Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has become a massive hit, dominating the charts for over 10 weeks and resonating deeply with listeners. This catchy, guitar-driven track transports you straight to a laid-back bar, making you feel like you’re sharing a drink with the artist himself. But what’s the story behind this breakout song that has everyone singing “everybody at the bar getting tipsy”? Let’s dive into the origins and inspirations of this viral sensation.
From Club Anthems to Barstool Reflections
Shaboozey, pictured at the 2024 BET Awards, acknowledges the influence of J-Kwon’s “Tipsy” on his hit song.
Before “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” took over airwaves in 2024, there was another “Tipsy” that ruled the early 2000s. Rapper J-Kwon’s “Tipsy,” released in 2004, was a club anthem celebrating getting intoxicated and having fun. Shaboozey’s song cleverly interpolates J-Kwon’s iconic track, but shifts the setting and the vibe. Instead of the high-energy club scene, Shaboozey’s song paints a picture of a more relatable, down-to-earth bar experience. It’s about unwinding and letting go of the day’s stresses, perfectly captured in lines like, “This 9 to 5 ain’t workin’, why the hell do I work so hard?” It’s still about enjoying yourself, but with a focus on releasing tension after a long grind.
Shaboozey himself explained the inspiration in an interview with Billboard, stating, “I had been wanting to flip a 2000s song for a while.” The pivotal moment came when he spontaneously sang, “Everybody at the bar getting tipsy,” and as he described it, “we were like, ‘Oh, sh-t!’” From there, the creative process took off. His producer grabbed a guitar, started playing chords, and the song began to take shape organically, blending the familiar hook with a fresh, country-infused perspective. The original J-Kwon hook, of course, was “Everybody in the club getting tipsy,” highlighting the clever adaptation for a different atmosphere.
The Energy of Friends and a Party in the Studio
“We love incorporating gang vocals and all our friends singing things,” Shaboozey shared with Rolling Stone, emphasizing the collaborative and energetic spirit behind the recording. He believes that “the more energy and the more people you put on a song, the more it’s felt.” Interestingly, the recording session itself mirrored the song’s theme, as Shaboozey revealed it “definitely turned into a party by the end of the song, which is a good sign.” This infectious energy is palpable in the final track, making “Everybody At The Bar Getting Tipsy Song” feel like a genuine invitation to join a celebration.
Who is Shaboozey? From Virginia to Global Stages
Shaboozey captivates the audience during his performance at the 2024 BET Awards, showcasing his rising star power.
Shaboozey, born Collins Obinna Chibueze, is a Nigerian-American artist who grew up in Woodbridge, Virginia. He released his debut album, Lady Wrangler, in 2018, establishing his unique sound. However, his career trajectory shifted dramatically when Beyoncé heard “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” before its official release. Recognizing his talent and the song’s potential, Beyoncé invited Shaboozey to collaborate on two tracks for her groundbreaking album, Cowboy Carter.
This collaboration significantly boosted Shaboozey’s visibility, propelling him into the global spotlight. Capitalizing on this momentum, he released his second album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, shortly after Cowboy Carter debuted. Despite his growing fame, Shaboozey remains private about his personal life, as he mentioned in an Esquire interview, preferring to let his music speak for itself.
Award Recognition for a Breakout Hit
The success of “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has not gone unnoticed by the industry. Shaboozey has received an impressive seven nominations at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards. These nominations span major categories, including The New Artist of 2024; The Album of 2024; The Song of 2024, The Male Song of 2024, and The New Artist Song of 2024 for “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”; The Music Video of 2024 for “Let It Burn”; and The Crossover Song of 2024 for “My Fault” featuring Noah Cyrus. This widespread recognition underscores the impact and popularity of “everybody at the bar getting tipsy song”.
Conclusion: The Universal Appeal of Letting Loose
Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a relatable anthem for anyone looking to unwind and forget their worries at the end of the day. By cleverly blending a familiar 2000s hook with a fresh country vibe and themes of everyday life, Shaboozey has created a song that resonates with a broad audience. The story behind “everybody at the bar getting tipsy song” is a testament to the power of musical interpolation, relatable lyrics, and the universal desire to let loose and enjoy the moment.
