive Back Travis Hunter from Colorado Buffalos poses a portrait at the Indiana Convention Center on February 27, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
When Travis Hunter passes through the NFL Draft scene in Green Bay tonight, he may have a unique supporter in the crowd. In fact, probably the most vital supporter of all of them.
Travis Hunter sr. (Alias, Dad Travisa Jr.), who was on the trial period and under home care, just had a rare break. The judge gives him permission to leave Florida and travel to Wisconsin to personally see the lifetime of his son changing life, According to palm beach post.
He left the emotional night of Heisman Travis in December last yr, but fortunately this time he wouldn’t have to look from afar. Hunter Sr. It will be in Green Bay for the first night of the draft before he returns to Boynton Beach on Friday. When he’s there, he may have to stick to his hotel and Lambeau Field, where there’s a draft.
Travis Jr. He gained a brand in Colorado as certainly one of the best two-way players in university football-now it might be the five best decisions. His growth in university football ended the Heismman trophy last season, the ceremony that his father couldn’t participate, regardless that he was released from custody just a few days earlier.
According to palm beach postHunter Sr. He made a selfless decision to stay at home in order that his mother – grandmother Travis Jr. Shirley Hunter – she could participate in a New York ceremony as an alternative.
“He just wanted me to go in his place because I wasn’t [to New York] And he wanted me to go instead of myself, “Shirley told journalists after the Heismman ceremony.
The absence was not lost on Travis Jr., who devoted a part of his acceptance speech directly to his father watching from afar.
“And I want to tell my father. He is not here to be able to do it, but I know you are watching on TV,” said Hunter during his emotional address. “Dad, I love you. All the things you went through, old, look at your older son. I did it for you, old.”
He continued: “All the time when you didn’t see me. When the time when you came to see my games, from probably not seeing two games in high school, after watching me on TV every weekend and coming to me, I mean a lot to me. I know that you want to be here and you can’t, but trust me, I have you. I bring you a trophy home. I love you.”
Now, just a few months later, they are going to finally be able to share the moment they each waited for.
Travis sr. He serves a trial period after arrest in 2023 on charges of weapons and medicines. He frolicked in stopping last autumn, losing lots of his son’s biggest student moments.
Travis’s path Jr. It was not typical to NFL. The headers should be when he rejected offers from traditional power programs to play HBCu Jackson State, following the DEIM Sanders coach when few expected such a move from a five -star recruit. When Sanders took the coaching position in Colorado, Hunter followed him, proving that his commitment was not only at college, but a trainer who believed in his unique skills.
In Colorado Hunter he still stood out as a rare two-way player, presenting elite skills each in the turnover and a wide receiver-position, which normally requires completely different sets of skill. Scouts were surprised by his route and the ability to read the game in defense, calling him certainly one of the most enjoyable draft perspectives.
Tonight, when Hunter is preparing to enter the skilled ranks, he may have emotional support, which was lacking in too many cases of his milestone. After years of watching from a distance, his father will finally see his son’s dreams.
Happy Friday, people. Today it is especially unique since it comprises debut albums from The Stars of Tomorrow, in addition to declines from the icons of the golden years of hip-hop-and all the pieces in between.
Coco Jones drops its debut studio album with 14 amazing songs. By adding to the list of efforts, the singer Destin Conrad, and rapper Tde Ray Vaughn provides. On the opposite hand, Wu-Tang Clan and Mathematics merge with the participation of all nine members of the legendary collective. Our list also includes music from Megan Thee Stallion, PinkPantheress, Tiwa Savage and others.
Look at today’s summary of recent editions below.
Coco Jones – “Why not more?”
Today, after months of high expectations, the multi -level Coco Jones releases a brand new album Why no more?With yg Marley, future and more. Listen to this HERE.
Destin Conrad – “Love on Digital”
Destin Conrad’s Love in digital He draws influence from the nostalgic R&B textures from the start of 2000, while leaning into its future evolution. Check it out HERE.
