Shaboozey Steals the Show at Railbird Festival 2025

Shaboozey strode onto the Limestone stage at Railbird Festival in Lexington, Kentucky, on June 1, 2025, like a supernova igniting the night. Born Collins Obinna Chibueze on May 9, 1995, in Fairfax, Virginia, this genre-bending artist fused country, hip-hop, and soul, commanding a sea of fans under the Bluegrass stars. His cowboy hat tilted low, his voice a blend of grit and velvet, he turned the Red Mile into his playground. From his early days in Virginia to headlining Railbird, Shaboozey’s journey felt like destiny unfolding.

Career and Band Affiliations

Shaboozey’s rise began with his 2018 debut, Lady Wrangler, but his 2024 album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, skyrocketed him to fame. He performs solo or with a loose collective of touring musicians, including guitarist Sean Flynn and drummer Malik Carter, though he remains the focal point. Collaborations with Beyoncé on Cowboy Carter (“Spaghettii,” “Sweet Honey Buckin’”) and a viral duet with Sierra Ferrell at Railbird on “Hail Mary” cemented his crossover appeal. He appeared in the 2018 film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse with a cameo and contributed to its soundtrack. In 2025, he won two Grammys: Best Country Solo Performance for “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Best New Artist, plus a CMA Award for New Artist of the Year. His 2024 BET Awards performance sparked buzz, showcasing his stage charisma.

Biggest Songs

• “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Written by Shaboozey, Sean Cook, and Nevin Sastry, a chart-topping country-rap anthem.
• “Start a Riot” – Co-written with Duckwrth and James Poyser, a fiery track from Spider-Verse.
• “Anabelle” – Penned by Shaboozey and Ben Burgess, a soulful ballad with streaming dominance.

Railbird Performance

Shaboozey kicked off with “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” the crowd erupting, singing every word as beers raised high. He transitioned to “Anabelle,” his voice aching with emotion, quieting the festival chaos. The band’s energy surged on “Start a Riot,” with Flynn’s guitar blazing. However, a brief soundboard glitch muddied “Let It Burn,” but Shaboozey’s charm smoothed it over, joking with the crowd. His cover of OutKast’s “Ms. Jackson” nodded to his hip-hop roots, then he brought out Sierra Ferrell for “Hail Mary,” their chemistry electric. For 90 minutes, he wove country twang with rap swagger, closing with “My Fault,” leaving fans chanting his name. His set was a masterclass in genre-blending showmanship.

Controversies and Connections

Shaboozey’s meteoric rise hasn’t been without turbulence. In 2024, he faced backlash for comments on genre boundaries, with some country purists calling him an outsider. He clapped back on X, saying, “Music’s for everyone, not a gated community.” His collaboration with Beyoncé drew criticism from traditionalists but won him urban fans. Romantically, rumors linked him to rapper Saweetie in 2023, though neither confirmed it. His friendship with J-Kwon, whose “Tipsy” inspired his biggest hit, made headlines when they performed together at Coachella 2024. Yet, at Railbird, he focused on unity, dedicating “Anabelle” to “anyone chasing a dream.”

Final Notes

As the stage lights dimmed, Shaboozey thanked the crowd, his grin lighting up the Kentucky stage. His performance was a bold statement, proving country music’s future is borderless. Photos of him commanding the crowd, cowboy hat gleaming, are already flooding social media, capturing a headliner who owned every second. Railbird 2025 will be remembered as Shaboozey’s coronation.

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