5 Reasons Beyoncé's Shout-Out To Shaboozey At The Chicago Concert Was A Game-Changing Moment

The music world witnessed a powerful display of camaraderie and collaboration on May 17, 2025, when Beyoncé gave a special shout-out to rising country-trap star Shaboozey during her *Cowboy Carter Tour* stop in Chicago. This moment, which took place on the second night at Soldier Field, was more than just a passing mention; it was a significant nod from one of the world's biggest artists to a key collaborator on her groundbreaking album, *Cowboy Carter*, solidifying Shaboozey's place in the genre-bending future of country music. The subtle yet seismic acknowledgment highlighted the cultural impact of their collaboration on the track "SWEET ☆ HONEY ☆ BUCKIIN'" and underscored Beyoncé’s commitment to championing the new wave of Black artists pushing the boundaries of the country genre. As of the current date, December 14, 2025, the moment remains a viral highlight of the tour, symbolizing a pivotal shift in the mainstream music landscape.

Shaboozey: Biography and Rising Star Profile

The artist known as Shaboozey has rapidly ascended to global fame, blending the storytelling traditions of country and Americana with the rhythmic energy of hip-hop and trap. His background and unique sound make him one of the most compelling figures in modern music.

• Full Name: Collins Obinna Chibueze
• Stage Name Meaning: Chibueze means "God is king" in the Igbo language, reflecting his Nigerian heritage.
• Date of Birth: May 9, 1995
• Hometown: Woodbridge, Virginia, U.S.
• Musical Style: Country-Trap, Americana, Hip-Hop, Country.
• Breakthrough Hit: "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" (2024), which topped charts globally and became a crossover phenomenon.
• Key Collaborations: Beyoncé (on *Cowboy Carter*), The Lumineers, and others.
• Filmmaking: In addition to music, Shaboozey is also a filmmaker, showcasing his creative depth.
• Influence: He credits his father with shaping his early interest in country music, which he now fuses with contemporary sounds.

The Chicago Night 2 Shout-Out: What Really Happened at Soldier Field

The two-night engagement of the *Cowboy Carter Tour* at Soldier Field in Chicago was already a massive event, but the second night on May 17, 2025, became legendary for a special reason. The focus of the evening was the deep cut "SWEET ☆ HONEY ☆ BUCKIIN'," a fan-favorite track from the *Cowboy Carter* album that features Shaboozey’s distinctive rap verse. During the performance of the track, as the spotlight hit, Beyoncé paused the music or directed the crowd's attention to a specific area of the VIP section. It was there that Shaboozey, who was attending the concert with friends, was seen dancing and celebrating his own verse being played to a stadium of roaring fans. The Queen Bey then acknowledged him directly, thanking him for his contribution to the album and celebrating his recent success. While not a full on-stage performance—a rarity for the tour outside of the final show—this direct, personalized shout-out in the heart of the Midwest was a powerful gesture. This move by Beyoncé was a deliberate act of using her massive platform to elevate a fellow Black artist in the country space, reinforcing the album's mission of challenging genre gatekeepers.

The Deeper Significance of the Beyoncé-Shaboozey Collaboration

The connection between Beyoncé and Shaboozey goes far beyond a single track. It represents a critical juncture in the evolution of American music, particularly the ongoing conversation about who belongs in country music.

1. Validating the Country-Trap Subgenre

Shaboozey is a pioneer of the country-trap sound, seamlessly blending acoustic guitars and country themes with 808s and hip-hop flows. Beyoncé's inclusion of him on *Cowboy Carter*—an album that is a direct challenge to the Nashville establishment—gave the country-trap movement a monumental mainstream endorsement. His verse on "SWEET ☆ HONEY ☆ BUCKIIN'" is a highlight, demonstrating that the future of country music is diverse and hybrid.

2. The Power of "SWEET ☆ HONEY ☆ BUCKIIN'"

The track itself is a complex, multi-layered piece of music. It showcases Beyoncé's vocal versatility and Shaboozey's lyrical prowess. The song's inclusion in the Chicago setlist, coupled with the shout-out, ensured that the collaboration was front and center for the thousands of fans in attendance, many of whom were seeing a live country performance for the first time.

3. Acknowledging Shared Cultural Roots

Both artists, as Black musicians working in a historically white-dominated genre, share a common goal of reclamation. Beyoncé's album is a tribute to the Black roots of country music, and Shaboozey's success, particularly with his chart-topping hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," is a testament to the enduring influence of Black artistry.

4. The Contrast with the Tour Finale

While the Chicago moment was a shout-out, the collaboration reached its peak later in the tour. At the final show of the *Cowboy Carter Tour* in Las Vegas on July 26, 2025, Shaboozey made a surprise on-stage appearance and performed his verse live with Beyoncé, a moment that went instantly viral. The Chicago shout-out, therefore, served as a powerful, early signal of the respect and partnership that would culminate in the tour's grand finale.

5. Shaboozey's Gratitude and Recognition

Shaboozey has consistently expressed his deep gratitude for Beyoncé's support, often referring to her as a figure who "changed his life." He has publicly defended her work, notably speaking out after the CMA Awards snubbed *Cowboy Carter* for nominations, stating that Beyoncé "deserved better." This mutual respect highlights the genuine nature of their artistic bond, making the Chicago shout-out a touching, authentic moment of recognition between two giants of the genre.

The Legacy of the Chicago Cowboy Carter Concert

The May 17, 2025, concert in Chicago will be remembered not just for the spectacular production of the *Cowboy Carter Tour*, but for the personal, career-defining moment it provided for Shaboozey. The shout-out at Soldier Field served as a public co-sign that propelled Shaboozey's profile even higher during a crucial phase of his career. It underscored Beyoncé’s role as a curator and champion of emerging talent, particularly those who are boldly redefining genre lines. This moment in Chicago further cemented the album's legacy as a cultural force that is actively reshaping the landscape of modern country and popular music. The integration of artists like Shaboozey into the mainstream via a powerhouse like Beyoncé's tour is a clear indication that the music industry is finally embracing a more inclusive and diverse vision of country music, moving beyond traditional boundaries and celebrating the richness of American musical heritage.