Flo Milli ft. T-Pain- “Gripper”
Knocker Flo Milli works with T-Pain in his latest single, entitled “Gripper”. Listen to this HERE.
Ray Vaughn – “Good, evil, dollar menu”
Entitled Good, bad and dollar menu, The debut of Vaughth’s long type of the chronicle of his profession trajectory. Check it out HERE.
PinkPantheress – “United States”
Today, Pinkpantheress releases a brand new single “Condition“From her upcoming second mixtape You feel like outside May 9 By Warner Records UK. Streamly send a record HERE.
Megan Thee Gallion – “whenever”
Today, the three -award -winning Grammy Superstar Megan Thee Stallion provided its latest single, “Always when,” which was produced by Bankroll, he got it. Hear this HERE.
Tiwa Savage – “You4me”
Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage continues her successful 2025 with the attractive single studio “You4me”. Stream HERE.
Wu-Tang Clan X Mathematics- “Black Samson, The Bastard Swestman”
Black Samson, Porader Bastard This is the most recent album of the legendary producer Mathematics, with the participation of all nine members of the WU-Tang clan. Hear this HERE.
Ayra Starr ft. Wizkid – “Gimme Dat”
At the start of this week, Ayra Starr merged with Wizkid on “Gimme Dat”, her second single of the 12 months. Check it out HERE.
Issa Rae, Tracee Ellis Ross and Rashida Jones within the 7 Netflix season “Black Mirror”. Thanks to the kindness of Netflix.
He returns to the seventh season, with the composition of the celebrities, which incorporates Rashida Jones, Tracee Ellis Ross and Issa Rae-wheres enter the strange kingdoms of the science fiction series with an unknown comedy and deep human emotions.
Netflix occupies its own species. The canon of science fiction anthology created by the English author Charlton Brooker (and sometimes satirically educates) viewers about technology that is flexible; Making a full of life life unprofitable in a way that we cannot break away from our devices to get a greater well -being. On April 10, he returns with 6 episodes to its very anticipated recent season. In the episode “Hotel Reverie” presents the actor and author Issa Rae Racing Against the Rolling Credits within the variety of Hollywood. In the episode “ordinary people” they present Rashida Jones and Tracee Ellis Ross, who do all the things to fight their very own human mortality. Due to the extremist, butalistic points of Brooker’s plot, swinging in the outline of how human death comes from our external attachment to technology, works strongly with large doses of dark comedy and indefinite human emotions.
Rae throws a tuxedo on Vintage and replaces the figure of Alex Palmer, a drugs doctor who saves this present day in a fictitious cinema. The winner of the Emmy Award plays Black Woman Stand-in for a white male hero in an imaginary story to alter the recognition of the franchise from Keyworth Pictures. Combining how Rae undermines roles and stories to contain more black perspectives, the meta concept is that “Hotel Reverie” begins with Rae as Brandy Friday, an extended -term actress who tries to find her profession with a daring role after a sense of a drawer through fame. “This period is very limited in terms of what Hollywood does and what they are afraid to expose and risk,” Issa Rae jogs my memory of the Beverly Hills hotel. He bends forward: “I want to get out of the agreement, I just want to do what I want to do when I want to do it.”
The sentiments of the natives in California within the face of the industry relate to the figure of Brandy Friday, who’s on the lookout for creative inspiration and redemption. On Friday, he materializes that the hero with sex switching within the historic IP of the Film Studio within the historic IP of the Film Studio, in keeping with revolutionary progress in AI Tech Service, Redroom. An try to acclimatize to its recent film environment causes a cataclysm change in the unique story that revolves across the star Dorothy (Emma Corrin) and her romantic affinity. “Dorothy and Alex Palmer have long gone, but this does not mean that they have nothing to say about how their images are used and we have to do it,” Rae describes how her character is imported to Vintage of the film, refers back to the early AI technology. “Even when artificial intelligence is fed with a lot of writers in Hollywood scripts,” Issa Rae continues: “All this is finally excluded [us] writers. “
The stakes of the episode change into tragic when Friday fights for survival with time, human nature and the black and white megahit aesthetics from the Nineteen Thirties. In addition, he must follow the plot to remain alive, he does it for the plot for his own safety. In real life, Rae refers to being the foremost film through which she decided to live if she had a likelihood when on a regular basis technology develops.
