Born Collins Chibueze to Nigerian parents in northern Virginia, he 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.
Later, songs such as "Starfoxx" and "Robert Plant" caught the attention of Republic Records, and Chibueze signed with the label in 2017. The next year, he issued the singles "Break the Band (How Could She?)" and "Winning Streak," which combined a bluesy guitar solo, hazy production, and his soulful blend of R&B singing and poetic rapping. The latter song appeared on his official debut LP, Lady Wrangler, which was released that October.
Shaboozey's sophomore album, Cowboys Live Forever, Outlaws Never Die, arrived in October 2022 and found him further blurring the genre lines between hip-hip and country. The album featured the single "Tall Boy" and included guest appearances by Powers Pleasant and RMR. ~ Neil Z. Yeung, Rovi