Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” is ensnared in some Grammy Awards controversy ahead of the Feb. 2 ceremony.
J-Kwon, credited as a writer on the chart-topping hit, is not eligible to receive an award if it wins in either of the categories its nominated for: Song of the Year and Best Country Song. Instead, he will receive a certificate.
The St. Louis rap artist, whose real name Jerrell Jones, previously scored a gold-selling hit in 2004 with “Tipsy” — which was interpolated into Shaboozey’s record.
Shaboozey and J-Kwon perform at the BET Awards in June. (Getty)
Although Joe Kent, Mark Williams and Jones were initially listed as songwriters when nominations were unveiled on Nov. 8, an update on the Grammy Awards website listed that all three were removed on Dec. 12.
“Each year, the Recording Academy makes adjustments to the nominations list as-necessary after the list is first published,” a disclaimer read. “Common changes are often the result of updated credits and may include spelling corrections, title modifications, and the addition of nominees who were not included in the original submission, among other revisions.”
Grammy Award rules state that “songs that contain samples or interpolations are eligible” for song of the year. However, there is also a distinction made between songwriters of the new song (who are eligible for Grammys) and “publisher & songwriter(s) of sampled or interpolated material, ” if applicable,” who are eligible only for certificates.
J-Kwon, 38, and company apparently fall into the latter category when it comes to “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Collins Obinna Chibueze, Shaboozey’s legal name, remains listed in the category alongside Nevin Sastry and Sean Cook.
Shaboozey is also up for Best New Artist, Best Country Solo Performance and Best Melodic Rap Performance on Beyonce’s “Spaghettii,” which also features pioneering Black country star Linda Martell.
“Tipsy” notched 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track tied Lil Nas X’s 2019 “Old Town Road,” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, for the longest run at No. 1 ever.