Securing a spot on a Beyoncé album is impressive in itself for an up-and-coming artist. Shabuze did this twice. On Cowboy Carter Featured on “SPAGHETTII” and “SWEET ★ HONEY ★ BUCKIIN’,” the Virginia-born country singer and rapper paints pictures of a black cowboy running through endless fields of claustrophobic concrete and wild grass. Shaboze told GQ “I’ve always been on a real mission to bridge the gap between cultures, whether it’s hip-hop and country or just urban and rural,” Shaboze told GQ.
The 28-year-old began his career during the Soundcloud rap boom, an era that influenced his less rigid creative process. “I don’t have a traditional music background. I’m definitely influenced by a lot of DMV. [D.C., Maryland, Virginia], believe it or not. It’s a big hip-hop, big rap scene,” he says. “We have a certain attitude and presence, and a way that we go about making music and just being innovative, in whatever space we’re in. “
Shaboze felt free to stick to his own unique sound. Cowboy Carter. “Listening to the record, at first I was like, I have to do something that Beyonce will like.” he recalls. “And they’re like, ‘No, bro — do what you will do.’ It was really cool to be able to do it completely. It was really great. He is a creative creator and so am I. I really respect his artistry, his vision.
But on the heels of his features Cowboy CarterShaboze spoke with GQ about the movies that inspire his verses, the Linda Martel movie he wants to make, and his upcoming third album. Where I’ve been, not where I’m going.due to expire on May 31.
GQ: Your parents are Nigerian but you grew up in Virginia. How did you get into country music instead of other genres?
Shabuze: I think it was my hometown growing up in Virginia. My father, being an immigrant, just honestly loved the culture. When he came here, he went to Texas and maybe picked up some things. It’s nice to go back and see pictures of my dad in his Wrangler and military camo. And before I could walk, it was his style. In Virginia, everyone is always outside. There are lakes and water bodies where people go to fish and hike and camp. But then so is Nigeria. I was there for two years and this is the same. Agriculture is a big thing there. There are many shepherds. Many people grow crops there. Much of your food is grown outside of where you live. You don’t go to the market and find it. It’s increasing what you eat. I definitely think there is a connection.
What country singers did you grow up listening to?
My dad was big on Kenny Rogers. That was what I heard a lot. “The Gambler,” I remember hearing that song a lot. And then sometimes Garth Brooks. My dad would go from playing Kenny Rogers or some of his country songs to then playing some traditional Nigerian songs. And then when I go home Ja Roll, Usher and Neely are on TV. Honestly, music came to me very organically. There was never a point where there was a chase or anything. Being introduced to Prince, who was so passionate about his music, taught me that music is literally about finding yourself, and that it’s okay to embrace the things you love. People found it weird and strange.
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