Born May 9, 1995, Collins Obinna Chibueze to Nigerian parents in northern Virginia, Shaboozey 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.
In 2014, Shaboozey founded the production company V Picture Films and released his first single, "Jeff Gordon”. He was signed to Republic Records in 2017 after catching their attention with singles "Starfoxx" and "Robert Plant", and released his debut studio album, Lady Wrangler, the following year. His second studio album, Cowboys Live Forever, Outlaws Never Die, was released in October 2022 through Empire.His third studio album, Where I've Been, Isn't Where I'm Going, is scheduled for release on May 31, 2024, which he will promote with headlining shows in the U.S., as well as a slot as an opening act for Jessie Murph on tour. Though his earlier music had more of a trap influence, his later songs have more of a folk-pop sound with acoustic guitar. Remaining true to his Virginia roots, Shaboozey hopes to continue the region’s long-standing tradition of producing some of the most prolific creatives of the new millennium. This time through elevating the scope of contemporary hip-hop and introducing a modern Americana culture to a global audience.
On his new album Where I’ve Been Isn’t Where I’m Going, the Virginia-bred singer/songwriter charts a cinematic road trip through the wilds of the American West, bringing a powerful new depth to his storytelling while pushing further into the country/folk-inspired sound he’s explored in recent years. The latest turn in a dynamic career that began with the breakout success of his viral hit “Jeff Gordon”—and also includes such triumphs as appearing on the soundtrack to the Academy Award-winning blockbuster Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse—Where I’ve Been Isn’t Where I’m Going is the most boldly realized work yet from a singular new voice on the music scene.