Who is Shaboozey? Artist Featured on 2 Tracks From Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter”

As if saddling up for a full-fledged foray into country music wasn’t surprising enough, Beyoncé is introducing listeners to a new voice on her recently released album “Cowboy Carter.” The project features multiple guest spots from rising artist Shaboozey.

The 27-year-old Nigerian-American singer/rapper, born Shabu Isong, has been a regular at blending hip-hop, R&B, and country music into a distinctive crossover sound. His talents caught Queen Bey’s ear, leading her to tap him for featured roles on the tracks “Spaghetti” and “Sweet Honey Buckiin” from her country renaissance.

While still an emerging act, Shaboozey has gradually built a cult following through a series of successful independent releases like “Let it Burn” and this year’s “Annabelle” which successfully merged twang with thump. His debut album “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going” is due May 31.

The multi-hyphenate’s musical dexterity can be traced back to his upbringing. Born in Fairfax, Virginia, Shaboozey spent his early years at a boarding school in Nigeria, listening to the likes of Led Zeppelin, Fela Kuti, and the Backstreet Boys.

After inking a deal with Republic Records in 2017, Shaboozey gradually introduced his music to the masses.

For Beyoncé, who has built a career by consistently elevating new talent and tapping into various genres, Shaboozey represented the perfect modern counterpart to complement her country experimentation on “Cowboy Carter.”