Like one other character, in “ordinary people”, Rashida Jones (Amanda) is a teacher who suffers from a serious health accident and must use the brain wave technology to proceed to live. Tracee Ellis Ross is Gaynor, a supporter of Rivermind fashion sales, an invasive mental device used to guard the brain against disease. “There is always enthusiasm when it comes to innovation,” says Jones, sitting next to his colleague from Ross in New York. “People who are enthusiastic can be radically opposed to really consider the long tail of innovation. A breakthrough that does not really consider ethical parameters around how it can take place in the real world.”
Gaynor provides Amanda Rivermind, and the creator of the series plays in a way that subscriptions took over our subconscious. Ross’s form balances the morbid tone of the episode, because we experience a household damaged from economic burdens, health terror and high contributions. “When medicine is involved; so technology and science, we are in a sense to believe in it as always a good thing,” Ross enters. “But we must have time to process what is the greater consequences” are a service that priority treats profit in the sphere of human protection.
Both the episodes of “Hotel Reverie” and “ordinary people” include organizations run by women with management reminiscent of Ross and Awkwafina. Brooker joins the evolution of the evolution of technology and science in the best way the characters perceive their distorted reality with the addition of latest progress. Jones and Rae play in a difficult situation who try to adapt to the world around them, falling victim to those that prey to individuals with financial profit. “I often consider mortality,” admits Jones when he was asked in regards to the pain of his character. “I want to be fine with my death. I want to be fine because I can be with the fact that everyone I love, die and accept beauty and reality.”
He examines really gloomy topics that query clouded decisions on the earth during excruciating life moments. Brooker uses a comic book glow that comes from Rae, Jones and Ross, and puts them in mental dilemmas that test their connections with their very own humanity. “Our stories [as Black women] They are so multidimensional and it seems to me that we barely outlined the surface, “says Rae with the sunshine of charisma, despite the tangible rejection, which is to inform more black women’s stories.” This is an exciting part. We have survived so much throughout the story throughout the story, which is not untouched. “
Forever our MVP: Jalen Hurts skip the visit of the White House of Trump after the victory of Super Bowl Eagles – Essence
The study reveals the painful reality of ketamine addiction
Like the rapper nominated for Grammy and Pilates practicing, they created an unlikely partnership to support women in their well -being – essence
Can Cadillac recover black consumers with an electric vehicle?
Social media break out after Erica Trump debuts Trump 2028, raises concerns that the president will look for the third term
-
Press Release1 year agoU.S.-Africa Chamber of Commerce Appoints Robert Alexander of 360WiseMedia as Board Director
-
Press Release1 year agoCEO of 360WiSE Launches Mentorship Program in Overtown Miami FL
-
Business and Finance11 months agoThe Importance of Owning Your Distribution Media Platform
-
Business and Finance1 year ago360Wise Media and McDonald’s NY Tri-State Owner Operators Celebrate Success of “Faces of Black History” Campaign with Over 2 Million Event Visits
-
Ben Crump1 year agoAnother lawsuit accuses Google of bias against Black minority employees
-
Theater1 year agoTelling the story of the Apollo Theater
-
Ben Crump1 year agoHenrietta Lacks’ family members reach an agreement after her cells undergo advanced medical tests
-
Ben Crump1 year agoThe families of George Floyd and Daunte Wright hold an emotional press conference in Minneapolis
-
Theater1 year agoApplications open for the 2020-2021 Soul Producing National Black Theater residency – Black Theater Matters
-
Theater11 months agoCultural icon Apollo Theater sets new goals on the occasion of its 85th anniversary